Nissen, HHR, and Gallbladder Surgery all at once??

Hi tummytroubles,
Welcome to Healing Well! Sorry to hear you've had so many tummy troubles! You're definitely in the right place.

I totally understand the fear that is brought on by the scary horror stories on the internet. Keep in mind that most people who have the surgery never post online, but rather go on to live their lives happily. People who have problems are more likely to post online than those who are happy with their results.

Like you, I found this forum when I was searching out information before I had the surgery in 2009. I found the people here to be very positive, yet realistic about this procedure.

You will be able to take medications after your surgery through some adaptations...First, ask your surgeon to provide you with oral pain medication when you leave. If he refuses (they seems to be anxious to put people on liquid diets, yet insist on giving them big pills to swallow) you can cut or crush it and put it into applesauce. You can take chewable or liquid calcium. You can cut most pills, and open capsules and put them into applesauce or yogurt. You can get your doc to prescribe two smaller sized pills that when taken together equal the potency of the larger tablet. You can't chew timed release, but other types are fine. Be sure to have some liquid Tylenol or Motrin on hand for post surgery pain when you no longer need the narcotic pain relievers.

I suggest you ask your surgeon his protocol regarding NG tubes after surgery. I didn't have one, but some here did. My surgery took place in the morning, and I as released 24 hours later. Of course, if you have an open surgery you'll be in the hospital longer.

Good luck with your surgeries! Be sure to ask any questions you have...many here have experience with the surgery. I also suggest that you take a list of questions to ask your surgeon. He's the one who will be able to answer your questions best!
Best Wishes,
Denise

Hi tummytroubles, *hugs for you* I cannot give any thoughts on nissen or HH but I can tell you that I had my gallbladder removed when I was 23. I was having incredibly severe stomach and back pains, was admitted to the E.R (the pain was BRUTAL), and a about a month later I had the operation. My surgeon was awesome. He also told me that he didnt really want to operate if I had an attack the night before, I can't remember why this was. But I do remember that almost anything I ate (100x more bland than I am eating for Gerd) gave me attacks. I had a small one the night before my surgery, however the surgery went just fine. It was about 2 hours I think. I was given percocet for the pain. The first few days were hell. It was so hard to get in and out of bed so the second day I switched to my chair and camped there for about 3 or 4 days. I was eating turkey sandwiches on day 3... feeling better by day 5 I think.

I dont know if this causes medicines to loose potency but at a time when I was having problems with my teeth and afraid to swallow, I used to take my prescription (vicodin) and let them dissolve in a very small glass of water. They still took away my pain, but it tasted rather gross.

Anyway all three of your procedures at once will probably require so much more healing time but its probably a good idea to get them all done and over with at once. All the best to you. :)

I have had 2 Nissens and the first I had an NG tube until the next morning and with the redo I didn't have one. Surgeon's preference. They were worried about scarrring from my first lap Nissen, but were able to do it that way again without much trouble scar tissue wise, but the mess from my first surgeon was another story. I was able to swallow pills on day 3 without much problems. I could feel them sit at the wrap and another drink would push it through.

Take care,
Bill

hi just to let you know i was lucky, my doc had me stay in the hospital 6 days, and i had the machine to push button when needed for pain,  i am 2 weeks post op and i feel fine, never was sick, can eat almost anything and the only thing i cant do is lift anything heavy or touch my toes, swelling is going down a couple of more days and i will be back to my old self i think...i was on regular food by the seventh day, even ate a bag of crunchy cheetoes...didnt need any pain meds at home just taking things easy I am a 60 yr old female and my aunt is 79 she had it done too it took her a little more time to recover she can eat anything but corn, doesnt agree with her but thats all...so here's hoping your surgery is as easy as mine was...the hardest part of the whole thing was the cathither,(spelling) was hard to pee when took it out but thats all....no pain from the surgery

 

Denise, Joy, Gerdisawful, Amandapanda, Bill, Lilfox...Thank You so much for your replies! It's very good to hear everyone's experiences, it will help me to know what to expect. Bittersweet, I will be thinking of you as I go into surgery and hoping all goes well for you. Bill thank you for the advice on the plumbing issues. My IBS is more C since my last surgery this past October. Having to take fiber and colace every day/night. So hopefully it will end the need for that and maybe I'll balance out. Before that surgery it was IBS-D, so one can hope, LOL. LIlfox, I do remember the catheter feeling from my last surgery as well. That was a total vaginal hysterectomy. In Oct '09 I had my appendix removed. It's been 3 years of misery but these digestive problems are the worst. I'm lucky to be out of bed at all anymore, it's agony. Though ya'll know this already. UGH. I was wondering if I would have the catheter again, (it's kinda nice not having to try to make it to the bathroom with those boots to get off and on). I am 45 btw, so Lilfox, I am going to be thinking of you when I am recovering for my inspiration! :) Thank you ALL again, for advice and support. I'm not sure what questions to ask, I just know I have a million "what ifs, what about's, etc)... so I appreciate ANY shared experiences. My pre-op is Monday, getting nervous.

Hi tummytroubles,
Some surgeons routinely do barium swallows following surgery, while others do not. I didn't have one, and was given a tray the next morning...no problem. Ask your surgeon if this is routine for him/her. If he says yes, then express your concerns and see what the response is.
It's definitely not routine for all. Hope it's not for you!
Denise

I was also curious about the barium after surgery, I know it was torture when I had it as well because my gb decided to act up just at that time. I almost threw up on the table. I know my surgeon said after surgery they go back in with a scope down your throat to check it all out and an xray, perhaps this takes place of the barium..either way I would ask too. I have alot of questions and nervs still but will be thinking of you Tummytroubles, and we will have to post our recoveries afterwards.

I was very nervous as time grew closer for me too.
The night before I didn't want anything to eat. However the morning of everything moved so quickly I have very little time to be nervous. Just think... you'll get to sleep through the hardest part. :)

The barium swallow test I had after surgery wasn't done with a lot of barium. I only had to take a couple small drinks. More like sips. The first time they used the regular shake up stuff, but the redo I had the thinner stuff. Both times they did it with me standing. Some surgeons do it to be sure there is nothing leaking before they let you eat and drink.
Believe me you don't want a leak.....had a leak 4 days after my redo and just recently had a tear in my esophagus that leaked into my chest. Both of those were the worst pain I have ever had. The leak after my redo wasn't the wrap area, but was from them taking the one done incorrectly apart.

Take care,
Bill

Thank You Bill, Joy, and Denise. It really helps to know what to expect, or at least have an idea. I had my pre-op on Monday, and it was really thorough. Even did a chest X-ray. Have never had such a lengthy thorough pre-op before. Not sure if I'm more nervous or more relieved about it all now. Just very anxious. I have to call the Hospital Friday afternoon for my report time for the Hospital on Monday. They said I would be admitted for a day or two if able to do it laparoscopically. I am really dreading that shoulder pain. I have a torn rotator cuff and pinched nerve in my right shoulder and neck, and I remember how excruciating that shoulder pain was when I had my appendix removed. I have stocked up on gas x strips, broths, yogurt etc. Any other suggestions for diet? I was told by my surgeon I will be on a liquid diet for the first 2 weeks. I've been eating everything I can lately LOL but paying for it so should probably stop doing that. Thanks again for all your advice. Bittersweet, how are you doing?

Maybe you can ask the surgeon to drain off the gas for you? My surgeon did this and I had no pain.

I wouldn't try ice cream, but a popcicle is okay. I had one just hours after surgery for first meal. :)