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k9lov3r's Surgery 8/19 - Cheering Mary on with lots of support.

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 8/27/2009 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
DAY 9
Starting to have a little more reflux symptoms have the felling of something stuck in my chest again. I did not have anything but liquids to yesterday. It was when I took my crushed pills that got that feeling. From what I have read in everybody's posts i believe that this is all part of the healing process. Will just keep on doing what I an doing and give myself time to heal. Will go lay down now and take some pain meds talk to you later
Mary
Posted 8/27/2009 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Take care, Mary. Give it one day at a time.
All good things come to those who wait.

Joy
Posted 8/28/2009 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Day 10
Am either starting to get a cold or having some more of the old reflux symptoms coming back, hopefully just a cold. Had abaked potato yesterday it was delicious. It was either the best baked potato in the world or I was really hungry. I have to remind my self to slow downand, take small bites and chew the food. Ate one bite a little to quickly and my wrap told me so. Got some shoulder pain again but fortunately was not quite as bad as it was.

Got to watchone of the grandbabies last night for a few hours it was great I missed spending time with them. WE played with playdoh, but it was almost all dried up. So I told her we would thorw it away when were done and nana would buy some more whem she went to the store. She made me a playdoh bracelet and said for me to wear it and it would make my tummy feel better. She is so sweet she is 6 years old and is one of nana's precious angels.

For those of you who have already had a laproscopiuc nissen how soon before you felt ready for regular activities. MY surgeon said something about releasing me to full duty when he saw me again. Part of my job is working in a jail where I may at anytime have to fight with a prisoner, which leaves me open for being kicked in the stomach. I was still alittle groggy when I was talking to him and was on the morphine pump but I am pretty sure he said full duty. I was expecting at least light duty for 1-2 months which to me seems like it would give my body a chance to heal before getting thrown into battle. We don't get into lots of fights but the last 2 times I was in the jail we had to fight with prisoners who were not happy about going to jail.
Mary
Posted 8/28/2009 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Wow Mary! I'm surprised at that. My surgeon was fine with me going back to work, but I'm an Accountant, and while Balance Sheets might kick me in the ass, it's a paper kick! I wasn't allowed to lift anything over 10 or 15 pounds I think for at least 3 months; I wasn't allowed to work out for 6! I didn't go back to work at all until 6 weeks to boot!
I would advise you to talk to him about the whole duty thing before you go; he may have forgotten just what it is that you do for a living!
Janice
Posted 8/29/2009 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary,
I think you need to use your own judgment about returning to full duty. Another member here who hasn't posted lately (Wendi) worked as a teaching assistant in a special education program with autistic students--many of whom could be violent. She was told by her surgeon that she needed to be out of work a full 6 weeks to ensure that the healing was solid before taking a chance on being struck.

I totally agree with Janice. You need to take the reins here and tell the surgeon he needs to keep you out longer because of your job. It's your life and your health. In my experience, doctors are more than happy to extend your sick time to allow full recovery.

You've been through all this, don't take a chance on hurting yourself!

Don't worry about the reflux at this point. Your wrap is still swollen, and my surgeon said pretty much anything can happen. You could actually get some reflux slipping by because of swelling, or your esophagus could interpret some pain as reflux.

Are you getting cough symptoms? Hey, I had terrible asthma for at least 2 months after surgery, before the post surgical inflammation calmed down.

Good work with the baked 'tater! Keep those bites small, and chew, chew, chew. Don't forget--your wrap will be at peak swelling on Day 14, and then begin becoming less swollen as time goes on after that. Don't be surprised if you get some swallowing problems you're not having now.
Good luck!
Denise
Posted 8/29/2009 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
Mary-
I would recheck with your surgeon also. I wasn't allowed to lift over 10 pounds for 8 weeks, normally 6 but I had the goofy complications. If you have a chance at taking any blows to the stomach area I would wait the 8 weeks if possible to make sure things are good and healed. I really think that would be the best idea. Things will feel strange for a while with the wrap. I actually started getting some "reflux" sensations the last 2 nights. I a sure it's from the stress I have been under though.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/29/2009 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Janice, Denise and Bill. I was thinking the same thing but thought I would get some other oppinions before I had my meeting with my surgeon. I wanted to make sure I wasn't just being a wimp. There is a light duty posittion which is in the dispatch office, basically answering telephones and putting calls into the computer so I will discuss all this with him. I would rather be full duty than to get stuck the boring dispatch office, but I've been through too much to risk jeopardizing everything by getting hurt at work. I still need to loose about 40 pounds to help ensure the surgery does not fail later on. This will be easier since I can't seem to eat much right now. There was a perk to this surgery. Tricky part will be keeping it off. I am going to start packing up my "fat" clothes and donate them to charity. Which will give me extra incentive to keep the aeight off since I won't have any clothes to wear.

Yes Denise I am getting some cough symptoms but not as bad as before. I also take Lisinipril but only because I am diabetic and my doctor put me on a lowdose for kidney function. The Lisinipril can also cause a cough. Have used my inhaler a couple of times since my surgery. The last time I saw my family doctor prior to the surgery he said I was probably developing asthma because of the reflux. It has not been that bad since the surgery so maybe the lisinipril was not the problem.


Bill with all you have been through I would not be surprised if you did have some recurrence you have been through alot.

Janice I almost forgot about working out it has been so long I hate starting all over. I could not do anything that involved the abdominal muscles because I would have bad reflux afterwards. I have bad knees so lower body workouts are rough. I need to ask him what kink of workout I can do and when I can start.

Hugs to everyone
Mary
Posted 8/29/2009 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary, glad you got to spend time with the granddaughter. How many do you have? Number 3 arrived for me today 1200 miles away but I had a pic with in half and hour. Grandkids are the best medicine in the world and they are so sweet. My granddaughter will be 5 in October and she says some of the funniest and sweetest things. Have a good night & I hope you continue to heal. Barb
Posted 8/29/2009 9:47 AM (GMT 0)
Mary-
I couldn't take lisinipril. It made me very dehydrated. The more I drank, the more I went. Finally got on Diovan after 8 months and things are a lot better. Of course I do use it for hypertension. I just wanted to make sure you know to watch for dehydration while using that med. Michelle also uses Lisinipril and does have some issues with extra trips to the bathroom, but not like I did.

Janice- That's the first I have heard of a restriction past 8 weeks after a Nissen. All 3 of the surgeons I have talked with about this have all said 6 to 8 weeks nothing over 10 pounds and then resume your normal activities as you feel up to it. I asked about working out and sports specifically and they all told me if you were able to do it before the surgery, you can do it after the surgery just wait 6 to 8 weeks. They all did place the 8 week restriction on me because of the work I do.
It may be a good idea to let things heal up more, but I wonder if that stems from when they dd this surgery as an open procedure? My cousin has this surgery 4 times, all open. Se as a nasty scar(s) from it. She was kind of pissed when she tried to tell me all redos were done open and I showed her my 5 incisions from my redo. I didn't tell her I had already had it done before she started arguing with me about it and telling me I would have a scar from sternum to bely button like her. HEHEHEHE! She still gets mad if I mention anything of a redo scar. I know, I'm mean.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/29/2009 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning all it is day 11.
I guess it is actually good afternoon.  Went with my friend to get her xray done then we went to the store so I could get some real food.  I got milk and generic fruity pebbles.  Got mac and cheese, bananas, potatoes, butter, sour cream and chocolate milk.  I got enough food to probably last a month the way I eat now nono so that was a big help.  I also got yoplait whipped yogurt. I saw a commercial for it where they put it in the freezer.  I tried it and is great yeah helps my craving for something rich and sweet.   The chocolate was better than the strawberry but then again I am a chocoholic too.  I did ok with the mac and cheese but i made sure the macaroni was very soft and mushy first.  Cereal went down fine also of course i covered it in milk and let it sit in the bowl till it was very soggy.  Lost some of its flavor but at least it was something differant to eat.

 I just have to make sure I take my time while eatting food is beginning to feel like it is sticking in my throat but I understand that the wrap is still swelling so there will be some swallowing problems while it is healing.  It is nothing like before the surgery so that is a plus.

Hey Barb congratulations on #3 I have 5 now all girls.  There is actually no blook relationship between us.  There real grandmother and I are very good friends, we are more like family than friends.  So I consider them my family of the heart.  The lillte ones all call me nana.  I have a 6 year old, a five year old, a 4 year old (she turns 5 next month), a 3 year old (she turns 4 next month) and a three month old.  I could not love them or their parents anymore than if they were my own kids.  My friends have beenthere for me more than my own family but that is ok because I consider my friends my family. 

hugs to everyone Bill I hope things are going better and you will soon be going home.

Mary

 

Posted 8/30/2009 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys, Glad  to hear Mary has a better choice of foods. Hope all is well w ith everyone and the newest grandbaby. They r a joy I must say.

Hi to kitt, denise, bill, joy, Barb,oakley ,marie  Mary janice and anyone else

b

Posted 8/30/2009 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
Mary that's great! Keegan isn't a blood related but we love him dearly and even though my son hasn't adopted him yet officially he became our grandson in our hearts the day they got married. Our son is the only dad he has ever known so for all the reasons that count he is his dad and we are his grandparents. I think it's neat how Caleb ties them all together as he is blood related to all 4. Hope your having a good night. Hi to every one else too. Barb
Posted 8/30/2009 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
Mary-
Good to hear things are getting a bit better. Keep up the good work! We all are pulling for you everyday!

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/30/2009 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Day 12
Had some eggs medium boiled for breakfast and so far so good. Made it through the night without taking any pain meds. Hope everyone is felling better today. Today I turn 55. Guess I am now eligible for the senior citizen discount at IHOP alright. Will proboably be awhile before I go there for the pancakes though. I think my body is tryingto get used to real food because it seems I am in the bathroom right after I eat,
Take care
Mary
Posted 8/30/2009 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
A happy birthday to you.
A happy birthday to you.
My you find love and cheer everyday of the year.
A happy birthday to you,
A happy birthday to you
May you find joy in your heart.

Joy
Posted 8/30/2009 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you I liked that
Mary
Posted 8/31/2009 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Happy Birthday Mary! Barb
Posted 8/31/2009 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary!

Here's the song we sing for birthdays in my class:

"Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, we love you!
Happy Birthday, and may all your dreams come true.
When you blow out the candles, one light stays aglow.
It's the love light in your eyes,
where'ere you go!"
It's by a children's singer, named Tom Chapin. (the brother of Harry Chapin)

Hope you had a wonderful day!

You must be enjoying some different foods. You should be able to handle the fruit loops without any trouble without making them soggy first. Just chew them up completely...they should chew to a liquid pretty easily, and the crunch will be more satisfying to you.

Don't worry about the "reflux" feelings (Bill, too). I posted my reflux worries often over the past few months, and it has turned out that it's always after my wrap has been irritated. When you took meds, they probably irritated your esophagus, and it read the irritation as reflux.
I don't know if you've read my recovery posts, but my surgeon said that pretty much anything is possible during the healing period, because the wrap is swollen, and can possibly let some acid by. Also, when the wrap is irritated, it can feel like reflux.

As far as food going right through...are you getting the gurgling, too? You're probably getting some "dumping",which can be part of the healing process as well. I still get it occasionally, when my wrap is irritated. I have a very reactive stomach, so it causes me more trouble than usual. Barb and I have similar stomachs, and they can give us fits. While I'm thrilled with the results of the surgery, my stomach keeps me from enjoying it as much as I'd like. My wrap is made of that reactive stomach, so it irritates more easily than most.

You can expect your swallowing to get worse at this point in your recovery...peak swelling of the wrap occurs around day 14, so don't be surprised. It'll pass, though, and you'll be moving forward to a healed wrap! Hang in there. I think you'll be surprised at how soon you'll be eating pretty normal food. I certainly was! I kept saying as much to my husband, and he agreed.

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mary! You're still two years younger than me! yeah
Take care,
Denise turn
Posted 8/31/2009 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
It was nice to get the birthday greetings. My co-workers forgot about me oh well.

Yes Denise I do get the gurgling in my belly so while I am recovering I'll make sure I can get to the bathroom right after eatting. I have read all your posts they have been a big help as have the others. Things that might have had me worried I accept as a normal part of healing. If the symptoms become any differant from what I read inall of your posts or become more intense I might start getting comcerned. You guys are the best and have made this journey so much better. Thanks to all of you Bill, Barb, Bea Denise, Kitt, Janice, Ann, Rafael and anyone else I might have forgotten to list. I am getting old and the memory is not as good as it used to be so forgive me if I missed your name
Mary
Posted 8/31/2009 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
day 13
Things were a bit better today Of course all I have had to eat so far today is a bowl of cereal. Have not been very hungry lately. I need toget up andclean this house but will not over do it. My pups are shedding bad I have to at least sweep thought about vacumming but figured that might be pushing it since it is an old heavy model vacuum cleaner.Having al little difficulty swallowing and still having some reflux but it has not been two weeks yet and the body is still healing itself. Overall I am very pleased with the surgery. If I could only get my television to fast forward through all the food commercials things would be better. I want the new McDonalds Angus burger or whatever it is called It looks so good. Hope everyone has a great day Hugs toall
Mary
Posted 9/1/2009 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary,
The Red Lobster commercials used to be the hardest for me! Lobster Fest was going on...Oh well...this too will pass. Before you know it, you'll be able to eat anything you want to, so hang in there!
I'd skip the vacuuming if you can wait a bit. Especially if it's a heavy machine.

Try to get your nutrition if you can, Mary. If you can figure out some more nutritious foods you can manage, it would be better for your healing. Even though you're not feeling up to eating much, you should try to get some healthy things into you.

I know how worrying the healing symptoms can be, but don't worry. It takes time for things to settle down.
Take care, Mary, and feel well!
Denise
Posted 9/1/2009 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Happy Birthday Mary!!!!!
Posted 9/1/2009 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
To get some protein and vitamins in try high protein drinks like muscle milk, boost high protein, or glucerna high protein.

Joy

Posted 9/1/2009 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
wishing u a speedy recovery

b

Posted 9/2/2009 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Day 14
Woke up with sharp pain in my left side and my belly is swollen. Also feeling a little naseaus and feels like food is stuck in my throat. As going back to the liquid diet. I see the doctor tomorrow for my 2 week check up. Think I will head back to bed.
Mary
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