How long is nephrectomy recovery?
What is the recovery time after a nephrectomy? After you return home, you may be able to return to light activity within a week or two. You will need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least six weeks. After six weeks, you will need blood tests to monitor the function of your remaining kidney.
How will I feel after a nephrectomy?
Your Recovery Your belly will feel sore after the surgery. This usually lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will give you pain medicine for this. You may also have other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or a headache.
How serious is a nephrectomy?
Nephrectomy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, nephrectomy carries a potential risk of complications, such as: Bleeding. Infection.
What are the long term effects of having a kidney removed?
Although overall kidney function decreases after a nephrectomy, the remaining kidney tissue usually works well enough for a healthy life. Problems that may occur with long-term reduced kidney function include: High blood pressure (hypertension) Chronic kidney disease.
Does nephrectomy cause fatigue?
Recovering from a Partial or Radical Nephrectomy You also may lack your normal energy level and may feel tired more often. These symptoms are normal and should dissipate after three to four weeks. As you recover, you should walk each day to avoid blood clots and pneumonia.
Does losing a kidney shorten your life?
Donating a kidney does not affect a person’s life expectancy. On the contrary, studies show that people who donate a kidney outlive the average population. Twenty years after donating, 85 percent of kidney donors were still alive, while the expected survival rate was 66 percent.
What is it like to live with one kidney?
There may also be a chance of having high blood pressure later in life. However, the loss in kidney function is usually very mild, and life span is normal. Most people with one kidney live healthy, normal lives with few problems. In other words, one healthy kidney can work as well as two.
Can I drink alcohol after a nephrectomy?
Alcoholic beverages are best avoided in the first 24 hours and while taking any narcotic pain medications. It is important to drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses daily) after your kidney surgery to stay well hydrated and avoid constipation.
Is having one kidney considered a disability?
Having one kidney can be considered if you meet the Blue Book requirements outlined by the SSA for kidney disease. If you can no longer work full time because of your kidney disease, the SSA could consider you disabled and you will be able to receive Social Security disability benefits.
What can’t you do with 1 kidney?
Most people with a single kidney live a normal life without developing any long- or short-term problems. However, the risk of developing mild high blood pressure, fluid retention, and proteinuria is slightly higher if you have one kidney instead of two.
Can you drink alcohol with only one kidney?
However, the effects of alcohol on one kidney lead to multiple issues. Although drinking one to two drinks a day typically won’t be an issue, if you have one kidney, it will. When you drink, you will generally urinate more. But, your kidney is not filtering any blood.
How long can you live with 1 kidney?
However, the loss in kidney function is usually very mild, and life span is normal. Most people with one kidney live healthy, normal lives with few problems.