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Roll Call.........How is Everyone Doing?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 10/4/2008 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
I would love to hear from you how your doing. I know the members would like to read updates too.  Post a note or two so we can keep track of you.

I am doing good with the GERD but have a lot of anxiety in my life right now so I am very careful with what I eat.  No ice cream late in the day. redface

I am on Prilosec. 

I wish you all a Happy and Scary Halloween. 

Hugs to all

Kitt

Posted 10/4/2008 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Lil sis
Not doing nad but I keep having a few nights each month with waking still with vomit in my mouth or at throat ya know

I am on a RX med for it .......Rabeprazole EC

I t seems to help a bit but still .....

Other than that I am real good

Hoping you are doing great as well.....

.........Love Big sis
Posted 10/5/2008 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, everyone. I am now 7 1/2 wks post-op. I'm doing pretty good as far as no GERD but I went to see my surgeon on the 6 wk mark and he wasn't happy to hear about all the pain I'm still having all across my stomach. He said because of my age and being otherwise healthy I shouldn't be having any more pain. He was going to lift my restrictions as far as lifting goes but because of my problems he said no lifting anything over 20 lbs for the next 2 mo. He said if I'm still having issues with the junk in my throat and the pain when I go back to see him on Nov. 21 then he will order more tests. He said he really couldn't see anything before 3 mo. from surgery because of the swelling and scar tissue. This was very discouraging for me because I've already been off work for so long and I really need to get back to work. Thankfully I work for my dad so he is understanding and I am back to work, only I'm doing light stuff so it's hard for me to get in enough hrs. I work in our cabinet shop so there is a lot of heavy work. As far as eating that all works just fine, I just have to eat a little slower than before. Hope everyone else is doing good. Have a good day!
Posted 10/5/2008 10:34 PM (GMT 0)

Star,

Sorry to read your having stomach pain.  Hope your pain is all gone by November. :-)

Thank you for checking in, we all care about you.

Kitt

Posted 10/6/2008 12:11 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all! I am 6 months post op and am eating pretty well now (although having a bit of a problem the last couple of days). I still have burning and chest pain but think it is gall bladder problems. It would be nice to hear from some of the older members. :-)

Posted 10/7/2008 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! I am 12 weeks post-op and feeling great; my 10 week post op testing (manometry, 24 hr ph and barium swallow) showed excellent results with the exception of poor muscle function in the esophagus; I'll learn to deal with that. Gas continues to be an issue, but what can you do? Eating is pretty good, I still have difficulties from time to time (there's that muscle function in the esophagus thing!), and my weight is still good.

I too, have had a significant amount of stomach and abdominal pain; what I'm learning is that it may be related to my digestive system not operating properly now (thanks to Carolyn for giving me that tip!) I'm going to follow up with that with my GI guy in November. Lifting restrictions for me have always been nothing more than 10 to 15 pounds for 6 months and I'm sticking with it! I also have esophageal spasms, but they're happening less frequently and less severely than before. From time to time I have mild heartburn, but I think I can control that with timing of food and no Coke!

This surgery has been a blessing in disquise for me; the recovery was rough, very rough, but because of the incredible support from everyone here I made it through. Now that I have, I feel so much better!!!

Janice
Posted 10/7/2008 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Good evening,
I am doing well tonite , thank you.
I want to let bopeep know that I had my gallbladder out even though the tests for gallbladder function looked "Ok". I cannot believe the issues that that surgery relieved. I feel so good now from all my tummy issues and I think it also helped with my Gerd issues as well, I truly do.
I am actually relieved that I was unable to have the surgery for my acid reflux. I think the recovery sounds horrible. God bless those of you who survived it. My question to those who have had it is this.....Was there no other solution ?? So far the posts show that you feel somewhat better , but it maybe was not the answer you had hoped for ??
I do think that Gerd and gallbladder problems can go hand in hand and that diet and lifestyle changes can really make a difference.
Take care , Anne
Posted 10/7/2008 9:07 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the reassurance Anne. I know that I am putting off the inevitable but I just can't face having to fight with the doctors to get my gallbladder removed. As you said, it has been such a long and tough recovery from the Nissen that I'm worn out just thinking about it! smilewinkgrin

My diet is still bland because I find that if I eat anything fatty/spicy/tomatoey (is that a word?) I have a gall bladder flare up.

The surgery definiteley resolved my heartburn and I am really happy about that, but I am left with a lot of issues that I thought were reflux but it looks like they are gall bladder related. Why is it that my doctors could not diagnose that? confused

Glad that you are feeling good at the moment, Anne and everyone else! :-)

Posted 10/7/2008 3:52 PM (GMT 0)

Bopeep,

Thanks for checking in, I wish some of the more senior memebers would check in to.  I don't know how they missed your gallbladder. Blah. Your posts are  an inspiration to this whole group. Thank you for that.

Anne,

Your right about the gallbladder being removed, it can cause some painful sx and I had mine out years ago.  I am so glad you checked in as I am grateful for your caring and supportive posts.  You are truly a shining star in my book.  Keep it up.  So many need help with so much.

Janice,

Good Morning and thank you for your update. I am so glad your  surgery has been a blessing in disquise for you.  I have come to realize how difficult this surgery is through the eyes of you and the others that have gone through it. 

Keep up your great posts and know you are appreciated by me for your contributions to this awesome forum.

Gentle Hugs to All

Kitt

Posted 10/7/2008 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone!  My GERD is doing pretty good!  Of course I watch every morsel I eat!  I feel a little stronger too.  I had lost a lot of weight and my legs would feel weak, but I feel a lot a relief in that regard.

My doc kept trying to put me on a antidepressant.  After two other tries, then ordered Lexapro.  OMW, it was awful.  I only took about 5 pills, and was feeling burning up needles all over me, and it would last for hours.  Plus a lot of other side effects were raging in me.  I quit taking them a few days ago.  She says it is my anxiety that was causing the reactions.  Now she wants me to see a professional counselor.  Well I wouldn't have had the anxiety if she had diagnosed the Gerd 4 months ago, instead of saying it was this and that and like I said, for 4 months!  For 4 months, I was so sick, getting no relief and worrying what was wrong with me.  Infact she never did diagnose the GERD, it was another doctor who I went to see who did.  I didn't know that much about it, but as I look back I have to wonder why she never ordered an Endoscopy.  The Endoscopy was the best thing I ever did!  :-)

So I am doing good, no more burning or any of the other side effects.  Thank Goodness.  I really don't want to be on an antidepressant.  She had me on ativan, and now I want to get weened off of that, it is so addicting!  skull    O well, so now I guess I will make an appointment for a counselor and hopefully to get off the ativan. :-)  

I never liked this doc, and think she is not so good!  nono

Posted 10/8/2008 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
mary Love

Thank you so much for checking in and I am sorry you and your Doc do not have a good relationship.  Perhaps it is time to find a new Doc.

I think the counseling may be a good idea.  Stick with us and we will get you through the tough times as well as celebrate the good times.

Great check in................ :-)

Kitt

Posted 10/8/2008 6:04 PM (GMT 0)

As of October 16th, I will be 3 months post-op. 

I had an interesting first 2 months - the first night home after surgery was a living hell and I truly wanted to die. That's the night that I thankfully found this board and found out I wasn't alone.  The next two weeks were really tough and then I started feeling much better and then I started feeling worse again with stomach spasms and not being able to eat.

I can say that now I am overall doing extremely well and can eat just about anything as long as I remember to eat slow, take small bites and chew.  If I don't I do get those nasty hiccups and that suffocating feeling, then I just relax until it passes.  Those episodes are becoming few and far in between now thankfully.  My cats can now sit happily on my stomach again in bed without hurting me :)

I still tire more easily than I used to.  I'm 49 so I agree that recovery is quicker for those younger.  I recently moved and I know I overexerted myself during the move as I started having some odd pains in my stomach but once I rested and stopped straining myself, I was fine. 

My goal is to maintain the weight that I lost both pre and post surgery and I'd like to lose 10 more and be at my goal weight for the first time in YEARS.  I celebrate my 50th birthday next May so it would be wonderful to be looking and feeling better at 50 then I did at 40 which I know I can make happen with determination and discipline.

I have to say that since the surgery I pay a whole lot more of attention to the food I buy and what I eat.  I look for high protein, high fibre foods that are low in saturated fats and no trans fat at all.  I'm keeping my carb intake to a bare minimum and this helps me lose the weight. 

So, that is my update and I hope and pray that everyone else is doing well whether you are managing GERD with meds or have had surgery or are contemplating surgery.  Each of us is different and there is no blanket one size fits all answer for everyone.  So I pray that you are under good care and may God guide you and bless you each day in your journey.

John

 

Posted 10/8/2008 6:43 PM (GMT 0)

Kitt, thank you for replying!   :-)    I haven't called for a counseling appmt, maybe today.  What really irks me is when she put me on the ativan, I said to her, that is really addicting, and she replied, NO it isn't!!!  Darling Hubby was there and heard her.  What I wish she would have done was given me the directions to get off the ativan, but she wasn't about to.  She was horrible to me.  She was like a raging maniac.  She had been off work for awhile, and it makes me wonder now, what was her problem. 

Well, all the terrible reactions I was having while taking the Lexapro, are all gone.  I think, I only took it for 4 1/2 or 5 1/2 days, and one day, it was 1/2 of a 10mg.  So it had to be the L and not my 'anxiety'!  I am having some trouble sleeping tho.

I saw a link here where it told how to ween off of Ativan, but I'm not sure I have enough and my does wasn't specifically noted.  She had me taking, 0.5mg morning and evening, since Aug, I think.  Before that I was taking 1/2 of a 0.5mg during July.

I found this link while searching HealingWell, a poster had posted it!  It gives info on how to ween off Ativan.  Most doeses were higher than mine.  So I dunno!

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm

I guess, I have no choice but to call the counseling people.  They are associated with the hospital. 

Thanks for listining Kitt!  :-)

Posted 10/8/2008 11:43 PM (GMT 0)

marylove,

That is a link I post often for people wanting to wean off of benzos.  I used it to wean off Ativan but my Pdoc supported it.  I just printed the article several days before my appointment and went in determined to go this route and she surprised me by saying she thought is was a good plan.

I know physician in clinics can fire their patients, but we can fire the physicians too if we don't get treated well.  Patients have rights. 

Hang in there sweetie.

John,

Can I say, you have come a long way? I understand this surgery is very painful post op and you have to hang in there and you have.  I hope you reach you goal by your birthday and please save me a piece of cake. idea Thank you so much for checking in.

Kitt

Posted 10/9/2008 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi to all.
I've had no surgery...but had severe GERD after a doctor dilated my esophagus last December. It was absolute hell for 5 or 6 months, got a lot better, and then came back in a milder form.

A couple of weeks ago I was having a lot of stomach pain at work. I am a substitute teacher so I have a good amount of stress. In my infinite wisdom, I carry snacks, water, Mylanta, Tums, and Xanax. That gets me through most any GERD crisis LOL. My stomach pain has gone away and I am trying hard to relax more.

I too have to eat small amounts and eat more frequently. I have a limited diet by choice. I have had no soda at all since last December. Probably three glasses of wine and maybe four cups of coffee, heavily laced with milk. I drink only 2% milk and water. So my GERD has gotten me some healthier habits. I also absolutely die if I eat too much grease. I once ate three donuts and was sick for about 14 hours...so no more.

I take Protonix and Pepcid. I'm not sure if they are helping or not. I go through spells of having heartburn, then I have none for a while. When I have heartburn I use my wedge pillow, which helps a ton.

I still have that feeling of stuff backing up into my chest but overall I feel pretty good. I've sure felt worse. At least I can work and get around and get out of bed.

Hugs to all--take care....
Posted 10/9/2008 10:09 PM (GMT 0)

marthamae

Thank you so much for checking in and I am so glad you are back at your job. I am sure it is hard to get through days when you are experiencing pain and you have to keep working.  Glad to hear you bring your special emergency pack to school with you.

You do inspire all here and keep on talking to us.  We care and we are here to support you always

Hugs

Kitt

Posted 10/10/2008 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kitt!  Using the chart, I cannot find anything which I could use for my dosage of ativan.  I take 0.5 in the morning, and had taken the same in the evening.  The last few days, I have cut the evening dose to 1/2.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  :-)   I know it would only be a suggestion, nothing written in stone.  Thanks :-) I believe the above started in July.
Posted 10/11/2008 5:44 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt for your kind reply.

:)
Posted 10/12/2008 4:30 PM (GMT 0)

mary Love

Your Ativan is pretty low dose now.  I would think going to .25mg every morning and night would be ok, and then after 1 week, drop the morning dose and only take the evening dose if your using it to help you sleep. After 1 week of just the evening dose,you could go to every other day for a week and then stop the med.  Please remember I am not a professional and your physician should be involved in the weaning process.

When I weaned off Ativan I was on 4 mg per day and I switched to Valium for the weaning process as it is longer acting and using Valium we could bring it down slowly.  1mg of Ativan is equal to 10 mg of Valium.  I had to start with 40 mg of Valium a day and come down very slowly.

Good luck and  do stay in touch with your physician turn

Hugs

Kitt

Posted 10/13/2008 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Kitt!  :-)
Posted 10/13/2008 2:31 PM (GMT 0)

mary Love,

You are welcome and if there is anything else I can do for you please let me know.

Kitt

Posted 10/15/2008 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
turn  week post op.  On Oct 6 had esophagectomy.  The surgery was more than I expected.  A portion of my esophagus was removed, my stomach was detached and my intestines are now attached to my esophagus (roux y).  I spent 2 1/2 days in ICU bur wa realed from hospital after 6 days.  I have a j pump and a gastr tube which should  be removed during my follow visit in two weeks.  I am on an all liqued diet additional food will be introduced as I recover.

Even though I still have pain from the surgery, I can tell I feel better.  I am not hoarse, coughing, clearing my throat or congested. 

Posted 10/15/2008 11:27 PM (GMT 0)

ceetay,

I am glad your surgery is behind you and even thow you have been through a lot of pain I am l am glad to hear you are feeling better then before surgery.

Keep us posted and update so we all can cheer you on.

Many warm hugs
Kitt

Posted 10/21/2008 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, all! I have a question. I am now 9 1/2 wks. post-op and I'm am still having a lot of trouble getting my breath, I have to try to take such deep breaths that I make myself dizzy and it still fills like my lungs just won't fill up. Does anybody know what I'm talking about, is anybody else out there having the same problem since surgery? I'd just like to know if this is normal or something I need to get checked out. It kinda scares me especially when I'm driving. As far as eating the only trouble I have is when I catch myself eating too fast and it wants to get stuck half way down, then I have to force myself to slow down. But as far as what I can eat or drink I don't have a problem with anything. I can eat anything spicy and no heartburn. It sure is awesome. Also I used to get hiccups ALL the time, I would get nauseated from them and they would leave my chest feeling bruised. I always thought they had something to do with GERD and obviously they did because that's all gone. I have got the hiccups 1 time since surgery and they felt very normal. What a relief! I also had a lot of gurgling going on in my chest after I would eat, I always thought it was from my hernia and it must have been because it's gone. So in a lot of ways I feel like a new person. I just wish I could breath better and my throat wouldn't feel so full all the time. But I guess I can't have everything and I thank God for the things that are better, but if anybody has any advice on the breathing issue let me know. Thanks.
Posted 10/21/2008 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Southern Star, I am concerned about your breathing. In my opinion 91/2 weeks is too long for the hurts when breathing thing and I really think you should be checked out by your Dr.

I have lung damage from the reflux and my lungs were constantly inflamed by the reflux. After the surgery I had trouble breathing, it came in part from the gas from surgery and the general moving around and other surgery stuff. The pain from the all of this finally dissipated around 3 to 4 weeks, so I'm thinking 9 weeks is way too long.

Call your Dr., let us know how you're doing.
Janice
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