Went in for nephrectomy/kidney removal. Was told I’d be hospitalized 2-4 days. Pre-op nurses were fabulous! One couldn’t locate a vein and asked other to help rather than start poking me repeatedly. Kind, thoughtful, reassuring. My husband says post op care was wonderful. Then I was moved to a room on the the 3rd floor. That morning I was told by Nurse Joanna, “You take a lot of pain meds.” (I had surgery LAST night until 7pm.) Then “Kevin” removed catheter and asked about pain. “Besides wound site,” I responded, “up in right arm and chest area. Could it be gas?” “No,” he said. Then he mumbled, “Hmm...” and something about the side I was laying on. I asked about pain meds. He said my nurse was on break. I asked if anyone else could help and was told no. Frustrated, I suggested they should change protocol. He told me to write a letter. Immediately afterward Nurse Joanna, came in again. Asked about pain. Told her same thing to which she stated, “Could be gas pain.” I told her Kevin told me it couldn’t be. She backpedaled and said, “Well, if he said so...” (My surgeon later verified it was gas, yet no anti-gas meds offered.) Shirley, another nurse or aid was told by Cristen, my nurse, I could eat. Someone else said liquids only. Haven’t eaten since Tuesday night. So I can’t eat or get up and walk or get pain meds. It’s Friday. Cristen (spelled this way)my assigned nurse returns. She removed IV from arm. Left port and told me, “You can remove that if you want”, and walked out. I couldn’t hold tape down and loosen grip at same time. So now I’m upset, in discomfort, and helpless. I wanted to go home. I couldn’t do anything without help. Shirley washed me. Patient and kind, while I cried about never being so completely and utterly dependent. “You just had surgery. We’re all women.” And she lessened my embarrassment. I am eternally grateful. My husband comes in now. My daughter and parents have been in. I tell him I want to go home and he’s panicked. He tells Cristen, the nurse in charge of me. Both know I am in pain and can’t get out of or into bed alone. I can’t do anything! “Yeah,” she says looking directly at me, “you can go home if you want. It’s up to you.” Felt dismissive and cold. Less than 24 hrs post op. I left. I needed round the clock care for several days. Thank God for my husband! Maybe another staff or floor would be different. Avoid the 3rd floor! My surgeon called, surprised I’d been released. Oh! And 3 days later I got a call asking about my care. I am in pain and upset and mentioned a few things. The nice, sympathetic woman on the phone tells me how this isn’t what they want to hear and can she have someone else call me for details. I asked her to have them wait another day or 2 when I’m a bit better. It’s over 2 weeks. No phone call.