18 upvotes, 2 direct replies (showing 2)
View submission: Anyone had a kidney removed?
I had a kidney removed in 2013 at the age of 31. I have polycystic kidney disease. They began the procedure as keyhole but reverted to open when they discovered the kidney was very large and could lead to further issues if they continued. I was absolutely crapping myself before the procedure, easily the biggest medical procedure ive been through. I had the op on Tuesday afternoon, got back on the ward after midnight, up and dressed the next day and discharged on Thursday. Everyone is different, I absolutely hate being in hospital and had young kids at home that I’d have rather been with, so pushed to get released. I had staples, not stitches and obviously a dressing over the top. Dressing changed at the drs for a couple of days and then a nurse came out and removed the staples. Was it sore? Yes. Was it manageable, absolutely. I had a very active job, I think I went back on phased return after 4 weeks, proper hours again 2 weeks later. Although I was off I was not bed ridden etc, still up and active everyday.
Some things to be aware of: Tramadol, they may try and give these little tablets of the devils dust to you, they work, holy shit do they work. Unfortunately they also made me hallucinate horrifically (I would have full conversations with someone standing in my living room whilst just my Mrs and I were there), they are also very hard to come off and they strongly suggest not going cold turkey.
Ibuprofen, you will not be able to take it any more, only paracetamol for pain relief (for the rest of your life), ibuprofen cannot be absorbed by your kidneys apparently. Stock up on Paracetamol.
If I lay down, as soon as I get up I have to pee. Apparently my one remaining kidney drains into the bladder when I lay down (?). Doesn’t make a difference until I get up so not an issue for sleeping etc.
Finally, good news:
11 years on and I am absolutely fine, other than a 5” scar on the side of my abdomen you would know anything! Chicks dig scars tho right?
You can still drink, your kidneys apparently are not affected by alcohol (?)
You get to give the next guy that wants advice some info!
I hope your op goes well, it was genuinely not as bad as I was expecting. Take your time, it’s your body and will heal differently to anyone else’s, give it the time and I’m sure you will make a full recovery.
If you want any more info let me know.
Thinking of you and best wishes!!
Comment by Donot_forget at 01/02/2025 at 20:15 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
!thanks so much for taking the time to write this out and provide so much info, it's great :)
They said a week in hospital but hopefully I can be out a bit sooner at home. Will have to see how surgery and my recovery goes.
I've already been on tramadol for a week recently after being given it in a&e. Never again! Coming off it was awful. Maybe I did it too quickly as I didn't realise how down I would feel... I learnt my lesson anyway!
Thanks again :)
Comment by Mysterious_Act_3652 at 02/02/2025 at 07:38 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I didn’t know what Tramadol was. After 3 days I wondered why I was climbing the walls for my next pill! Amazing stuff!