anyone have left shoulder pain months after nissen?

amo

amo - I went for my follow up today and found out that the pain in the left shoulder and rib area is from nerves in the area of the surgery, so yeah I will be recovering from that for a while I guess to.

I got a shot in the place that hurts in my ribs and in one of the incision places to help let the nerve relax. My doctor said it would feel like a little bee sting but it felt more like a giant bee sting to me...   It is Worth it if will help ease this pain though.

Have you mentioned that your still having this pain to your doctor ? Maybe the numbing shot may help you to because it sure sounds like you also are having the nerve pain as well. Have you tried taking ibuprofen when it gets bad ? I take childrens kind cause it's liquid so I don't have to gag on the crushed pills.

Take care, Teala

amo - You are welcome. Yes it was my surgeon that gave the shot. She said it is the nerve that is causing the left side rib and shoulder pain. So it's the nerves that's connecting all that pain together. Today my rib area is a sore from the shots but it seems my shoulder pain maybe a little less intense. It's not gone but just maybe this is the start of some relief. I really think you should contact your doctor and explain what is happening so perhaps they might be able to help you out.

My first Nissen only lasted about 3-4 months. I was in for my redo approximately 6 months after the first. It was very disappointing to have gone through the surgery only to have to do it again so soon. With this second they found a large paraesophageal hernia that had went behind my heart so it turned out being a 8 hour surgery to get everything repaired.

God Bless, Teala

The shoulder pain you are feeling is totally normal. I know it seems like it should be gone by now. It lasted for probably about 4 months for me until it was gone. Some people are just lucky like that I guess. I had my redo surgery Jan 19th of this year and I do not have any of the shoulder pain now. Rest assured that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Have you tried Gas x or any other gas relieving products for the air? Can you burp? I used a heating pad on my shoulder when ever I could. It felt good to me. I also got a neck massager that I used a lot. I think it helped ease some of the pain as well. My doctor told me to keep on the ibuprofen around the clock. Have you spoke to your doctor about still having the pain?

The eating takes time to get back to normal. Take your time, chew everything well before you swallow, and take a gas/bloating medicine which should give you some relief. You should consult your doctor but It is normal for the eating problems since your still early on in your recovery.

Take care, Teala

I had the Nissen two weeks ago.  I only had the shoulder pain for about 4 or 5 days.  The discharge nurse told me I probably would have shoulder pain.  It really hurt especially when I first started to stand after surgery.  My son is a physician and I asked him when we were talking after my surgery.  He said that the nerves which go through the diaphragm also extend to the shoulder so the trauma to the nerves around the diaphragm cause pain through the left shoulder since that is over the diaphragm.  IT iwas scary because I didn't understand why my shoulder would hurt.  You should talk to your surgeon about it just in case.  It may just take time.Everyone heals differently and nerves take a long time to heal sometimes.  I hope it gets better for you soon.

Mariacarole