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Questions: I just had a nissen fundoplication...

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Posted 12/5/2008 6:26 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the site. 3 weeks ago, I had the lap nissen fundoplication procedure. I am still having alot of chest pain, especially between my breast bones and chest spasms. I am obviously still bruised and sore around the cuts. Most concerning, I still also have a lump in my throat and a feeling like I have stuff in my throat, which I had prior to the surgery. My fear is that it is the reflux coming back. I guess what I am looking for is if these things are normal for where I am at post-surgery or should I be more concerned. I am a singer and the reflux was really affecting my voice and I am so afraid of it returning and taking away something that is such a big part of my identity. Any guidance or information would be so appreciated. Thanks so much!

Posted 12/6/2008 10:37 PM (GMT 0)

Hello and Welcome to the site.  We have many members that have had the surgery and there are more then one thread running in the forum re the surgery.

I am so glad you found us and know we care and support you.

AGain a warm welcome.

Kitt

Posted 12/6/2008 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Songbird, welcome to our site; by our, I mean everyone who comes here. You will find an amazing amount of knowledge and help. To give you hope and something to hold on to I'll pass along the wisdom that was given to me: 90% of your healing will occur in the first 8 weeks; the remaining 10% will take a year.

Your chest pain, specifically the spasms in your esophagus are fairly normal; at least by my experience and others that have posted here and shared with me; the spasms seemed to peak around week 3 and 4 and slowly began to ease after week 5. Try drinking..I should say, sipping, warm liquids, especially caffeine free teas or very warm water, this will help with the tension in your muscles.

The pain around your incision sites are also normal; heat helped me a lot. Most of the sites ( I had 7) healed up without too much pain, but two of the sites hurt for a long time. Your pain is normal, so don't give up on your pain meds if you're having pain like this. Many of us used our pain meds for a long time; we didn't have problems with addictions or other issues because our use was prudent, but we did use it.

I had significant problems swallowing after my surgery, but I can't say that I had a lump in my throat, so I really can't address this issue. There is a lot of swelling in your esophagus following this surgery and it does last a long time, it may be that the lump is part of this, but I can't say for certain.

My symptoms were atypical, including the problems associated with voice; I am now 4 1/2 months post and my voice is strong and I am able to sing again. I feel better than I have in years and if you're asking yourself the same question I did when I was at the stage you are..here is my answer...Yes, this surgery was worth it!

Welcome to the other side!! I know you'll be feeling better soon.
Janice
Posted 12/7/2008 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Songbird. I had the lap nissen on Aug. the 14th. I still have the lump in my throat and the feeling like it needs to be suctioned out. I know exactly what you're talking about. I too sing which is really annoying to me sometimes when I have to clear my throat soooo often. I have no idea why surgery didn't take care of that for me either, I was dissapointed about that but otherwise am very happy with the results of the surgery. Hope you continue to get well.
Posted 12/9/2008 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for writing me! Do you still have the feeling of food sticking in your throat or the chest spasms. Every once and awhile, I get air pressure that starts in my chest and moves to my throat? How long did it take until you had your full energy back? I'm still exhausted and sleeping alot! Thanks a bunch!
Posted 12/10/2008 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Songbird. I don't know about the spasms really but I still have food sticking in my throat once in awhile. Just this eve when I was eating it happened and I had to wait for it to go down and my throat to relax before I could continue eating. I find if I eat slower it doesn't happen so easy but my problem is I forget and tend to eat too fast and then it sticks. I know my Dr. said to eat slow but I forget so easy. about getting tired I still find I get tired way quicker than I did before surgery. I think everybody's different but at 3-4 wks yet I for sure got tired quick. I just felt like I had to still take it pretty easy. I push myself more now, but I still feel like I need to get my rest.
Posted 12/10/2008 5:26 AM (GMT 0)

Hello Songbird,

I am glad to see you have some great info from some of our great members.  I am so glad you found what you were looking for here in the GERD/Heartburn Forum.

Gentle Hugs to you
Kitt

Posted 12/12/2008 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for writing to me. I find your insight and experiences very helpful. I have been trying to eat slower, which does seem to help reduce the chest spasms and the sensation of having food in my throat. I am also finding sometimes I am backing off of solid foods and going back to more liquids to give my throat a break if it is really uncomfortable. Good news, I had my voice box checked and it looked good. Some irritation and swelling, which I think is to be expected at this point! I am more hopeful today than I was last week. I also cut back on running, as I realized I am probably doing more harm than good when it comes to not having alot of energy. I know that I am still not getting the proper amount of nutrients in a day, but I'm sure that will come when I can tolerant more! Thank you all again and I'll definitely be in touch!
~Alana
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