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Nissen Fundoplication Recovery

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Posted 6/6/2011 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Group
I have an appt to see surgeon this afternoon to discuss this procedure. I have some questions that I am hoping you can answer since you all are the experts

I have difficult to control asthma secondary to contracting pertussis (whooping cough) 5 years ago. Long story so fast forward, I take 2 nexium a day along with 2 zantac a day and many times in afternoon or evening i have to take tums or guzzle mylanta. but also have to take nebulizer treatments and allergey pills and when really bad- perscription cough medicine. It sucks getting old!!

Had an endoscopy May 16th and espogeal motility test (boy that was awful!)Results show mild/moderate GERD (this after all these meds) I also have a small hernia and some small erosion like areas (not Barrets)

I am actually looking forward to the surgery from a relief perspective. Its speculated that my coughing and hoarse voice is from the GERD which aggravates the Asthma...which aggravates the GERD...viscious cycle

So my questions: I know pain is very subjective but: is there alot of pain post op? Is the pain primarily internal from the stomach going thru hell with edema from surgery, or the insertion ssites or both? What type of pain control should I expect?
How long is the hospital stay?
If you all work outside the home, how much time off does one need?
From all the posts it seems typical that you are on liquids post op but for how long and what kind? chicken broth, jello stuff? Then what? advance to cream soup?
As you can see I am a bit nervous about this. But I've suffered with this since I was 16 (also had my gall bladder out)
Thanks in advance for any quidance/help/suggestions you can offer
TruMac
Posted 6/6/2011 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cindy, yes I just started to take the Activia yougurt, so lets see how it goes
Posted 6/6/2011 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Jorgito:

Maybe you have gone back eating normally too soon. It took me a while, almost three months to back to eating normal. How about going back to eating smaller portions and softer foods and see if that helps. It's been 18 weeks for me I am still having problems. I have read and many people on this form told me that the healing takes six months to a year for recovery.

Cindy.
Posted 6/6/2011 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Laura, Activia yogurt does not have a lot probiotics in it...maybe 4 billion. You need to find a health food store and look for probiotics by New Roots....great product, each capsule has 11 billion probiotics. My sister had severe constipation and she started taking 2 probiotics a day....now she goes twice a day. There a yogurt named "Bio-K" look it up on line and you'll see the health benefits to it. Each yogurt has a 100 billion live bacteria in it....that would really help. It's a little expensive. When I came out of surgery, I used to eat three a day for a month straight. I think it really helped me. My only problem is now is burping and some rumbling in the stomach....I am patiently waiting for that to go.

Cindy
Posted 6/6/2011 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm 27 and am 6 days post op from having the nissen fundoplication surgery. I got the surgery in hopes to cure my LPR symptoms. I tend to worry a lot and thought it to be beneficial to talk with other people who are going through the same thing I am. So far the liquid diet has made me lose 5 pounds, haven't needed my pain meds for a few days now, was constipated for the first couple of days and now have loose stools. My belly makes lots of gurgling noises also. Are the loose stools normal after having this surgery and how long should it last?
Posted 6/7/2011 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi katgriff I am almost the same age as you I am 29 and I thought that I was too young to have the surgery, but now I can see younger people get the surgery also, in my opinion the worst part is the first 3 weeks, and in my opinion, it is not that much about the surgery itself, it is also the expectations about it, I still get very stress out when I think about my reflux, and in general all my stomach problems, but in my case I didn't experience anything overly painful, the first week is the worst, and then I was still a little bit sore for one more week, also my swallowing was a little bit restricted those days, but at week 3 I saw a big improvement in my swallowing. The surgery is a serious surgery, that is true, but at the same time, when it is done by a good experienced surgeon, the risk of complications is low and rate of success is high. For the whole first week my stomach was making all kinds of noise and had a lot of gasses, Gas-X was a big help, and for the first 4 days I had what I think it was dumping syndrome, which is watery diarrhea right after eat anything, remember also that you are on a liquid diet, so it is expected that your stools will be a little bit looser.
Posted 6/7/2011 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
I am having my surgery tomorrow morning and because of the responses I received, I am going into the surgery feeling much better. Thanks for the support

Post Edited (madhar) : 6/7/2011 3:36:12 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/28/2011 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
HI everyone, I am having pain in my chest like fire I dont know what to do
HELP ME
Posted 6/28/2011 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jorgito I am in the same boat, I have to say the intensity of the chest pain have decreased after the surgery but still having that stupid burning in my chest, hang in there, things will get better
Posted 6/28/2011 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Try some baking soda in water.
Posted 6/29/2011 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
eyes  Hi Everyone

I have not written in awhile. Everything is going great on this end. I had my surgery March 23rd and I can now eat anything that I want. I go easy and do not eat a lot at a time. First couple of months I was not sure if the surgery was going to be worth it but now I can say it is worth it. Just hang in there newbies!!!! I lost a total of 30 pounds but probably needed to do so.

Carol  or CO Grandma.

Posted 6/29/2011 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Carol,

I'm so glad to hear you're doing well! Thanks for stopping by to share. People in the early stages of recovery need to hear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I remember how hard it was for you, and it's great to know that things are going well now.

I hope you're enjoying your summer!
Denise
Posted 6/29/2011 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
eyes  Hey Denise

Thank you for all the encouragement that you gave me. You do not know how much your words of support helped me. We do need to try to help others get through.

Tahnk you again

Carol

Posted 7/29/2011 9:46 AM (GMT 0)

Hello all. I found this forum through a search as I am considering having this surgery. I was recommended for it a few years back after several tests, a colonoscopy and a ph probe. I decided at the time that I could "beat it" by exercising more and losing weight and modifying my diet.  I am currently about 30 lbs. overweight. So now I am unfortunately back to square one. I am a 53 year old male who does maintenance work and am frequently going up steps and bending over machinery to work on it. I find myself with chest pressure and completely out of breath and lightheaded. My question is does the surgery help with these symptoms and how long would I need to be off work. I take nexium now and have had difficulty swallowing in the early stages of my gerd, as well as I have a hilated hernia.

Thanks in advance

Mike

Posted 7/29/2011 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
Have you ruled out lately any heart problems to be sure?
You need to go through new testing to update any changes.
Barium swallow, manometry, EGD, pH test, and stomach emptying test.

If your problems are related to GERD then yes, the surgery will help you.
You will need to take a minimum of three weeks, but no heavy lifting for six weeks at least.
Posted 7/30/2011 7:26 AM (GMT 0)
Joy, thanks for your reply.
I made an appointment yesterday unfortunately it is 8 weeks before the Dr. can see me. I have been tested several times for a heart condition but all prior results were good. I feel confident they will start over and do all new testing. I have not done the manometry or the stomach emptying test. It is the bending over and climbing steps which has gotten steadily worse in the past year and that is my biggest concern, esp. when my job requires it daily. So for now I will just try to educate myself a little more and be careful the next 8 weeks or so. I will update when I have new news, Thank you again.

Mike
Posted 7/30/2011 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi laura & Jorja,

I've been reading your stories with interest & I'm sorry you have both been having a rough time with your recovery.

I'm 4 1/2 weeks post op & the one thing I have learned so far is 'PATIENCE'.
My surgeon told me it would take 6 months - 1 year to completely heal & throughout there would be random aches, pains & twinges so you both must try to relax & go with the flow instead of trying the fight your recovery.

If all your tests have come back normal & your surgeons are happy with your progress then you must accept this & try not to worry.

Our bodies heal at their own pace & there's not a darn thing we can do to hurry it.

What you are feeling is just a small speed bump on your road to recovery reminding you to slow down a little & take it easy for a while. 'Stop & smell the roses on the way back to a healthy you'

Take care. I hope each day gets better & better.

Lynda
Posted 10/3/2011 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all... Please help me with these scary concerns... So here's my situation... Had everything done prior to the surgery from barium swallow through manometry and finally culminating in the surgery... I'm a professional singer for a living, so you can imagine the horrible issues with gerd... Anyway, the surgery was done about 2.5 weeks ago and thus far I'm still experiencing some reflux issues, but more so and the scariest issue is the difficulty swallowing and the pressure that seems to be on my esophogas (but it feels like my throat) between last night and today I've halfway thrown up from food getting stuck and being in limbo, but what mostly concerns me is the feeling of the constant constriction in my throat... Is this something that will resolve itself? Any advice would be greatly appreciated... Rowe NYC
Posted 10/3/2011 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, one more big issue... Did anyone feel as though food was still being caught in their throat almost as it was before the surgery... I'm trying to figure out if it's food that still coming back up like before the surgery, or if it's food that hasn't fully gone down. That seems to be what my doctor thinks... I really can't even tell at this point... My esophogas just feels really tight...
Posted 10/3/2011 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Roweatkins,

Welcome to Healing Well!  You are now an official member of our yeah yeah yeah Wrapped Club! yeah yeah yeah

 

First, I suggest you create your own thread on the main page: GERD - Heartburn.  Just hit the Post New Topic button at the top of the page, create a title, and copy and past your question there.  It'll make it easier for people to find you and respond to your questions.  If you're anything like me, you'll have lots of them!

 

I'm sorry to hear that your reflux has caused havoc with your singing voice.  That's a bad situation.  When your voice is such an important part of who you are, hoarseness isn't going to work.  Here's hoping that given time to heal things will straighten themselves out perfectly.

 

I had the surgery (for lung issues) in February 2009.  Here's a link to my recovery thread.  It might give you some ideas about what to expect: https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

 

You're at 2 weeks post op, so the swelling of your wrap has hit its peak.  That's probably the reason why food is getting stuck.  Keep in mind that the esophagus is a dumb organ, and that it interprets all pain the same.  The esophagus thinks: Pain?  Must be Heartburn!  At least that's the message your brain receives.

 

Be sure that you're taking tiny bites and chew, chew, chew, chew.  It's not at all abnormal to have some food held back at the wrap site at this early stage of recovery. 

 

Also, if you were having some esophageal problems with swallowing prior to surgery, it will take time for it to heal and recover.  It took my lungs two and a half months to heal post-surgery.  Try to be patient.  You didn't get this way overnight, and it will take some time to heal and recover.

 

Here's a link with some great post-Nissen eating information.  I think it might answer some questions:

slhhn.org/docs/pdf/keystonesurgical-fundoplication%20diet.pdf

(This link will have to be cut and pasted into your web browser to work.  I couldn't get it to work with a direct link.  Sorry!)

 

People compare the feeling of food in the esophagus and "throwing up" to a hairball.  I think it's an apt comparison.  Just know that if you feel like something hasn't gone through your wrap, if you can relax, and drink some room temperature water or warm tea, you'll be able to get it through.  In most cases it won't be necessary to remove it by coughing/gagging it up.

 

Again, glad that you've joined us!  I don't know what I would have done pre and post surgery if I hadn't found this great forum!  That's the reason I stuck around to help others!

 

Happy Healing!

Denise 

Posted 10/6/2011 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much Denise, I really appreciate your advise, but unfortunately I think I'm still suffering from the reflux, because when I take the Nexium I don't feel the symptoms as much... I've read some of your blog thus far, but haven't gotten that far yet...
Posted 10/6/2011 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi roweatkins,

Really, it's way too soon for you to know whether or not your surgery is a success.  My surgeon said that anything is possible in the early weeks of healing--even reflux.  Your wrap is still swollen, and has may not have healed/gone down enough to allow the wrap to sit properly.  Because of that, it is indeed possible to actually have reflux.  Many of us have continued on PPI's after surgery to aid in comfort when healing.  What you're experiencing is not all that unusual. 

Try not to jump to conclusions!  Try to relax into your recovery and let it happen.  Recovery takes time--for the wrap's swelling to reduce and the healing to occur, but also for your vocal chords to heal.  It didn't take a few weeks to affect your voice, and it will take much longer than that to heal.

You are not the only one who has worried about the success of your surgery.  It's a very common concern--I experienced it myself.

Keep the faith, roweatkins.  Stick around.  You shouldn't have to recover without support of others who know what you're going through!  Why not start a thread of your own on the main page (GERD - Heartburn )?

Best wishes,

Denise 

Posted 10/13/2011 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everybody,

I wanted to stop by and let everybody knows how am I doing, as you know I had my surgery march 18, 2011, I was still having symptoms way after the surgery, however I can say that now, almost 7 month after the surgery, I feel so much better that I can't even believe it. Every once in a while I have symptoms, but my gastroenterologist say that it is because my esophagus is hypersensitive to normal amounts of reflux, I had a Ph study (hates it) like 2 months ago and it was totally normal, no reflux, so right now, I am not taking any PPIs, so I am off medication, what I have to say to everybody that it is recovering that have patience because recovery is a little bit longer than what doctor tell us. You may feel good outside it may take some time for the fixes to work. Unfortunately after the surgery I had a flare up of hemorrhoids that I haven't been able to control and i am looking to the possibility of having surgery for hemorrhoids, one advice I can give to everybody that is going through this surgery is don't let constipation set in. Ask your doctor what can you eat to maintain the normal fiber levels in your body. But if I would have to have the Nissen again I would totally do it, it has been incredible for me to be able to eat whatever I want. After the surgery I lost like 5 pounds but I gain them again, however when was able to eat everything I found out that I lost like 10 pounds, because before the surgery I would have heartburn when my stomach was empty so I would stuff myself of food, even when I was not hungry, so now I don't do that anymore so I have lost a lot of weight. So everybody that is in recovery for nissen, have patience that there is a light at the end of the tunnel
Posted 10/13/2011 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
laura_lmaxi

So good to hear from you and to know you are doing well.   Your post was inspiring and thank you for reminding the members that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Due to the extensive length of this thread (11 pages/272 posts) I am going to lock this thread today.  Please feel free to start a new thread and know you are a very important person here in the forum.

I wish you peace,

Kitt

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