Post Nissen...wondering when I will feel normal again?

Hi,
I am 7 days post-wrap and am feeling a bit down. I am wondering when I will start to feel better. I am still on a pureed diet and cannot handle anything else. I have lost 13 pounds and have zero energy. I have two small children and am hoping to feel better soon so I can keep up with them. They are part of the reason I had the surgery done in the first place. I guess I'm looking for advice about how to get back to normal. I didn't realize what a dramatic change this would be post-op.

Thanks!

Hi Texas rt, Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club!     I'm glad you've started your own thread, so others can find your posts and respond directly to you. It always amazes me that GI doctors and surgeons don't prepare patients better for this surgery. I was fortunate enough to find this forum before my surgery, so I had lots of information and guidance going in. My surgeon didn't really give me a lot of information either. Honestly, they don't really see the recovery...they do the surgery, see the patients once for a follow-up, and send them on their merry way.   The first week is definitely challenging, as your swallowing is not all that comfortable. I hate to break it to you, but things will get worse before they get better. Inside you have had major surgery (the little incisions outside belie the big changes that occured within). Your wrap and hernia repair will become more and more swollen until they peak at about Day 14. At that point they start going down and the healing begins. Don't be surprised if your swallowing gets harder next week.   You will get back to normal, but it will just take time. The majority of the healing will take six months , but the rest will take about a year . Losing weight is a normal result of the surgery, as the swelling in your stomach mimics fullness.  This will subside over the next weeks, but it's a gradual process.  As Sandi said, you have had MAJOR SURGERY, and you should feel worn out!  It will take time to get your strength back.  Once you are eating more normally your strength will follow.     You should discuss your lifting restrictions with your surgeon.  You certainly don't want to undo your repair by lifting something heavy before you should.  Also, be sure to get a script for anti nausea drugs to keep handy, as you won't want to vomit at this early stage, as it could damage your wrap.     This forum was a blessing during my recovery from surgery.  More experienced members provided me with really valuable information and support.  I stuck around after my recovery (my surgery was in Feb. 2009) to try to help others the way I was helped.     Here is a link to my early recovery posts.  Ignore the references to coughing, as I has a unique issue with my lungs, which was the real reason I had the surgery.  Hope it gives you an idea of what you might expect in the next days... https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443   Again, glad you've joined us.  Happy Healing! Denise

Hi texas rt,

 

I continue to be amazed at the lack of information that surgeons provide their patients.  If you went into this surgery thinking it would be a quick fix, I can only imagine how shocked you must be with your recovery issues.  It is so unfair to not be properly prepared.  I hope you will use some of the posts here to educate your family on the difficuties that we all have when recovering from a Nissen surgery. 

It is very typical that your stomach is distended now.  That will gradually subside.  Many of us wear looser, elastic topped pants during the early days/weeks to protect those sensitive incisions and accomodate the bloat. 

Thanks for your expression of understanding.  It is amazing how GERD to really damage lungs.  My asthma doctor expressed real concern over the fact that GI docs only consider the affect acid has on the esophagus and not the lungs.  He said that they don't understand that a tiny amount of acid (not enough to be a danger to the esophagus) can be a real danger to lungs.

Before my surgery I was using a nebulizer several times a day, and my husband was doing lung PT to help me cough up mucous so I could breathe.  It was such a struggle.  I was also on high doses of inhaled steroids, and intermittent oral steroids.

 I didn't know if surgery was going to help my lungs. I didn't have a choice, though.  I had to try.  (My surgeon said that, "If your lung problems are caused by your GERD, the surgery will make them better.")  It took two and a half months for them to heal.  Thankfully, the surgery did work, and my lungs are much better.  I do have severe pollen allergies, and although I get shots, my allergies have been terrible.  Still, since the surgery, even with the allergies, my lungs are really doing well. 

Just remember that your lungs didn't get bad overnight, and it will take time for them to heal.  Also, as far as pain in the shoulder, have you tried walking?  If you can figure out a way to either walk around the house, on a treadmill, or outside, it can be helpful with shoulder pain.  It surely helped me. 

I'm glad you've joined us! 

Take care,

Denise

 

Hi TX,
You haven't posted in a while. How are you?????
I am about a week ahead of you. I just passed three weeks. Still tired, still dealing with some things, but nothing compared to what it was before surgery.

I've lost a bunch of weight like you. They moved me after two weeks to soft foods, and then took me back off. My body wasn't ready. That doesn't help with our energy levels I know. Hang in there. It's going to get better.

Two small kids tend to suck out energy anyway, and I am guessing you're really struggling with the recovery and two children to care for. It's so important for you to rest. Is there anyone there helping you??? I have five kids but they are all grown. I have a puppy and that's a challenge. I won't be fussing anymore because I will think of you trying to manage two kids through this. You're incredibly strong to go through this with two small kids at home.

Please use this board when you can. Lots of wisdom here. You've got TWO incredible WARRIORS helping you on here already. Denise and Sandi are the BEST, as I am sure Gail will also tell you they are.

Hang in there....Listen to the advise, and keep in touch when you can. It will HELP YOU...

Praying for you..hope it's okay to say that...

Blessings,
Gina

Chandra

I started on soft foods after my 3rd week.. baked and broiled fish.. stuff like that, most things that can be chewed to a liquid.. that is the most important thing when you start eating..chew chew chew and take small bites.. eat frequently rather than 3 meals a day.. Listen to your body, it will tell you yes or no..

Reach for the Sunshine.. Rainbows will follow..

Sandi