I am sorry that you are going through this. I too had my kidney and tumor removed 5 1/2 weeks ago. I am not familiar with the da vinci style. I had lathrascopic with hand assist. I can say I did need some help the first few days. Putting on socks was impossible...also, no picking up something you've dropped on the floor. It was also painful to get in and out of a laying position, so you may want to consider a recliner or a wedge for your bed to sleep. I was most comfortable sleeping in a recliner for a couple weeks.
This is a great site for support and information. I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery. Kepp the faith. This is a marathon, not a sprint....take each day as it comes. Know that you are not alone and are included in my prayers.
Susie

that style is saying robotic vs. open 12 inch incision. My son had it. His recovery was easy only issue he had was no body fat to they had to cut into the peritoneum muscle so getting erect took longer. He was fit as a fiddle in 2 weeks. They needed to do that to get clear margins.

Gail

Thanks to both you ladies! I am so glad this site is here to get answers and support, and to give support.
I am tracking down a recliner as we speak. I had not thought of this, and I know it will help me. Thank you Susie, and bless you!
Gail, my heart goes out to you as you watch your son suffer. It is something no parent should ever have to do. Bless you!

Thank you yes I would sell my soul if they promised he would be cured. He is a kind christian generous smart boy. Why is it he has this so young and there are so many that are not nearly as deserving...my jury is out

Do accept the help that people are offering - cooking meals, doing some cleaning, coming for a short visit when you feel up to it.

Keeping you in my thoughts.

prayers to you during this time that all goes smoothly and quick recovery.

Thank you all for your support and prayers. I will be praying for you and yours. This is such a wonderful thing to have - a place to ask questions and support each other. :)

yes, it is a great place, everyone helped me through my surger last year, made some great friends! another one from Texas, Annette

Your recovery should not be anywhere as bad as you may think, My husband had his kidney removed 3 years ago on a Thursday at Johns Hopkins, and he was at his desk the following Monday. I would definitely get that recliner and stay in that for at least a week or so to sleep and relax in, as getting up and down is not good.Also have someone prepare a few meals in advance and I would have someone around with you for at least a few days to help you out and for emotional support as well. Please keep us all posted and here's to your speedy recovery. Sincerely-Marilyn

Thank you Marilyn!
I am trying to gather up what I need, and hope for the very best! My daughter is covering for me at work, so I have no worries there, other than missing a paycheck for however long. :)
Thank you lovely people AGAIN for helping others.
Big blessings from Dana

I had my right radical nephrectomy laparoscopically ten days ago. Pathology report was good. Stage 1, encapsulated, and confined to the kidney. The recovery time with this surgery is much quicker than the conventional, open incision. I have five small incisions. The longest is vertical from my belly button up, and is about four inches long. I spent four nights in the hospital and came home on day 5. They had me up and walking on Day 2, the pain was pretty bad for the first few days. Make sure you let the surgeon know that pain control is a priority for you. I was having vicious abdominal spasms, for which they gave me a muscle relaxant and Dilaudid via PCA. That subsided after a few days, and now on Day 10 I am walking for long periods of time, going out for a few hours at a time with friends, and taking oral pain medication intermittently. The recliner sounds like a good idea, but remember that it is SO important to be up, walking around, and mobile as much as you can be, so you won't develop blood clots in your legs or pneumonia. My advice would be to take the pain meds and force yourself to get up at least once an hour or so to walk around...even if just for five minutes.

Stay positive. It's not fun, but I'm sure could be much much worse. After the first day or so, you'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel each day! Good luck. I know you're going to do great!!

Lise, Thank you for your reply. It is so good to have an actual person to tell me their experience than the maybes by the doctor. The getting up advice has been repeated to me, so I am focusing on that for sure! I saw the pain the 'bubbles' of air can create when my daughter had a c-section, and couln't walk around due to a medicine she was on.
My husband who should have been a drill sargeant wil be home with me making things happen. :)
Thank again, and blessing to you. Dana

I had my R kidney removed 5 mo ago, now have cancer in the L, going in next Mon to have surgery, any advice on if it leads to dialisis or transplant??