A Happy Customer!

Greetings!

I had a lap fundoplication here in the UK 14 days ago.

I'm 47, and I have had severe reflux pain for many years. The many tests I had during that time never seemed to yield anything specific, and I just got used to it, chewing antacids and finally going onto Omeprazole, but to little avail. Last year I finally saw a specialist who recommended this procedure, and I elected to undergo the various tests - endoscope, manometry, barium swallow etc. which all supported the need for surgery.

So, two weeks after the procedure, I am yet to experience any kind of reflux pain! The diet has been difficult, and I admit I perhaps tried to push things a little too early. On a few occasions I have managed to get food stuck, and it's been a pretty rough experience, but I've learnt my lesson. On a couple of those occasions I've managed to vomit, after a fashion, but it's more a sort of regurgative action: simply ejecting the offending matter from my oesophagus. It's not painful, just somewhat alien.

I've managed a couple of burps, only immediately after swallowing liquid. Bloating is still a major issue, and frequently painful. The shoulder pain is pretty bad (but improving I think), and I'm taking quite a few painkillers to combat that. In general my entire digestive system feels like it's had to go back to school!

I'm still feeling very weak and tired, and I've suffered a few events that I can only describe as hypoglycaemia - bouts of weakness combined with severe sweating, normally not long after eating - which don't make sense! I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow to discuss this. Anyone else had this experience?

Anyhow, maybe I'm expecting too much, but I thought I'd be fighting fit by now. I know each one is different, but how long should it be before I feel like taking on the world again? I was planning on going back to work next week, but I'm reluctant to do so if some of these symptoms persist.

Despite the symptoms (and my impatience!) I'm so glad I had a fundoplication. Two weeks without heartburn is nothing short of paradise!

It's all fresh in my mind, so I'd be happy to discuss my experience with anybody thinking about this procedure.

Gary.

 

Post Edited (sparkydc) : 4/16/2009 2:44:58 PM (GMT-6)

Hi gary, I am scheduled for the nissan may 7 2009. I think if i write that date one more time in these posts i will die on that said date 50 years later though.lol. I am scared as hell. I have nite time gerd which drives me nuts and has but a big dent on my quality of life. I have had 3 strictures, my LES is mechanically defected and i have constant sour bitter taste. I never experienced chest pains or heartburn rather I got severe complications with that being the strictures. was dilated 3x.If u cud email me that wud be great
How long did stay in the hospital?
Did you have the sour taste and is it eradicated?
How much weight did you lose?
How did you take painkillers if u cant swallow?
Thanx
Bea

Hi denise, and thank you for all your GREAT SUPORT .It is becuz of you that i am slowly gettin a little more encouragement. You, Bill Wendi & Janice are the best.

Hi guys, and thanks for the welcome!

Almost 3 weeks down the line, and doing well, but a couple of stumbles. Taking my third week away from work as a result. Still getting the occasional low sugar moment, but they're definitely improving. Also still having a tough time with anything remotely solid! I've tried bits and pieces here and there, and have had 3 or 4 nasty events when food has got stuck. However, I seemed to have developed the ability to reverse the stuff back up my gullet. It's not vomiting as such, it's more like a relaxed regurtitation (a bit graphic - sorry!). Pretty uncomfortable for a couple of minutes, but then it settles down OK.

So, staying on a really sloppy diet for the moment. Oatmeal, soup and rice pudding is fine. I can manage chicken (as you say, chew chew chew!) and mashed and roast potatoes, but most other food is definitely not on the menu yet!

Bloating/trapped air was a big issue at first, but that has settled down quite well. I've had a few sips of fizzy drinks this week, and it feels fine (appears I can burp a little directly after drinking) but I do notice some belly discomfort after a few minutes! Again, this is improving.

The 5 incisions have cleared up really well. One weird thing is that I'm sure I can really feel that things have moved inside me - especially when I bend and twist - does this make sense?

I'm asthmatic, so keep track of my peak flow. It was really low for the first 2 weeks, but nothing too difficult, and my doc said it was to be expected. That is now way better!

Felt a little bit below par the last couple of days, but I've put that down to the fact that I'm not really sticking to a sensible eating regime. I'm sorting that out now. I think also I was being a little too optimistic about recovery.

But the silver lining - absolutely NO acid at all for 20 days! Incredible. The constant pain and bitter taste had become the norm for me. I'm sure I'm now getting a 'normal' taste in my mouth, and it's taking some getting used to!

So, all in all, this was well worth doing. I'm going to miss the bungee jumping though.

Bea - sorry I haven't got back to you yet. Don't know where the last week has gone! Not currently on my email PC, so will message you tomorrow, or feel free to email me!

Thanks guys - it's good to find friends in this arena, and so nice to be able to spill it out to people. Just wish I'd found you sooner!

Hey sparky,
Sorry I haven't been on.My daughter will be having her sweet sixteen party next weekend.I have ben doing the last minute things .I want to thank you for your info.I went to pre-op.They took the ekg blood and then decided to do chest xray as I was wheezing.well just waitin for may 7th or am I?
Are u doing better since ya last post?
Thanx
Bea

Hey bill,
Hope ya feeling well.Just a few more weeks.We will have to post our post op 4 any new members.We can suffer 2gether lol.hope all is well.

Denise,
How r u lately?