Wrapped...Recovery MUCH harder than expected

Hey all,
I had my fundo surgery 6 days ago and it has been much harder than I thought!

The surgery itself was successful according to my doctors and the first day of recovery seemed to go well. The second day I started to have extreme pain on my left rib incision and they decided to keep me an extra night. They released me on Sunday, and then on Monday night I was back in the ER with horrible pain that made it hard to breathe. They ran a ton of tests and think that maybe from coughing I irritated one of the internal muscles that had stitches in it? They readmitted me into the hospital and kept me there until yesterday afternoon.

It is just strange, because I worried so much about the possible long term side effects of this surgery, i didn't give much thought to the recovery. I had no idea what I was going to be experiencing. I realize that all I can focus on right now is my recovery. I haven't had an appetite up until today. I was forcing myself to drink broth, eat jello, etc. but usually it was just a few bites. Today I am finally hungry and found that rice crispies soaked in milk for a long time is the best.

Speaking of food...the hospital kept trying to feed me regular food! My doctor seems to think that as long as you chew you should be fine, but I kept requesting liquids, because I didn't want to push it so early on.

I also found finding a comfortable way to sleep at home is challenging. My bed is too high and it makes it hard to push myself up without using my stomach, so I am parking it on the sofa for a bit.

I hate being on all these pain meds, but I need to use them and let my body rest and recover. I can't wait to feel normal again!

I am excited to be reflux free and I just have to keep reminding myself of that during this hard time.

Hi Fundobride,
Welcome to the Wrapped Club!

Perhaps all surgeons are different, but the left rib area was the most painful for me as well. I was coughing a lot because before during and after my surgery I had a lung infection. Have you tried ice on the area? I found it to be comforting.

Most patients don't have problems to the extent that you did, but I'm certainly glad you've made it home and are on the road to recovery! Take those pain meds as long as you need them. You'll probably gradually switch from narcotic pain meds to liquid Motrin or Tylenol, once your pain has subsided a bit. You will probably want to take the heavy duty meds at night...pain always seems worse when you're sleeping.

We do have to educate ourselves and watch out for what we should and shouldn't do after surgery! It's common to be offered inappropriate refreshments in the hospital!

Take it easy, listen to your body, and remember that your outsides will heal long before your insides do. You've had major surgery, and you need to take it easy!

Happy Healing!
Denise

Hi Ahn,
I did the partial wrap. I believe it was a 180? So far I have had great success with it! Although I am still early in my recovery, about 2 1/2 months out. Although my initial recovery was tough, things have been smooth sailing for the last month and a half! I am very happy with the results.

fundobride

I am thrilled to read you are doing well and know that once you got past the first post-op days things got better for you. 

"I am very happy with the results." - great words for members to read.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt