Newbie

Hope everything goes well for you in the New Year.

Apart from feeling quite anxious about the operation and trying to keep calm (which is difficult I know) I just wanted it over and done with. I was lucky as I had quite a bit of support from my family and friends who I was able to chat too and have a laugh with which helps a lot.

I had my left kidney removed via key hole surgery at the end of August.  For about 2 weeks after this I didn't feel like doing a lot as very sore and tired. Slowly each day I felt stronger and stronger and able to do more and more. My scars are healing well and now back to volunteering and near enough back to how I was before the operation.

Your body will let you know how much you can do and some days will be better than others but it is surprising how quickly the time flies by.  

I have been lucky as my cancer hadn't spread so apart from 6 monthly scans and checks with the surgeon I don't have to have any more treatment.  Hopefully you will get the same sort of news when you have the results of your biopsy a few weeks after the operation.

Take care

Betty

Hello Betty

Thanks for your response. So pleased to hear of your quick recovery. I know my removal will result in a scar on my abdomen, which was a concern. I will have to be quite careful getting in and out of bed and not twisting too much!

I was told to expect pain, so I have been out walking for exercise. I hope this helps too.

Like you, I just want it over and to move on.

Thanks again for your support.

Hi Carney

Yes you will have to be careful getting in and out of bed but it soon gets a lot easier.  I only had Paracetamols  after my operation as I have to be careful what medication I take as I am Asthmatic but it was more a feeling of soreness than a real pain.  

As I had key hole surgery I do have 3 small scars and 1 longer from where they took the kidney out.  The longer 1 and the one where the drain was are on the waist and eventually will hardly be noticed.  My friend who is a retired Nurse recommended Bio Oil for the scars and to massage it in.  Not to use on open wounds but once my scars had started to knit together I started to use it and this feels lovely on the skin and seems to help the scars.

You also might have a bit of a swollen stomach on the side that they take the kidney out which makes you feel a bit lopsided when you look in the mirror.  This does go after a week or two so don't worry about that.

I'm sure taking walks most days will help you keep fit and help with how you feel now and after the operation.

The fitter we are the sooner we make a better recovery.

All the best

Betty

Thanks for your advice Betty. I have some Bio Oil, so I'll use that at a later date.

I'll have so sort out some loose trousers for my lop sided tummy! 

I have a better idea of what to expect post op.

Have a great Christmas

Yes the loose trousers are a good idea.

Have a good xmas too.

Take care and let us know how you are getting on. 

All the best

Betty

Hi Carney, I truly hope all goes well in the new year for you. I was diagnosed after a routine ultrasound, they found a mass on my right kidney which was a cancerous tumour. I had a CT scan which showed that the tumour was too big for keyhole surgery and on the 22nd of December I had a full open surgery Nephrectomy. I was allowed home on the 24th of December as long as I rested. I must admit I was filled with trepidation before the operation and my nerves were getting the better of me. It didn't help that I was not allowed to have my husband with me. You also get to wear those very desirable stockings ...I need not of worried as the staff of the hospital I was in (Canterbury) were fantastic, they sat with me and talked me through each stage. After the Operation I was in the High dependency unit and the care I received was amazing. I was concerned about going home so soon but I have taken each day as it comes and as long as you take it slow but sure every day gets better.  I must admit I get frustrated but I've got through a lot of puzzle books, read a few books and started to crochet a new blanket. Don't let the nerves get the better of you the staff in the hospital will take care of you. Please keep us updated with your progress. 

Chris.