I'm a 62 yr. old Female who underwent A Nephrectomy due to numerous kidney stones 45yrs ago, a Craniotomy due to a benign Meningioma followed by 6wks of Radiation 15yrs ago. A routine Colonoscopy resulting in a cancerous Polyp. After it's removal, no treatment was ordered and I had a second Colonoscopy Last year which showed no signs of cancer. In 2009, I underwent a Partial Nephrectomy due to a Cancerous Tumor. The tumor was removed and the margins are clear of cancer. I am experiencing pain on my flank where I had the Partial Nephrectomy and was told that something was left inside me. Can I live through another surgery?
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment3 Comments
Oh Maria, that's infuriating on so many levels! If it were me I'd be both scared and mad. Good for you in making sure you carry your medical records with you - I wish more people would do that.
Most hospitals today count sponges both before and after surgeries to make sure they have all of them. Mesh is a woven fabric, usually made of Gore-Tex®, Teflon®, polypropylene or some other polymer.
Are you under the care of a different surgeon for this situation? Do you know if there are less invasive options available to you, perhaps laproscopic surgery, to remove the mesh? Are your medical expenses going to be covered for this procedure? Are you going to miss work or have other unexpected expenses as a result of this? There's a lot to be concerned about here, and you may want to consider hiring an attorney to assist you in navigating all of this, especially if you're going to be saddled with additional expenses. Do you have a support system to help you - friends and family members who can help you as you go through this?
May 6, 2010 - 6:43pmOn a more positive note, I'm so happy that you are cancer free! That's something to celebrate. Now we just need to get you though the next few hurdles in your way. Pat
This Comment
Hi Maria - Having just one surgery is challenging, but going through several can be very difficult and a strain on us physically, emotionally, financially....well, in just about every way. Can you tell us more about what you mean by "something" being left inside of you? Does that mean that medical equipment or something like a sponge was accidentally left inside, or are you saying that the surgeon did not remove all of the cancer?
As for whether you can live through another surgery, what do you think? Are you worried about not making it through the procedure, or just needing a place to vent?
We'd like to know more about what you're dealing with, and how we can help. You don't have to go through this alone. Take care, Pat
May 5, 2010 - 6:45pmThis Comment
Hi Pat, This is Maria. About my Partial Nephrectomy, I was told that a piece of what appeared to be mesh was left during the surgery. I guess that's a piece of sponge. I've had this pain since the surgery last February. I've had several CT Scans but in April, I was in the emergency room with cronic abdominal and pelvic pain & the resident that cared for me could not believe that no one had told me this. I always carry my Medical History with me just in case and he read the other CT Scans . He told me that it appears on all of them
May 6, 2010 - 6:06pmThis Comment