HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Just had the TIF procedure and feel worse

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/31/2010 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
I am new here and looking for any advice. I just had the TIF procedure done on 10-27-10. Prior to the TIF I was having very painful burning in my chest and stomach but nothing in my throat. After a EGD and a Barium swallow it was determined that I have severve GERD. I started taking Prilosec early september. That did not seem to help. I know I am only 3 days post TIF, but my burning and pain in my chest and stomach is now the worst it has ever been. Is this normal? Is it just pain from the procedure?Please any advice or suggestions are welcome.
Posted 10/31/2010 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome,

I am sorry your having postop burning and I know we have some members who can answer your questions.  You are actually only on post op Day 2 as the 28th was the day of surgery.  So for Day 2 this may be normal pain for the procedure you had.  Do you have medication for pain control. If you do, try to stay ahead of the pain before it gets so bad instead of catching up with the pain control.

Again a warm welcome and stick with us.

Kitt

Posted 10/31/2010 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherwood,
Welcome to Healing Well! I didn't have the TIF surgery, but did have the Nissen Fundoplication, so I do have experience dealing with post-surgical esophageal symptoms.

It's totally normal for you to have discomfort. Your surgery, while "incisionless" does create major changes in your upper GI tract, and does involve stretching and stitching, which certainly explains your discomfort. As Kitt said, be sure to take your pain meds. Don't try to be a hero!

It will take time for your esophagus and new "valve" to heal and settle in. Try not to worry and jump to conclusions. It will take weeks and months for you to get back to normal. Although you didn't have the five little incisions on your belly that I had, you've still had some big changes, and your esophagus is sure to rebel and feel irritated.

Good luck with your recovery! Try to relax and be patient.
Glad you've joined us!
Denise
Posted 10/31/2010 11:10 AM (GMT 0)
I am taking Lortab for the pain. It hurts to even take deep breaths. I really hope I am jumping the gun on this. I so badly want to feel better again!! I want to be able to lift up my kids and play with them. Thanks for your input, it is greatly appreciated.
Posted 10/31/2010 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherwood,
Everyone tends to worry at this point. Did you surgeon tell you that you would feel no pain, and have no recovery period? My guess is that you're struggling with some of the same symptoms that come with fundoplication surgery. There is sure to be swelling and irritation.
A few days into recovery it's far too early to jump to conclusions.
Hang in there, and let us know how you're doing!
Take care,
Denise
Posted 10/31/2010 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherwood
I haven't had the procedure but I just wanted to say hang in there.
Lots of hugs and strength to you!
MM
Posted 11/1/2010 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
remember don't lift anything over 5lbs for the next six weeks at least or you'll pop your stitches
Posted 7/14/2012 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
I just had the TIF on Monday and my shoulders were killing me as well, I have also had this gagging cough and still clearing my throat. I'm am very nervous about popping a stitch.
Posted 7/14/2012 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
cpp,

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Many of our members will tell you the pain is from the gas they used in the surgery. For some reason it seems to hurt the shoulders.
Give it time. You may be  tender for a couple of weeks. You will feel so much better when you hit week six. That's the turning point. For some reason everyone has weird symptoms and aches and pains up until then.

Do not hesitate to call your Dr. if you have questions re the cough and "popping a stich".

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 7/15/2012 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
I had a TIF 15 months ago. I also had a cough and got a sinus infection. I tried to minimize my coughing and my TIF is fine. Take care of yourself and watch your diet. I know that the diet seems long but I feel that it was well worth it. No PPIs and I don't have to watch my diet as much.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply