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laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication tomorrow - a diary

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Posted 9/29/2010 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
The title says it all. In 3 hrs I'll travel to Pittsburgh for surgery. I should be discharged Thursday if all goes well.

I have to say I'm a little nervous. I mean, this is my stomach and esophogus we're talking about, but the gerd and heartburn have gotten even more severe the past few weeks. I need this surgery.

I'll come post everything on Friday. I should be (hopefully) feeling good enough to get on the computer.
Posted 9/29/2010 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Best wishes, hope it all goes well and you're soon on the way to recovery xx
Posted 9/29/2010 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
All the best. We are looking forward to your updates
Posted 9/29/2010 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hang in there. Soon you'll be a member of the wrap club.
Take it easy and go with the flow.
Posted 9/29/2010 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hoping all has gone well for you and I will be looking for an update.

Take care,

Kitt

Posted 9/30/2010 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hoping all went well.   Looking forward to hearing from you.
Posted 10/2/2010 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
I got home around 1:00pm yesterday.  about 30 hrs after the beginning of my surgery.  IMO, I should have stayed 2 nights because this was way too early to release me.  I was in a lot of pain and I thought I'd be going to the er here in the middle of the night.  So laproscopic or not I think ya need 2 nights.

My procedure went well (or so my Dr told my husband).  I had the partial wrap and it took about an hr.  I have 5 incisions that are covered with steri strip.  I am on a full liquid diet right now, which is all liquid of a thin consistancy.  When it comes right down to it, I haven't a lot of choices.  I've had flav-o-ice, jello, carnation instant breakfast drink, coffee, chicken broth.  That's about it.  After this first week I can go to more thicker liquids like ice cream, pudding, etc.  This is a TOUGH diet.  You can only have a small amount at a time too.  It's really easy to overdo it even on liquid and feel terrible for a few hrs.

When I came home yesterday my back was killing me.  Even my pain meds wouldn't help.  I was so miserable.  I couldn't get somefortable at all.  And then I had a few spoonfuls of applesauce to put my crushed percocets in (I can't swallow pills).  I had crushing pain in my stomach.  It was sooo bad.  I did get some sleep last night and without an incline!

Things are  moving in the intestines.  I've had some good gas so that's on track.  I've also been able to burp a handful of times so there's a few things that I don't have to worry about.

I'm really confused and hurt right now.  And even feel violated, which has colored my experience.

When I was in recovery I was in and out.  I recall waking up and there was a tube down my throat I started gagging on.  I tried to grab it but I couldn't get my hands up.  I was yelled at by 2 people I never got to see and told to leave it alone.  I'd fall back out then wake up and start gagging, trying to grab at it.  The next time I woke up and started gagging my hands were being restrained like someone in an asylum!   I remember off and on them saying I needed to keep my eyes open and wake up so they'd take the tube out.  Then finally a guys voice telling me to open my mouth wider and he'd take the tube out.  When it came out I thought I had thrown up a bit with it.  I didn't think about that again until many hrs later when my husband said I had a little blood spatter by my lips and he was trying to wipe it off.

Also, now that I'm writing this down i remember having a large bandage on my left wrist.  There is a cut and a little bruising by the vein..  Where they restrained me?  I couldn't figure out why the bandage was there.  I don't know if I even want to remember this hospital stay.  There several more incidents that upset me, I just can't go into it.  But yeah, I feel violated.  I'll write more about it tomorrow.

Posted 10/2/2010 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear you are safely on the other side. I'm sure the tube was there for a reason. Would be good to discuss how you feel about this with your surgeon though.
All the best
Posted 10/2/2010 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
That was probably a breathing tube to make sure you're breathing okay. Your fighting against it might had cause a small bleed in your mouth or throat.

The diet was tough for me also. Just remember no more that a 1/2 cup of food at a time if you can handle it.

Ask your doctor to order you some liquid Loratab it really helped my pains.
Posted 10/2/2010 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stormiente,
You're on the other side...congratulations! Thanks for sharing your experience with others. It helps others understand the process, and assists in preparing them for what to expect. Each individual's experience is unique--a result of a combination of the surgeon's approach/philosophy, their own individual physical condition, and how each person interprets what is happening to them.

I don't understand the tube in your throat either. That was not my experience. Some have had an NG tube to suction blood, mucous, etc. out of their stomach (I didn't, but others here have.). Having that experience shared here prepared me for the possibility. I have never heard of having the breathing tube in upon recovery. You'll have to ask your surgeon and see if something happened during surgery to cause them to think this was necessary. Generally you're well sedated when you have the breathing tube down, just because of the urge to remove it if you're conscious. That's definitely something to discuss (also the restraints).

Did you have to travel far for your surgery? When do you see your surgeon again? I saw mine at Day 5, and at that time he adjusted my diet. I could not eat or drink much at all in the early weeks. The swelling in the stomach creates a feeling of fullness.

I'm sure you've read that your wrap will become increasingly more swollen in the first two weeks, so your swallowing will get worse before it gets better. Don't worry...this too will pass.

I agree with Joy... Liquid Loritab was what I took in the hospital before coming home. Unfortunately, for some reason, my surgeon insisted that I could take the tablet form. Don't get that at all. Anyway, that would be my choice...it was great in the hospital.

I found ice to be soothing and helped with the pain of my incisions. The one at my left rib area was the worst, and the resident said that it was the opening where most of the manipulation and work occurred.

Rest up, and keep the faith! You will get better day by day, and before you know it you'll be better than ever!
Best wishes and healing thoughts,
Denise turn
Posted 10/2/2010 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for the well wishes and insight.  It's day 3 now and not doing too bad.  I've been up since 8:30.  It's 3:30 now and have had only 2 doses of meds.  I think I'm gonna try tylenol next time I need something just to see how I do.

I had a cup of coffee this morning.  I have to remember to NOT chug a lug everything.  So far 2 cups of coffee, jello, 1/2 cup carnation instant breakfast, 2 glasses of water and the broth from a can of vegetarian veggie soup.  Mmmm soooo good.  My parents called this morning (they live across the street).  My mom made home made waffles for the kids.  OMG...  dying here.  Then the hubby got some bacon from over there.  I gotta admit, they're trying to not smell up the house with food.  But my daughter microwaved some popcorn and the smell was mouth watering.  I'm seeing nothing but steak restaurant commercials. lol

So what was your best liquid you came up with?  I'm thinking long and hard on cake icing. lol  But I got on the scale last night before I went to bed and I went from 152 right before surgery to 149.

I haven't taken a nap at all today though I might fall out here soon.  I did a little housework.  I folded clothes and did a load of dishes.  I'm sipping Brisk Iced Tea.  I'm just trying to keep fluids in me. 

Dencha: I need to call on Monday and make an appt for a follow up between 3-5 weeks and I'll ask about my recovery experience on the phone.

 

Posted 10/2/2010 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
I drank muscle milk, slimfast, vitamin water, juices, beef broth, apple sauce, baby food, nibble saltines, milk, fruit juice bars, and jello.

I had my surgery over Christmas holidays and everyone came to my house to party. :(
Posted 10/3/2010 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
What torture couch!
Posted 10/3/2010 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stormienite,
Sounds like you're doing great! I would take it easy on coffee...it's very acidic, and your esophagus and new wrap could get irritated. If it doesn't bother you, I guess it's fine, but be careful.

I suspect many surgeons are worried about giving their recovering patience free rein with their eating (as mine did), since they may have had patients who didn't use common sense when choosing foods to eat.
My surgeon told me that he'd only had a couple patients who got into trouble with forgetting themselves and eating something that caused problems. I was so thankful, though, and as I was careful to follow the advice of "only things that can be chewed to a liquid", I had no trouble at all. Instead of blending whatever it was and eating it "already chewed", I had the pleasure of doing the chewing/blending myself, from Day 5 on.

It'll be interesting to hear what your surgeon's eating protocol entails. Here's hoping he trusts his patients to make good choices!

Hope you're feeling well today. On Day 4 I started having some funky throat spasms, and my mouth was making gallons of saliva. It was really annoying, but only lasted a couple days. If it happens to you, don't worry. Every day is an adventure!

Also, don't stress if you get a bit of reflux feeling in the early weeks. Everyone panics, thinking that their surgery didn't work and that they're back to square one. Not so. When the wrap is swollen, it doesn't settle into place correctly, and a bit of reflux can be let out. Not everyone experiences that, but if you do, don't worry. In time the swelling will go down and things will be just fine.

Take care and keep that positive attitude!
Denise
Posted 10/3/2010 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
Day 4:

No narcotics today.  I think I'm over the hump.  I've taken some tylenol.  It's pretty uncomfortable when I wake up but I slept really good.  Just pain when I rolled from side to side.

I'm so over ckicken broth.  My husband brought pizza home for the kids.  I swear I almost cried.  Right now though I'm craving bananas. lol  I've had a couple spoonfulls of ice crean and get a lot of gas after.  Does that mean I'm getting lactose intolerant?

I still have to work on my portion control.  I'm only supposed to have 1/2 cup at a time and unless it's measured and I go over it's too late and my chest starts to hurt.  My Dr was specific about this.  That if I start feeling full, then stop.

I got a shower and did a little walking at the grocery store to pick out some soup.  I'm really tired just from that.  I can't wait to go to bed.

Posted 10/3/2010 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
I got a lot of gas after my fundo when I had milk. I think it's because my stomach was irritated then.
For a little something different try very thin, watery cheese grits. It's filling and you feel like you had real food.
Try banana baby food or a banana pudding cup (minus banana).
I was going nuts by the time my doctor told me I could stop the broth (week three).
Posted 10/3/2010 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Wow,  what a great read and I am so glad to hear of your progress.  I would shoot someone that brought a pizza into me home if I could not eat it - Wild woman that I am  devil .

Keep on making progress.

Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 10/4/2010 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear you are doing well.     Please let us know how you progressing.  I am really glad to hear how you are doing.   Of course I know all people are different.

I am scheduled Oct 20 at Shadyside hospital in pittsburgh.    I am getting really nervous.

Posted 10/4/2010 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your posts! It is very helpful...I am scheduled for December 21st (no x-mas dinner this year!)

I have a question for those of you out there who have already had this done... It does seem like they throw you out the door when you are hospitalized these days. In my little info book it said 1-3 days in the hospital and my surgeon crossed that out and wrote 24 hours. My mom is a teacher, so she will be off work like I am from the university, and I am going to stay with her the first week after surgery. So, here's my question -- did any of you not feel ready to go home after 1 day and ask to stay 1 more? Did your surgeons oblige? I feel like they want you out the door because it makes their stats look better.

Sharlene
Posted 10/4/2010 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
My surgery was done 0n 9/01/10 and i was out of the hospital on 9/03/10. I guess this really depends upon your doctor. As far as the food goes, it is still a liquid diet for me as soft food for some reason, wants to come back up and this is hard to take. As of today, it has been 34 days since my surgey was done. Last week, my doctor ordered a barium swallow to check on my wrap if it might be too tight and if there might be any scaring. I am to see him again on 10/12/10 to find this all out. We are not all the same, and we all heal in different ways. I for one am not happy so far as my surgery goes, and the lank of communication that my doctor has failed to tell me as to what to expect after surgery. The best of luck to you and i hope you have a doctor you can talk to.
Posted 10/4/2010 8:46 PM (GMT 0)

My sugery was pretty easy.  I only stayed 24 hours.  Main thing is do not overeat.  1/2 cup every couple of hours.

No coffee or tea for awhile.  Nothing acid.

Oatmeal was my mainstay. 

As far as that steak dinner, my doctor after 2 weeks told me I could eat anything I wanted, small amount but no carbinated drinks or steak for a few months.  Watch breads and chew chew chew. 

By a blender and put things like potato soup in it.  Good luck.

When you have the pain in the shoulder it is usually because you ate too much at one time.  Walk around the block, it helps with the gas causing the pain.

Jayne

Posted 10/4/2010 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
I had my surgery 12/21/09 and was home by 4:00 the next day.
Be prepared for many temptations that week. It seemed all the comercials on tv was for food I loved. I did manage to sneak a cookie and nibble in it for 15 minutes. :O
Have you a cooler by your favorite resting place filled will delicious goodies ( puddings, applesauce, jello, juices, muscle milk) and put fruit juice pops in the freezer (I liked Eddys).
I had my surgery over Christmas break, too. I felt ready to go back at two weeks with limitations.
Posted 10/5/2010 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Day 5:

My kingdom for a cheeto!!  But besides that I've already lost 5 lbs.  Too bad my belly looks like Fred Sanford's.

My diet consists of broth, jello, yogurt, flavoice and pudding.  Did you guys actually measure out 1/2 cup broth?  I'm still over "drinking".

Wed is the one week mark.  I'm gonna celebrate with a pureed potato soup.  I wonder if it would be okay to melt some shredded cheddar cheese in there.

I've only been able to get these teeny burps out.  Just once today.  It's rather uncomfortable.  No problem with farting though!!  Unfortunately, no BMs yet.  I'm sure it'll be a BLAST when I finally do.  (literally)

My follow up appt is on the 12th and hopefully he won't want to see me again.  4 hr drives a day are getting really old.

Also, still off narcotics so I figure I'm good to go on that issue.

Posted 10/5/2010 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
It sounds like you're doing great, Stormiente!

BTownGal,
I was out of the hospital the following morning...24 hours was just fine...as long as things go well with the surgery there is no reason to stay any longer.

Best wishes to both of you!
Denise
Posted 10/5/2010 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all of you who responded to my question. My surgeon told me that as long as I can walk on my own, swallow pill form pain meds, and drink liquids, I will be able to go home the next day -- which of course is much preferred in my eyes -- just don't want to be thrown out the door if for some reason I am having issues.

Thanks all!

Stormiente...it sounds like you are doing really well! I'll admit that I have been bad - eating anything I like and want recently, knowing how restricted I will be for a while after surgery -- hopefully I can lose the bit I gain after surgery ;)
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