1. Community
  2. Genito-urinary/Kidney
  3. Kidney Stones

PCNL Surgery...Any advice greatly recieved.

Posted , 32 users are following.

Steph9283
Steph9283

I am due to go in for this op shortly for 19mm(prob bigger now)stone.

I have had other surgery for stones but never this.

Obviously i know what they are going to do and that its far more invasive than other methods.

Have read so much conflicting advise about how long in hospital/recovery time/pain management.

Again im not daft and no if im in pain ill take meds..!!

Was just wondering if theres anyone out there thats had this done in the last year or so and how you got on.

Im self employed so not easy to take much time of work.

Ive always tended to plod on through the pain and hoping i can get back to work asap.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks..

2 likes, 173 replies

173 Replies

Prev
  • sean90246
    sean90246 Steph9283

    Posted

    Hi everyone, I've just had my PCNL operation yesterday, I got the one without any tubes in my kidney, just a catheter. I am in really deep pain (I am 18 years old) any pain killers suggestions I should get to ease the pain.

    -Sean

    • dina48865
      dina48865 sean90246

      Posted

      Hi Sean...I ‘m so sorry about your pain. I also experienced terrible pain post surgery. We had to experiment with various painkillers before we found something that touched the pain. What finally brought me some relief was piggy backing oxy (in my IV) and injections of toradol.  I think between the two it was actually the toradol that brought me relief.  Hope that helps.  Wishing you a speedy recovery. 

      ~Dina

    • MandeS
      MandeS sean90246

      Posted

      Hi, Sean,

      I hope you've found something to take the edge off by now. I had good success the first night with IV dilaudid and then just Tylenol with codeine the next couple of days.

      Please update us on how you're doing.

      Wishing you a fast recovery,

      Melanie smile

    • sean90246
      sean90246 dina48865

      Posted

      Hi dina and Melanie,

      I have called up the hospital last night asking for advice and was told to take 1 gram of paracetamol and 400 mg of ibuprofen. Have taken them twice so far and the pain lowered a lot. Thanks to both of you for your replies and concerns, really appreciate it.

      ~Sean

    • dina48865
      dina48865 sean90246

      Posted

      So glad you found some relief Sean.  I’m sure over the next few days you’ll fine the pain will be more manageable. Just give yourself time to rest and heal. 

      Best wishes,

      ~Dina

  • barbara57102
    barbara57102 Steph9283

    Posted

    Hi I just had pcnl I had two procedures, first radiology, then recovery, after that they wheel you in to have the surgery to remove the stones. I went home the same day that I had the procedure. Pain was very tolerable, came home with no tube. I do have abstentnthatbwill comebout next week. It’s much better then expected. Good luck
  • kate63032
    kate63032 Steph9283

    Posted

    Hi I am new to this and I am Looking for some ease of mind.  I am a 36 year old mother of 4 children.  And after my last baby 18 months ago I have Had on going urinary issues.  I began To get petrified I had a tumor that they couldn’t find.  Anyway, I have Had urinate issues with every pregnancy but they have always come and gone and all drs told me was it was hormones or the way the baby was sitting on my Ureter.  Well, after this last birth the unrine issues never went away.  So long story short they finally found what they believe to be a 20mm stone in my right kidney and a small stone in my left.  They are going to perform surgery on the right and I cant Remember what surgery it is.  They said they would make an incision in my back go into my kidney with a tube and camera and take the stone out.  They will leave a drain tube in for a day retake a CT to make sure they got it all and put a stent in for about 2 days.  For the one on immy left they are going to “blast” it out.  So lucky me. I get To experience 2 ways of removing stones.   I’m not sure if they will do them both in the same visit or not.  I need to ask that because he didn’t say.  My question is, what should I expect Pain wise.  I like To think I have A high tolerance for pain, but I have Never experienced anything like this. And it is freaking me out.   What is the recoup time?  I have 4 active kids, which of course I will Have help while recovering.  But, I am Not good at taking it easy.  I also Had complications after my last baby because she was my one and only c section due to her flipping and I was Re admitted to the hospital after being discharged for a migraine and deathly high blood pressure (225/170).  They never figured out the cause of that, I wonder If I had Anxiety building because of the c section.   I had To stay in the hospital for 6 days because they couldn’t get my bp to drop with bp meds until a cardiologist came in and out me on another bp med.  I am Currently off of bp meds and my bp is normal.   Anyway.  Any advice and comfort would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.  
    • dina48865
      dina48865 kate63032

      Posted

      Hi Kate...

      I’m sorry about your kidney stones sad.  

      I doubt they’ll be able to do both procedures at the same time.  I’m really not the best person to discuss pain with as I had a couple of complications so it created additional pain.  Consequently, I wound up staying in the hospital which allowed me to have better pain management.  But as far as being home you’ll definitely need help because you really need to rest and give yourself a chance to recuperate. You won’t be able to lift (and that includes your young one) for a few weeks at least.  You don’t have to be bed ridden or totally immobile but you do have to be very mindful of anything strenuous.  Keep in mind they’re going into your kidney and the concern is that it stops bleeding and heals as quickly as possible. 

      You’ve gotten yourself through a c-section so you should have no trouble with this 😊

      Regards,

      Dina 

    • kate63032
      kate63032 dina48865

      Posted

      I finally have a surgery date and it’s August 2nd. It took them 2 months to give me a surgery date and It’s the worst possible timing right when my children go back to school and life gets chaotic.  I guess I have To have a stent in for 2 weeks?   I will have some help with my 4 children.   What should I expect From this surgery.  My children range from 10yrs-21months.  I am Most concerned with lifting my baby and when I will be allowed to lift her. 
    • dina48865
      dina48865 kate63032

      Posted

      Ugh I’m sorry they made you wait so long to schedule you.  I had to wait almost 2 months for my surgery. Very frustrating.  The only thing you have to really worry about is lifting your baby. You won’t be able to do that for a while. You should definitely discuss this with your surgeon. I’m sure it will be ok to have your child on your lap if you’re sitting but no lifting.  As for the stents I cant be Of help there as my surgeon didn’t do stents for  pcnl. 

      Hope all goes well!!! 

  • barbara57102
    barbara57102 Steph9283

    Posted

    I had pcnl seven months ago, it was a much easier procedure then I could ever imagine, went home hours later no tubes pin 

    My dr was amazing, I come home with a stent which was removed a week later. First I went to radiology then the procedure. The only discomfort I had was the stent. I had an amazing dr, good luck.

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.