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queenof thenight's nissen surgery

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Posted 8/29/2009 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
I am hoping to hear from those of you who have had the nissen surgery. I'm three days out of it - just came home yesterday. I ended up staying in the hospital an extra day. I have a few things to ask those of you who have had the surgery:
1. Are any of you who have had the surgery been on anti-depressants before and after the surgery? I'm on effexor, and wondering if my symptoms today are caused by that or if they are just normal. I'm having this kind of reflux - I guess- burping feeling that when I do burp, I burp up what seems to be frothy bubbly saliva (forgive the details, please), and inbetween, I salivate and have to spit. Has anyone else had these symptoms after the surgery? Also I feel really "backed up" in my chest. All I've had today was a very small container of yogurt and 3/4 of a slice of canned peach, plus the applesauce I used to take my effexor (capsules that I opened), oh and ice chips
2. Before the surgery, I was prone to constipation and had problems with that in the hospital; I personally think it was what delayed my release. I'm now worrying about how often I should be "going" given the miniscule amount of food I'm eating.
You guys don't know how much I appreciate this forum. It's what helped me decide to have the surgery. I don't mean to sound like I'm throwing in the towel, I'm just a little frustrated, especially with this burping thing. But then again, it might be too early in the recovery period for me to be worrying.
I'd appreciate any comments you have
Thanks so much
Margaret
Posted 8/29/2009 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Margaret,
Welcome to the "Wrapped Club"! I had the surgery in February, and know just what you're experiencing. I definitely had the overabundance of saliva that I need to spit out, rather than swallow--especially since swallowing isn't all that great 3 days out. It was something that came on kind of suddenly. I didn't have the saliva problem right a way...it started a few days out.
I thought it was related to some spasms of the esophagus, tho I'm not sure. Don't worry...it won't last all that long. It is annoying...spitting out all that saliva. Where does it come from, anyway!

I also found this forum very affirming and positive--unlike most of the other places I found on the web. Thank God for these caring, helpful people who helped me prepare for and recover from the surgery. I've stayed around to "pay it forward" and help others the way they all helped me.

Your wrap is far from settled into place, so burping, even a bit of reflux is nothing to worry about. Be happy if you can burp...it'll help relieve any gas you may have. Do you have Gas-X (chewable)? That's a lifesaver when you do get bloated. I understand the worry you may feel. All of us have been there, believe me!

It's very normal to feel full after eating a tiny amount of food at your stage in the game. You'll be that way for a while, then you'll gradually be able to eat a bit more, until you're eating a normal amount.

I don't know if you've read my posts, but I've copied the links below. You can copy and paste them into the web browser. You'll be able to see my progression of recovery. Everyone is different, but maybe it'll help you identify the stages you might experience.

Be sure to keep posting...let us know how you're doing, and be sure to ask any questions you may think of.
Take care, Margaret!
We're rooting for you! yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Denise

Pre-op
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1392590

Days 1 and 2
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1400327

Day 3
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1401655

Day 4
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1402680

Day 5
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1403765

Day 6
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1404600

Days 9-13
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1411473

19 Days
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1417831

Nissen Surgery Failures…my thoughts
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1407854
Posted 8/29/2009 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
Denise
You are saving my life here. I cannot thank you enough. Now on to reading the rest of your posts.
Margaret
Posted 8/29/2009 10:18 PM (GMT 0)
HI margaret
I am 11 days out from my surgery. I did not have the saliva problem after surgery but sure had it before surgery. I started having some reflux symptoms about 3-4 days ago and now feel like food is getting stuck in my chest. This is all a part of the recovery from the surgery. the body has same serious healing to take care of and things might be uncomfortable during that period. The gas X was a life saver for me. Get plenty of rest and give yorself time to recover we are here for you. Keep us posted and let us know how things are going for you.
I could not have any solid food until after the first week. That is playing havoc with my bowel movements. It was almost a week before I had a bowel movement I did have gas though. Hang in there things will definitely get better. Welcome to this side of the surgery.
Mary
Posted 8/29/2009 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
Denise
Thanks sooooo much for putting all your posts in one place for me like that. I read them ALL. And now it's handy so I can go back and look at it for reference later on. I also think I was trying to be a bit too valiant too soon. I got up and took some Loratab elixyr. I think I'm going to keep that stuff handy for the next few days - I have a tendency to try and gut things out a little earlier than I should. I just sent my hubby out to the drug store for Gax-X and for Liquid Tylenol so I'll have it when I'm ready for it.
OK the Loratab has kicked in and I'm feeling better. You're a gem. Thanks so much
Margaret
Posted 8/29/2009 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
Mary
Thanks so much for your comment. As I just told Denise, my husband is out at the drugstore buying Gas-X. I'm glad to hear that I don't need to panic about not pooping. You guys are making my day. I don't know what I'd do without this forum
margaret
Posted 8/30/2009 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

Denise, Bill, Janice have all been heaven sent  for me.I had my nissan done on may 7th.

Good luck

B

Posted 8/30/2009 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
Margaret, I'm glad you're here; as you've seen Denise has so much information to share as does Mary. My surgery was a year ago July and the chewable gas-x was my saving grace as was liquid motrin. Being on effexor makes things a little challenging for you; it's a difficult med to regulate and when you throw in the ravages of this surgery, it can readily throw your digestive system into a mess; but I expect the constipation has more to do with the pain meds you were given while in the hospital. All of these things will pass in time

You are so very early in the recovery; 90% of your recovery will take place in the first 8 weeks; the remaining 10% will take a year. This is a major surgery and you have to remember this; your body is going to need the time to heal, so the word for the next several weeks is rest! the next word will be chew!

Remember to take your pain meds, drink plenty of fluids and rest. That's the best advice for the first week; after that there will be a lot of tips that we can give you to help you through the recovery. You'll learn, firsthand, what it's like to yack up a hairball, except you're not a cat and it won't be hair (I can laugh about this now, but the first time it happened, believe me, I wasn't laughing!)

The very best tip I received and I passed on was this: eating solids is a lot easier if you sip or drink very warm or hot liquid prior to eating. This helps relax the tightness or spasms in your esophagus and allows you to swallow. There will be swelling, it is normal, but pay attention to it as well. Most people come through this part just fine...I wasn't one of them LOL!, One last thing, just in case you're tempted...do not eat bread nor have a carbonated beverage...just don't do it!!
Good luck, stay with us!
Janice
Posted 8/31/2009 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Margaret,
Janice helped me a lot when I was in your place, so be sure to listen to her advice! I hope you're having a good day. I've been thinking of you, but was out of town, so couldn't respond to your posts. I'm so glad you found my posts helpful. While everyone's recovery is individual, I think there are some things that are consistent with all recoveries.

I tried to journal my recovery, so others might know what to expect. I was so hungry for information before and after my surgery. It was hard to make the decision to have the surgery--especially with all the scary and hysterical posts I read on the internet when I was researching it. Thank God for this forum. The people here are so positive and helpful. They gave me the courage to move forward with the surgery. I guess we have this in common, huh!

If we can answer any other questions, please ask! Hang in there! It takes time and patience to recover from this surgery, but you'll be surprised at how soon you'll be back to eating regular foods. If you can surrender into the recovery, and let it take you where it will, you'll find it much easier to deal with your experience. The more you fight it and try to rush the process, the tougher it'll be for you.

We're all here for you, Margaret!
Have a great night.
Denise
Posted 8/31/2009 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
Margeret welcome to the club. Tomorow will be 3 weeks out for me. I have found that staying positive by thinking about the outcome of the surgery and the life long benefit helps on the days when you just dont feel like ven getting out of bed. I found that walking helps me even though I get tired quickly.

This site is awsome because you can use it as a daily journal. I try to log in every nite and some times in teh morning. It really helps to vent your pain or your acomplishments as days go by. It also helps to hear from people who relate to you and have first hand experience. Unfortunatly some have first hand experience with some painfull issues that may arise but learning from them helps us know what to look out for and some times what not to do.

Dont lose focus and keep pushing forward.
Rafael
Posted 8/31/2009 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Margaret,

You are 3 days out and eating solid foods? No wonder you are having problems. I couldn't eat solid foods until my visit to my surgeon.

Hopefully you are just on full liquids (oatmeal is great and considered full liquids).

The best advise I can give you is to eat real often and only a 1/2 cup at a time. This should keep the pain away and the feeling of choking also. I know it is easier said than done but it should help. But be assured these are symptoms that often happen after surgery so don't be afraid that something is wrong.

You came to the right place and everyone is so great to share their experiences.

Jayne

Welcome to our group.
Posted 9/1/2009 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jayne,
Every surgeon is different. Mine had me on liquids in the hospital the first day only. After that I was told I could eat soft foods, and by the 5th day (when I saw him again) he set me free to eat anything I could chew to a liquid. Actually crunchy things like crackers chew to a liquid easily. It's interesting that they all have such different protocols.
At what stage of healing are you now?
I hope you're doing well.
Take care, and have a great week!
Denise
Posted 9/1/2009 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
HI Queen and Others.  I am heading to 6 weeks in a couple of days and still have good and bad days.  I agree with the suggestions to eat tiny amounts.  That seems to be the only thing that keeps the bloating down.  I have also been using beano and gasx I hope the two together don't cause a problem.. One thing I found that really upset my stomach and threw me into a wild gastiric nightmare for an hour or so was.........CHOCOLATE...... I thought, just one or two little pieces of chocolate cake shouldn't hurt.  YIPES.  I hope this doesn't last too long or maybe it was just a bad combination of other things.  IT happened two times after chocolate so I guess i will just stay away from it until Christmas.  The advice about stress also hits home.  Just a little stress and my stomach as they say, "turns".  I am trying to rest when not at work.  Lots of dust bunnies growing and things out of place, but I have a 5 day weekend coming so maybe I will find the energy to tackle some of it.I am back to jello, oatmeal and about half of a healthy choice little meal chewed to a fine pulp.  I am hoping this week and the next lead to continued healing for me and everyone else.  The slow intestinal stuff is normal,  with the reduced diet and pain medication it took about 4 or 5 days to get anything moving after my surgery.  i think that happens to everyone.  The day after, I had diahrrea and the dr said to take something, so I did and then nothing happened for a looooong time.  I hope everyone has relaxing plans for this end of summer holiday coming up.  I thank God I got my job back after being laid off in May.  I was panicking and on line applying for tons of unavailable jobs.  When the surgery came up, it was funny I hardly thought about work at all for some time.  Then I got rehired right before surgery so it was one less thing to be anxious about.  Not a lucrative job, but it pays the bills.  Actually I got both of my jobs back which really shocked me.  They are both part time but I am grateful. FOr those in early stages of recovery, try to rest. Stay in bed late if you can and just veg.  IT really helped me.  It is hard if you are an early riser or have lots of people counting on you, but try to get as much Couch time as you can.  I ordered The Rockford Files from Netflix and took a trip to the past.  Such a great series. Best of health to all,  Keep sharing your experiences.  It helps so much.  If we all were calling our doctors with every little question, we would probably have restraining orders!!!! Have a great night.  Please remember all of the fire victims here in California in your prayers.

Thanks,

Mariacarole

Posted 9/1/2009 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone
It's so good to hear from all of you.
My physician also had me on liquids the first day after the surgery, and now I just stay on a "soft" diet til I see the doc in another week. I had my surgery a week ago tomorrow.
Tried moving to liquid Tylenol yesterday and not so sure if I did the right thing. The Lortab elixr seems to work better for eating. I'm having some "back up" issues that make me wonder if my esophagus is relaxed enough on the Tylenol. Wondering if I should just finish the bottle of Lortab and then switch to Tylenol.
Yesterday was a good day. I was able to get a few things done - sitting down - and ate more than usual. I'm also trying to mix things up foodwise when I can since it seems like I'm eating alot of the same thing. Yesterday was kind of an ice cream afternoon/evening and I'm not sure that's such a good thing. Someone tell me if I'm being over analytical here.
Today, I woke up feeling like I had no energy. I have a prolapsed mitral valve and take inderal for heart palpitations. They took me off of it while I was in the hospital and told me not to start it again until I felt I had to - I have LOW blood pressure and when I'm sick or physically compromised, I've been advised to stop it until things get back to normal again - the drug will lower my blood pressure abnormally under those conditions since I already have low blood pressure. So I crushed one up this morning and took it with breakfast (I had some of a scrambled egg) hoping that things will get better. The symptoms I had upon waking were similar to what I have when I'm not on the medicine, so I'm figuring it's time to start again.
I went back to bed after eating and taking my meds and didn't wake up til almost noon. I have about another hour before I need to think about more pain meds, so I'll see how I'm feeling as to whether to do the Lortab elixr or the liquid Tylenol.
Thanks to all of you for writing. Your posts are the high point of my days right now!
Margaret
Posted 9/2/2009 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
It's a week since my surgery. Yesterday was rough - I'm trying to transition from the Lortab elixr and have found that liquid Ibuprofen works best for me. The liquid Tylenol was making me sleepy. The whole day kind of put me behind to ice chips and the like but I'm better this morning. My daughter brought me some Ensure, which I'm drinking along with whatever I eat just to get the extra calories and nourishment - I'm a small person and can't afford alot of weight loss.
I'm thinking about a gentle walk later today - we live on Lake Pontchartrain in Slidell, LA and have a pier behind our house that goes out into the lake - so maybe one full lap. I wonder if I might feel less sluggish if I begin some light exercise.
I am so thankful for this forum. This is the best. I would have spent so much time trying to reach the doctor and not gotten half the information.
I have a question. I am a singer, which is one of the primary reasons I had this surgery. After years of Prilosec and Nexium the hoarseness just would not abate. I am wondering if it is harmful for me to sing this soon after surgery. I did go to a rehearsal of a professional choir I'm in and sang - the music is not at all taxing; we're working on a jazz concert. I'm a soprano, so the range of the music is not at all demanding nor is anything else about it. The fist thing I noticed while singing was how much easier it was. I felt like I had my voice back again, less than a week after surgery. I haven't sung since - and my husband was furious with me when I did, saying I was going to have to have the surgery re-done, etc., but then he also knows nothing about vocal anatomy. I figure as long as I don't feel overtaxed energy-wise or don't hurt in any particular place, that it's OK for me to go ahead and sing. Trust me, I know that I'm not yet ready for the Verdi requiem scream fest that will be in January. As a singer, it's always been my m.o. - and I've always told my students - if it hurts or you're working too hard - STOP. Does that make sense to you? I'd really like to hear what you have to say on this one. Thanks so much!
Margaret
Posted 9/2/2009 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Margaret-
Sorry I am so tardy in showing up here. Guess you could say I've had a lot of "issues" here lately. Anyway, Welcome to the Club and everything that these great people had told you has been right one. When things get a bit rough eating wise, back off to something way easier until it feels better. Everyone does heal in their own way, but we can give you a general time frame and such to be thinking of. I don't have all the threads easily available as Denise does, but if you get really bored and want some strange reading go back to the beginning of "Where in the World is Bill" thread. You never know what you might find there.
Hope things progress quickly and remember to have a lot of patience and try to keep a great attitude, it really helps.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 9/3/2009 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Margaret,
It's great that your voice has improved so soon after surgery! I would think that singing would be just fine, but that's a question to run by your surgeon. He/she's be the one to be able to give you the definitive answer.
You're on the road to recovery and will be getting better by the day. There'll be some ups and downs, but it's full speed ahead!
Walking is a great idea. You'll regain your strength, for sure. I did a lot of walking, and it really helped me.

Hi Mariacarole,
Six weeks out--that's great! You're going to continue to see some positive changes. It does take time, but be patient.

Bill,
I've been back in school this week...Crazy busy!
The kids come bright and early tomorrow, so I've got to get to bed. Glad to hear that you were negative for diabetes. YAY!
Hope you're feeling better.

Wish I could post more, but I'm WAY busy. Also, tomorrow we've got to pack, so we can leave right after school Friday for a wedding in Ottawa, Canada!

The house sale is moving along well...the buyers got their mortgage commitment, and sold their house in four days. We're having the well/septic tests tomorrow, and the lawyer is doing the abstract search, etc.

Now we need to find an apartment!
Too much going on...way too much!
Take care everyone. I'm thinking of you all. Have a great week and weekend!
Denise turn
Posted 9/3/2009 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise, Thanks for the encouraging words.  The last couple of days have been pretty good.  The school District I work for has a furlough day on Friday and also gave me and the other supplemental teachers Thursday off so that makes a long weekend.  I May sub Though, if called.  In any case, it will be a nice long weekend.  Sounds like your move is closing in.  Moving is never fun.  If we were all in the same place, we could help you move!.  May it be as stress free as possible.

To all of the newly wrapped: Best wishes for continued progress and healing.  At six weeks, I feel almost normal most of the time.  I have a feeling that I will be eating much smaller meals from here to eternity, but that will be healthier in any case.  I just really miss eating spicy stuff, but hope to try adding it back in slowly soon. I have found that oatmeal really goes down easily and is healthy.  I am just eating about one third the amount I ate before. I am anxious to have blood work done after this to see how cholesterol is since I am eating light and hardly any fat.  It is not a big problem, but I would like the bad stuff a little lower.  My good cholesterol is very high so that is good.  DOes anyone know how the Nissen effects things like cholesterol? It is interesting to experience the evolution of this process.  I wouldn't want to repeat it, but it is interesting. To all U.S. folks, Happy Labor Day, to the International friends, Happy Weekend and Good Healing to all.

Mariacarole 

Posted 9/3/2009 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
Denise - thanks so much for your encouragement. Today was the first day I started to feel like myself again. I haven't had any ibuprofen since noon and it's now almost 11 p.m. I think it's safe to say I don't have to worry about round the clock pain relief any more. Also, tonight my husband and I went out to dinner - at my request - I ordered broiled fish and a side of spaghetti with garlic and butter sauce. I ate only small amounts of both and brought the rest home - but it was wonderful to go out and not eat mush.
Bill, thanks for your words of encouragement as well, and Mariacarole I find it interesting to hear where you are at 6 weeks with food amounts. I've always eaten portions that were on the small side - whenever we'd go out to eat, I'd almost always split my entree with my husband or one of my daughters. I like oatmeal too - have you ever had McCann's pinpoint oatmeal? It's delicious, but takes a long time to cook. I recently found that they make an instant which makes Quaker taste like shredded cardboard. Give it a try if you find it.
I cannot express adequately to all of you how much I appreciate your generosity with your stories. I hope everyone has a great upcoming weekend and continues to heal and eat well!
Margaret
Posted 9/3/2009 10:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Girls,
I also thought I'd always be eating less, but over time, (unlike some), I feel like my stomach is pretty much back to normal as far as eating goes. Now I'm a good eater, but I guess it's relative--depending upon how much someone ate before surgery. I can say, though, that maybe between four and five months my stomach was accepting anything I wanted to send it. I've gained back 9 of the 19 pounds I lost, and am hoping to keep it right there.
I hope everyone has a great day! Off to get ready to meet my class for the first time--and it's a full moon tomorrow! Wish me luck!
Take care,
Denise
Posted 9/3/2009 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Denise- I forgot that you are a second grade teacher. I taught middle school vocal music for years until Katrina eliminated my job. I hope you have a wonderful year. What a wonderful age to teach! Have a good time.
Margaret
Posted 9/3/2009 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hope all goes well with your class today. I hope I can contiue to eat small portions I can not afford to gain any of the weight back and still need to loose about another 40pounds.
Mary
Posted 9/3/2009 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Margaret,

Thanks for the tip about McCann's. With a name like that it sounds authentic.  Scottish style oatmeal is supposed to be the best because it isn't rolled and flattened out.  I love oatmeal.  I am going to look for the one you suggested in the health food store.  I haven't seen it at Safeway, but I have heard of the steel cut Scottish style oats.  Maybe it is on line. Just getting ready to go have my generic oats!  I bought a container of the steel cut oats recently and my daughter wanted it, so it went home with her.  Oh well. My stomach was in a real mess when I had the wrap, so that might account for why it is still not getting back in shape quickly.  Almost half of my stomach had moved out of place with the hernia, so it has had a big adjustment to make. It is coming along though.  It may also be the fact that I am so paranoid about stressing it. Things have been great all week so this may be a pivotal time.   I hope this is a good weekend for you and that your recovery keeps progressing so well.

Mariacarole

Posted 9/3/2009 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,
Glad to hear you're gradually feeling better. It's a process, and it takes lots of patience and trust, but it'll happen. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying anything you want to eat!

Keep in mind that your GI tract has been revised, so it's not like you're going to be a teenager again. There'll always be differences, but what an improvement! Worth every little quirk!

School went well. Second graders get very tired, and have trouble making it through the day. "When is lunch?" When do we go home?" and lots of wanting to lay down and rest. It takes a few weeks for them to adjust to their new schedule and the demands of school.
ME TOO!

I'm off to have some dinner (JUST got home from school and it's after 7 here--had to get ready for tomorrow and next Tuesday, because I'll be away for the weekend and will be leaving right after school tomorrow. Off to Ottawa for a wedding.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Denise
Posted 9/4/2009 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise
Glad your little people and YOU made it through the day. They are fortunate to have someone as thoughtful as your for their teacher.
You are so right about the change that's taken place in my GI tract. But I'm really OK with that. I went out today to have my hair cut and colored and was telling everyone about the surgery and this website. I'm actually thinking about seeing if all the session slots have been filled at the American Choral Director's Association conference this upcoming March. I would love to share my history and surgical experience with other choral directors and teachers. Vocal music teachers are the worst abusers of our voices because we're modeling all the time. And we seldom are able to give our students "busy work" when we're under the weather, so instead, many plow ahead and abuse their voices even more rather than taking care of themselves first. I'm not sure how many choral people know about the option of surgery. You wouldn't believe the number of people I've spoken to who have never heard of it. I'm not advocating that everyone with reflux should rush to the surgeon, but I think they should know their options - that's where this website came in for me. I joined back in June and just read, read, read. I now understand why everyone here wants to help everyone else - it's a quality of life issue. And I'm pumped to get the word out. Thanks so much!!
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