Phantom organ pain?

[ToriGirl]

I had a right nephrectomy about 26 years ago with no problems. I just had a right nephrectomy & autotransplantation about a month ago and I am experiencing left flank pain. It feels the same as it did before surgery. My surgeon said that about 50% of people will experience phantom organ pain afterwards. Frustrating. I know I just had the surgery but this is not surgical type pain. Has anyone tried anything that worked for them? Medical hypnosis maybe?

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello and welcome ToriGirl to this supportive and informative community.

Phantom pain is well documented when it comes to limb amputations, however there isn't much in the way of research papers dealing with organ removal. A lot of it is anecdotal, however if your Consultant has told you that it is probably phantom pain then the chances are that it is. Also you are 26 years older and that can affect how you experience pain now.

Give yourself time to heal.

Good luck post surgery and do keep in touch and let us know how you are feeling.

Best wishes,

MAS Nurse.

[ToriGirl in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Just saw my doctor today and he said that because I still have some fluid build up that could be the cause. If once everything reabsorbs the pain remains, then it would be classified as “phantom pain” I guess I need to be patient. How long does it take for a large seroma to reabsorb?