Phantom Discomfort After Nephrectomy When Resisting Urge to Urinate
Age: 27, Weight: 125 lbs, Non-smoker, Abstains from alcohol, Regularly active, Follows a balanced diet, Adequate hydration. Earlier this year, in January, I underwent a nephrectomy due to congenital issues with my ureter that led to irreversible harm to my right kidney. The surgery was minimally invasive and proceeded without any complications. The entire kidney, alongside a portion of the ureter, was excised. I refrained from heavy lifting until my urologist cleared me in March, and resumed my exercise routine in April. Prior to the surgery, my affected kidney would occasionally become sore and swollen, particularly at random intervals throughout the day and especially at night when I needed to urinate or when I held my bladder for too long. Since my recovery from the operation, I've experienced what seems to be phantom pain in my right flank. Typically, when I hold my urine during the night, I wake up to find that my right side feels tender, yet there’s no evident issue. The discomfort is mild and tends to dissipate after I relieve myself. This sensation only arises under these specific circumstances; I don’t suffer from any discomfort at other times and my left side remains completely symptom-free. Is this something to be concerned about? Should I consult a healthcare professional?
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 5:11:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing phantom discomfort post-nephrectomy, particularly linked to bladder fullness during the night. While this sensation can be concerning, it's not uncommon after kidney removal surgery, and it's often linked to nerve sensations rather than a physical issue. Let’s break this down into a clearer understanding and action plan.
Understanding Phantom Discomfort
After kidney surgery, it's possible for the nerves that were once connected to your removed kidney to continue sending pain signals, which can manifest as discomfort, especially when your bladder is full. This is known as phantom pain and can be quite normal after such an operation. Your description of tenderness that fades after urination further supports this, as it suggests that your bladder's fullness is a trigger.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary noting when these sensations occur, their intensity, and any related activities (like how long you held your urine). This can help identify patterns.
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Hydration and Urination: While it’s good to stay hydrated, make an effort not to hold your urine for long periods, especially at night. Frequent, smaller urinations can help alleviate this discomfort.
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Pain Management Techniques:
- Consider gentle stretching or relaxation techniques to ease discomfort before bed, which may help reduce sensitivity in that area.
- Warm baths or applying a heating pad to the area can also provide comfort.
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Consulting a Healthcare Professional: While it sounds like your symptoms are benign, a check-in with your urologist could provide reassurance. They may want to rule out any potential issues or discuss pain management options if discomfort persists or worsens.
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Be Attentive to New Symptoms: If you experience significant changes like increased pain, fever, or other symptoms unrelated to this discomfort, it would be prudent to seek medical advice promptly.
Remember, while this situation can be daunting, you're taking proactive steps by monitoring your body and seeking information. Don't hesitate to consult a professional if your anxiety continues or if your symptoms evolve.
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