PA and open nephrectomy

[Paulaw22]

I was told last Tuesday that's its odds on I have kidney cancer. I'm scheduled to have and open nephrectomy early next month but it's only just dawned on me that I at need to have my injection prior to surgery? I don't want to make a fuss but does any one on here know if I should?

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Have you discussed this with the specialist carrying out the procedure?

If anaesthetic is involved then the anaesthologist needs to be aware that you have problems with B12 deficiency and should avoid using nitrous oxide as an anaesthetic.

I really am not an expert but I don't think the timing of the injection would be relevant but it might be just as well to arrange for something after the procedure just incase anaesthetics affect your B12 levels.

[Paulaw22 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks for that. I'm sure he knows as it would be in my notes from the consultant who referred me. I was just so stunned at being told I had cancer I forgot to ask! I will ask at my pre op though. It did go before the multi disciplinary team before a decision was made.

Thanks

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Paulaw22]

It must have been a big shock and they should be used to dealing with people who are initially in shock and there being lots of questions at the preop.

Hope it all goes well.

[Leilanilea in reply to Paulaw22]

Hello Paula,

Please don't assume that important information will always be found, or read, in your consultant's referral notes. Make a point of writing a few questions down before your preop and if possible take a trusted relative or friend along. As you already know, startling news can make any information that follows go in one ear and out the other! Having someone else also listen and perhaps make notes is very useful.

I'm a retired RN in U.S. and not sure exactly what your preop entails. Is that the visit with the anesthesiologist or does it include further examination, etc? If you don't mind informing me I'm trying to learn more about UK system.

My good wishes and hope for the best outcome possible are with you.

Leilani

[Paulaw22 in reply to Leilanilea]

To be honest pre op assessment can differ with each hospital here. You have bloods done, heart trace and MRSA test. I think I should ring my consultants secretary really and check it out. My daughter is a SN here and has been looking at moving to the U.S.A! She fell in love with the U.S. last year after a trip to New York but she says she won't go whilst I'm like this.

[Leilanilea in reply to Paulaw22]

So happy you have a loving and supportive daughter who also can be an informed advocate for you. Best wishes to you both.

[Paulaw22 in reply to Leilanilea]

Awe that's lovely! I need to store all these best wishes to give me courage haha!

It means a lot to me and my family.

Especially as my brother has just been admitted to hospital but I'm afraid it's down to his own behaviour that he's ended up there. Good job I love him

[Secondchance]

Very sorry to hear that. I would think your requirements for B12 may increase due to the trauma/stress of surgery and due to increased need of cell repair post surgery. I definitely have read papers on that where people became B12 deficient as a result of severe physical illness. It may have unmasked it. Ask your doctors about taking it before or after surgery but please make sure you don't miss it as it can only help in your recovery. All the very best for a speedy recovery.

[Paulaw22]

Many thanks I will do.

[Galixie]

You may want to be aware that some doctors will advise against taking additional b12 because they worry it will increase tumor growth. But this article ( cancer.org/treatment/treatm... ) seems to indicate folic acid as more of a problem:

"Even if some B vitamins prove to be helpful in preventing certain cancers, it does not mean that B vitamins would be useful in treating cancers. In fact, some experts have cautioned that certain B vitamins, such as thiamin and folic acid, might actually make it easier for established tumors to grow. This is not well proven, but caution is advised when considering taking large doses of these vitamins during cancer treatment."

Finding the right amount for you during your treatment is probably going to take some trial and error.

[Paulaw22]

No I'm just making sure that I have enough B12 not 'additional'. My PA is very bad and I'm allowed to have it six weekly if need be funnily enough though I've been told Ive been having 'side effects' to the injections so I've had to risk lower levels to prevent migraines, which the injectable stuff (Oxybalim) causes.

[Harvena]

I agree with the advice to make some notes prior to appointment and also have someone with you, sending my very best wishes to you.

[Paulaw22 in reply to Harvena]

Thanks Harvena my consultant said for me to ring him or his secretary should I have concerns, I will do that on Monday, but your right I should have written questions down prior to my appointment. I think I was in a bit of a daze to be honest!

[Harvena in reply to Paulaw22]

I really meant prior to your pre-op, not the appointment you had with the consultant, it is so hard to take everything in, especially when the news is not good, being in a daze is how most of us would have felt I am sure. I hope that phone call to consultant/secretary will clarify a few things for you. We will all be sending positive thoughts through the ether I am sure.

[Paulaw22]

Yes I understand what you meant and I really appreciate your kind words it does mean a lot. I'm much more confident now thank you all! X