Hey y’all. I had my nephrectomy on 12/1. Was discharged 12/5. I’ve had normal post surgery pain as to be expected. But my biggest problem I’ve been experiencing is little to no appetite and extreme nausea. Not only do I not have an appetite but even trying to eat is super difficult. For example, all I’ve eaten today is a chicken sandwich. I got it around 11am and finished it around 9pm. I can’t seem to take more than a few bites at a time without feeling extremely sick. And I’m having nausea nonstop. I’m even having trouble drinking water without feeling sick. It can’t be because of medicine because the doctor only gave me 12 heavy duty pain pills and I’ve not taken anything for pain aside from Tylenol for the past 5-6 days. I’m not on antibiotics or anything else. I’ve got nausea medicine (both zofran and phenigran), but nothing seems to help. I’ve got my second post op dr appointment next week, and I’ll be asking him about it, but I just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced anything similar.
Hey all, I need to vent so I hope this is OK. So last year I was diagnosed with a congenital PUJ Obstruction where the only treatment option is for a nephrectomy. While I am glad to get this over and done with, I'm also starting to feel a little nervous.
Surgery is planned to be done by keyhole, she warned me that my form of the illness is more complicated than a cancerous kidney and that may lead to complications and open surgery.
I have a young child (2 months old) and I am worried about my wife being stuck with looking after her on her own if things get bad.
Has anyone been through this? Has anyone been planned for keyhole to then have it done by open surgery?
Thanks for your time all.
I live in Ontario, Canada. I am currently on dialysis for PKD, I have been told that I need a nephrectomy before they will put me on the donor list. Does anyone know of any Hospitals in Ontario or Canada that will do both surgeries at the same time as I don't want to have two major surgeries. I possibly have a living donor, just waiting on one final test. I know they are doing both surgeries at the same time at some of the big hospitals in the United States,but not in Canada that I am aware of and not at my transplant centre. Terrified of the nephrectomy and then to have another surgery after I heal, 8 weeks later if I have a living donor..
Husband is having a partial nephrectomy in two weeks to remove 3.5cm tumor. Anyone who has been through this, what made your recuperation easier at home? What do you wish you had known before? Trying to make sure we have what we need to make him comfortable
Got the call yesterday morning and had to wait until evening for confirmation. Arrived at the hospital late last night and dropped my husband off. I wasn’t allowed to go in at that point. Ended up arriving an hour before visiting hours this morning to get in line so I could get in quickly. They took him to surgery at 12:21 pm and will be taking out both his native kidneys which are massive due to polycystic kidney disease (PKD). They will also perform a kidney transplant. It’s supposed to be a five to six hour surgery. This is my husbands second kidney transplant. Last one in 2001 which lasted 18 years. I’m on pins and needles waiting. Due to COVID no one can be here to wait with me. Trying to keep my mind occupied.
39F 240LBS (lost 150lbs regained 50 due to weight loss health complications)
Diagnosed myself with Nutcracker and Loin Pain Hematuria off the internet and had my left kidney and ureter removed in 2019. I had been experiencing symptoms for nine years after losing 150lbs. Prior to surgery I had orthostatic issues, hematuria, flank and pelvic pain, extreme fatigue, night sweats daily, unpredictable painful periods, bile reflux, severe stomach pain, and really bulging veins in my left leg and lower back. After surgery the orthostatic issues, hematuria, flank pain, daily night sweats, bile reflux and really bulging veins went away.
The pathology report of my left kidney mentioned collateral formations, distorted ureter and a darkened kidney that markedly moderately congested yet fully functioning.
Fast forward two years. Life is so much better. I can stand without wanting to pass out. No horrific flank pain (aka ureter spasms).
I no longer have my left kidney and ureter.
I still have really painful periods, night sweats with my period, mild stomach pain and chronic fatigue. When I try to push past the fatigue I get ill - UTI's, shingles, viruses.
Renin comes back low (bp 125/85ish). Sometimes dheas, testosterone, progesterone have been low. Prolactin, cortisol have been high but not consistently.
CRP and ESR are slightly elevated.
For a few months I was experiencing cyanosis in my fingers when I got into the bathtub. It resolved on its own.
I have had hundreds of tests and most come back normal.
We just did a pelvic mri I was told it looked fine and no pelvic congestion.
I tried to stop my period with birth control and I had to stop after three months of bleeding. I tried a IUD and it was painful.
Have had workups with rheum, endo, cardio (prior to surgery but was fine).
I am hypermobile but not considered to be EDS or hypermobility syndrome.
Any advice on what could be causing this, or where to go/what to try next?
I recently had a radical nephrectomy on my right kidney where they removed my entire right kidney and also part of my adrenal gland. They said I got it all and they're going to monitor me for 3 months for the next 3 years. What're the chances that something else could get cancer? Is it higher or is that the end of it?
Female. 28. 159 pounds going into surgery on 8/4/21, 170 pounds coming out, 161 pounds as of today. 8/10/21. Tumor was previously biopsied and revealed to be a benign spindle cell angiomyolipoma.
Complications include greater than 600 mls blood lost on the table. Multiple pleural effusions in lungs, spiking fever, inability to take a full breath due to excessive chest pain. This was addressed with 2 chest xrays and one chest CT. No clots. Echo and ekg was clean. Fluids then witheld. Culchasene (sp?) given to cover for pericarditis. Also cathetar backed up into my abdomen and urine drained out of my incision/surgical drain multiple times.
Additionally post surgery low hematocrit and hemoglobin that only briefly responded to multiple blood transfusions. First transfusion was 8/5 and second transfusion was 8/7. Discharge was 8/8 despite h&h dropping post transfusion because the docs said it was safer for me at home due to covid spike.
8/7/21 h&h Hematocrit pre second transfusion 24.6, post transfusion 30.4 was and on discharge was 26.3 Hemoglobin pre second transfusion was 8.1, post transfusion was 10.8 and on discharge was 8.6
Med Hx, working dx of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Splebic lesions presenting as hemangiomas on imaging. Liver hemangioma.
Current problem. Fever. Fluctuates between 99.5 and tonight has hit a high of 100.6 additionally I am still experiencing significant post op pain most of which is on my LEFT side under my rib cage, exacerbated by breathing and pain which then shoots through left side of chest into left shoulder. RIGHT KIDNEY was operated on through stomach.
Doc says fever a week out still is normal, call him if it hits over 101.5. No pain meds because of the opiod epidemic. They gave me enough for less than 2 days so i rationed them out through tomorrow and have been supplementing w/ tylenol.
I am afraid this is not normal pain or fever. Should I trust the surgeon and just stick it out? Or should I be calling someone?
Idk if its important but almost all of the complications were the result of the nurses not listening to me until it was a problem. And there was no doctor. The surgeon did his thing and was gone before i woke up. Hopsital had 1 PA on duty at all times who also worked in the ER. Doctors were all "on call" to sign off on the PAs recommendations. So it was 2 days of demanding to see a doctor and then for a hospital transfer because I couldnt breathe before one came in to see me.
Hey everyone, I recently had a nephrectomy (kidney removal) and I was wondering if anyone has has been through this before. Am I still able to smoke, or should I stop for good?
I want to note that no matter what answers I get here, I plan on asking my doctor during my appointment next week. I’m just curious to see if anyone has been in this situation before
I read it in the FA for the organ system in cardiology section.
Doctor plans on cutting of the blood flow going to my left kidney the day before surgery to remove it. Says it will help with blood loss. Anyone have experience with this that can let me know what to expect? Or maybe link me to some information. Thanks in advance for your valuable time and consideration. Oh by the way I was told today that the renal mass is cancer and is stage 3 due to already starting to enter a renal vein.
Hi doctors!
23F, 164cm, 115kg, white, smoker. In Australia.
I had a radical nephrectomy in December 2020 as I had a large mass on my right kidney, which histopathology confirmed to be clear cell renal cell carcinoma, stage 3, grade 2. I also am suspected to have SVT, and suspected ankylosing spondylitis.
For the past 3 or 4 months, I have noticed I am extremely tired all the time. It doesn’t matter how much sleep I get, I wake up tired and struggle to do basic tasks during the day without wanting to lay down and go to sleep. It is getting to the point now that I am drinking 2+ energy drinks a day at work so I don’t fall asleep at my desk, which of course is not healthy for me at all. I was pretty exhausted before my surgery, but after it is much worse.
I also have lost my appetite again and am finding that eating makes me quite sick and that I have to force myself to eat at least once a day. I am having frequent pain just under the centre of my breasts where my sternum ends, and also near my left ribs.
I also noticed I pee a lot less often after my surgery. I won’t need to go all day (even if I try to force myself), but once I finally get the urge, if I don’t go immediately, I almost pee myself.
Sorry for all the info and the following questions.
Is extreme fatigue a normal side effect of losing a kidney?
Is my loss of appetite something I should be concerned about?
Is the peeing thing normal?
Or do you think I am just making mountains out of molehills because of my history of cancer?
Thank you for your time.
I've posted here before, my journey started quite a while ago with a really stubborn stone in my right side. It's at the top of my kidney, as far as I can go without, apparently, getting into the meat of the kidney. After going through PCNL surgery, and having septic shock because of surgery, my urologists have decided that a partial Nephrectomy is the best option. So on Friday the 12 I'll be having a partial Nephrectomy all to remove the most stubborn stone in existence. Apparently it's blocked the upper part and has created a sort of pouch that the urine isn't draining from well, causing more infections. I'm happy that this is finally getting taken care of but I'm also terrified because this is a major surgery. Has anyone else had this procedure done? Words of encouragement appreciated!!
Hello all, I am almost 2 years post right partial nephrectomy for RCC and I still feel some.. “annoyance” in my back right flank almost all the time (I didn’t have a drain), I don’t want to call it pain but it is a dull ache that is constantly there and is especially aggravated by things like bending over to do dishes or lifting heavy things. I still get checked every 6 months and things have been all clear. I’m a pretty sedentary person and am just curious if this is normal scar tissue aggravation that other people have had as well or if maybe I need to look into some other reasons. Thanks!
Hi all- I am 39 and about to have part or all of my left kidney removed due to suspected papillary renal cell carcinoma. Mass is 4.7x4.5x4.5, on the top lingering near the artery. I’m scheduled for April 13. Anyone had this done or knew someone who has? It’s my first surgery beyond a tonsillectomy so I’m scared. All advice and intel is much appreciated. I know this has been asked before in a similar fashion but I’m hoping to find some recent info and make active contacts. For those who have experienced- how did you find out? For me it was fatigue, low back pain radiating to left flank, and occasional night sweats. When nothing was helping, I got an ultrasound which led to a MRI and a CT. Oh what fun!
Thanks for your replies!
Hi. I posted on this group about a month back. Got my partial nephrectomy around 10 days back. Recovering from surgery. Had my first Outpatient appointment with my surgeon today. He mentioned stage 1 & grade 2 and that no nearby nodes or tissues were infected.
I've not been prescribed chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Just multi vitamins and calcium tablets. I've a second follow up appointment on Thursday for removing my stitches. Anything in particular I should be asking my surgeon? Thanks.
Edit: I've also a parallel TB medication going on for my infected mediastinum lymph node.
49, had left kidney removed 20 years ago due to failure caused by urinary reflux doctors told my parents I would out grow. Never realized not everyone had sharp pain if they got dehydrated or let my bladder overfill until we figured out my left kidney had failed. Ureter was left in so I still occasionally had similar pain but lately it's been getting worse. I know I need to see a urologist and at minimum need an up to date ultrasound. Problem is I recently moved and the first primary care doctor is not working out and I'm in the middle of finding a new one. What bad timing, right? Recent test shows my remaining kidney is functioning fine thankfully.
A few months ago I posted my story. I had the most stubborn stone in existence stuck near the very top of the kidney. PCNL didn’t remove it, in fact after that procedure I woke up in septic shock. On February 12 I had a partial nephrectomy. The doctor said he took out a lot of damaged, not working kidney, along with a “sizable” stone. The stone caused scarring which damaged the tissue beyond usability. I’m still recovering but feeling better each day. It’s amazing how such a tiny little thing can cause so much pain and so many issues!
This is for my dad who has coverage with the VA and Medicare. We're trying to figure out if we need to find a place to pay out-of-pocket for a kidney removal.
How it started: my dad peed dark blood & had pain in his side on Oct 15, so he went to the VA urgent care and got a CT scan (and a few days later a PET scan which only confirmed the CT scan findings). He took the prescribed antibiotics and the bleeding stopped 2 days later. The radiology report from the CT scan said:
>"Genitourinary: There is a 1.5 cm enhancing nodule arising from the posterior midpole of the RIGHT kidney (series 2 image 74, series 3 image 74), concerning for renal cell carcinoma. Multiple additional hypodense lesions in the RIGHT kidney appear consistent with cysts. Mild nonspecific bilateral hydronephrosis. No nephrolithiasis. Ureters are normal in appearance. The prostate is heterogeneous and markedly enlarged, measuring up to 8.3 cm in size. The prostate impresses upon the bladder, but no definite primary bladder abnormalities are seen. Bilateral hydroceles are present."
There were a couple of doctors he was scheduled to see as a result of that report on 10/21: oncologist & ENT doctor for lymph nodes (and they've been communicating with him great) and a urologist for a prostate/kidney consult (who hasn't contacted him).
This morning he peed blood again and reached out to the oncologist who seemed concerned that the urologist hasn't contacted him because he thinks they'll need to do a partial or full kidney removal very soon. We've been getting mixed signals on how urgent it is and it seems like the VA will be slow since we still have to wait to set up the initial consult and then wait for surgery to be scheduled and holidays are coming up.
I think we're slightly traumatized and worried that this 1.5 weeks will turn into a much longer wait because it took 3 months for him to get a PET scan when he first had Hodgkin's Lymphoma because the VA wouldn't communicate with him or schedule it until a doctor dragged him down to the room and made them scan him that day. I'm looking at other ways to seek treatment for him while we're waiting for the urologist to call (with Medicare or out-of-pocket). So I guess my question is: does the radiology report sound concerning enough that we can't waste any more time and need to find treatment ASAP (which seems very expensive but worth it if it's needed)?
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Age: 74
Weight: 195lbs
Height: 5'10"
Location: Tenness
... keep reading on reddit ➡I’ve just been diagnosed with stage 1 renal cell carcinoma, so much fun! I have a surgery at the end of the month and I have a few questions
- I have to have a drain that’s in my side for a few days after surgery. How big is the tube and do they just pull it out and then I have a hole in my side?
- How many days were you in bad pain?
Hello there r/dialysis!
My partner underwent a double nephrectomy in June due to his PKD and is a hemodialysis patient.
He is currently hospitalized due to a complication from his surgery, which will make his diet even more strict for an undetermined amount of time. Luckily, most of the restrictions align with a renal diet, but he will not be able to have too much fibrous produce.
To prepare for his homecoming and fragile tummy, I'd like to have some renal-friendly shake recipes to help him put on weight. He DESPISES Nepro, but seeing as it is an important nutrition source, I would like to attempt to make them more palatable.
Can anyone provide tips and tricks to make them less nasty?
Thank you so much for your time, and I wish you all the best in your journey. Hang in there. <3
Hi guys
Looking to know if someone experienced this maybe a little bit of reassurance as well...
Long made short... had a kidney transplant on 31.1.20 from a deceased donor. Had a rejection episode treated with ATG right after transplant (1 week give it or take). Needed a nephrectomy on the same side due to my native kidney play up and give me nasty infections this is was June. After that had collection that was drained and now is solved.
Last bloods my creatinine went from 98 to 139 (this happen gradually over 3 months and loads of infections). This last month im having a strange pressure feeling on the transplant site and nephrectomy!! like gets better when i lay or sit down but when i get up looks like i have a balloon inside that wants to expand....dificult to explain...
has someone experience this? thank you in advance
Hello. I was recently diagnosed with stage 1 renal cell carcinoma. After discussing various options with my urologist/surgeon, I'm having a partial nephrectomy of my right kidney this Thursday.
I've done quite a bit of research online, but I'm curious about other people's experiences with the surgery and the recovery.
What should I expect in terms of pain? Nausea? How long did you stay in the hospital? How long till you went back to work after the surgery? Any general recommendations for recovery? Any other pertinent information I should know?
I've had minor procedures before, but this will be my first major surgery. I'm feeling a little anxious about it, so I'd love to hear from anyone else who's been through the same thing!
https://preview.redd.it/j6ku5lb6kar41.jpg?width=794&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a391db39daf8811f1d64af6a7b071a6713d6e99
16 yr old, super healthy. UTI that she gets treated with IV antibiotics. Bloodwork looks good and improves. However, a cist on her kidney keeps growing. After ultrasound, it appears as if one kidney is totally or mostly dysfunctional and that the cist has grown over 5 days while her infection has been treated quite successfully.
The question has now come down to two options: nephrectomy of the infected/dead kidney.
Or homecare with oral antibiotics.
She is very very healthy for her age in fact the vet said "doesn't look or act 16."
So here's what I understand:
- She's old and surgery is a risk.
- Although mammals can live with one kidney, that may stress the other kidney into dysfunction. Even though she's essentially naturally nephrected right now.
- A ruptured cist in that location is probably deadly.
What I don't understand:
- Risks of nephrectomy for cats. (16 yr old)
- Risks of complications during surgery regarding the cist... Like, how much riskier is the surgery because there's a possible rupture.?
- Odds or likelihood that the cist compresses or filters over time? She'll have oral antibiotics for a month or so if we choose home care.
- what's the worse way for a cat to end her life? Massive stomach infection or total kidney failure?
Our consultation with surgery is later, but we were hoping, desperately actually, for some response. Please note that our cat is currently an inpatient at an elite academic veterinary center.
Hi all- I am 39 and about to have part or all of my left kidney removed due to suspected papillary renal cell carcinoma. Mass is 4.7x4.5x4.5, on the top lingering near the artery. I’m scheduled for April 13. Anyone had this done or knew someone who has? It’s my first surgery beyond a tonsillectomy so I’m scared. All advice and intel is much appreciated. I know this has been asked before in a similar fashion but I’m hoping to find some recent info and make active contacts. For those who have experienced- how did you find out? For me it was fatigue, low back pain radiating to left flank, and occasional night sweats. When nothing was helping, I got an ultrasound which led to a MRI and a CT. Oh what fun!
Thanks for your replies!
