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New to posting, finding my way after fundoplication surgery

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 1/15/2012 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
I get you! The Dr made it seem so simple. He gave me a handout and figured that was enough. His office is closed until Tuesday so I'm stuck.

I purposely went to USC to the doctor I was told was numbro uno in this field. I chose to travel 4 hours each way for appts and feel that I was ill prepared for this procedure.

I have fibromyalgia which causes me to feel pain more acutely than most others and my mental state is a little fragile right now. I will say that I am not shy about confronting medical personnel, so he's liable to get an earful this Thursday's appt!

I guess we just have to tune out these spouses and realize maybe they're just scared - you know men, they just want to fix the problem, even if they haven't a clue how!
Posted 1/15/2012 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nyteller,

First, taking PPIs during recovery is a way to protect your wrap from an onslaught o acid while it is healing.  It doesn't mean that you'll be taking it once you're healed.  If you want to be comfortable while recoverying, PPIs will do a lot to help in that regard.  You don't want your body going through rebound during this stage. 

Yes, some go off PPIs immediately after surgery, but many continue during the first couple months or so to allow their healing to occur with a reduced amount of acid. Remember that your wrap is still swollen...this takes time to resolve.  Because of that it's likely not fitting snugly and can allow some reflux to occur.

It doesn't matter how long you've been recovering, if you're experiencing pain, you should be taking pain medication.  I found that nighttime was the last dose to go.  At night everything feels worse, and every pain is magnified.  I'm with your husband regarding taking care of your pain.

I can't remember what stage of recovery you're at, but during the first few months there are many challenges.  Hang in there.  Things will improve over time.  It takes a full 6 months for most of the healing and the rest takes a year.  I found some things continued to improve into the second year. 

Patience.  Try to go with the flow...

Denise

Posted 1/15/2012 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Wow! USC. I know you got a good wrap.I am a So. cal. Gal myself and USC is my God. I had mine done in Scottsdale at the Mayo clinic, so what I think we need to remember is Patience. 6 months they say, I have it. I am retired. Let's just take it easy, take our pain meds and enjoy the down timeGod bless!
Posted 1/15/2012 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the support! I will try to take the Nexium tonight in some applesauce (is that a good choice or I made some egg custard?). I did take my pain meds today and I was able to swallow water easier and also eat some of that egg custard. I also picked up some GasX. I'm sure if I could just sleep through the night I would have a better outlook. Denise: I'm on my 12th day after surgery.

I haven't slept the night thru since January 1st!

Eloy: Why did you end up going to the Mayo clinic?
Posted 1/16/2012 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Nyteller-

My 2nd surgeon trained at USC and said they are definitely the cutting edge on this surgery. He ranked the Cleveland Clinic as #2. He still goes there once in a while to keep up with what's new.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 1/16/2012 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nyteller,

You can take the Nexium in either applesauce or egg custard...just try not to chew it, as it's timed-release and it'll mess up that capability if the granules are chewed.

At 12 days you're in the thick of your recovery, approaching peak swelling of the wrap.  Are you sleeping with your head elevated?  It would probably help you be more comfortable.  Either keep the head of your bed elevated, sleep in a recliner, or use a wedge.

Take those PPIs and those pain meds.   There's absolutely no reason for you to be uncomfortable.  I remember that after I could handle days with just liquid Tylenol, nights still required narcotic pain meds. Also, if you're used to sleeping on your side, it takes time to get used to back sleeping.

All of this will improve over time.  Just take it a day at a time. 

It'll happen!

Denise

Posted 1/16/2012 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
Denise:

I have an adjustable bed with motorized ability. I have that thing cranked all the way up to almost a completely upright position.

Thanks for the tip on the Nexium capsules. I'm going to try that and some GasX before going tonight. Wow, if I could just sleep all night. I'll let you know how it works out. Thanks for all your suggestions.
Posted 1/16/2012 8:07 AM (GMT 0)
My nurses here weren't much help on the pain Meds but when I finally talked to my dr he said I could stay on them and so I did for almost 4 weeks! Denise is rt.. Staying on the nexium for at least a few weeks will allow your stomach to heal wiout dealing with the acid rebound you may be having from quiting them. Also stopping them cold timely is not a good plan. Try weaning off them slowly. Of course check with your dr first. I have a lot of posts on here about my surgery. Maybe they will help. I feel sooooooo much better now! Normal diet, still some pains here and there but getting better. Hang in there
Posted 1/16/2012 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Day: 13

Well, last night was the worst so far. Almost aspirated into my lungs after several episodes of reflux. Woke up with a very hoarse throat due to acid burn.

Called the Dr office and of course they are closed for the holiday. Luckily, they had the service on and one of the other Doctors did call me back. He's concerned that because I'm not eating foods that the acid is building up with no job to do. He was going to try and get me in Wednesday but I explained that I was in Las Vegas and had an appt scheduled for Thursday anyway.

He did recommend that I try Prilosec instead of the Nexium because it's easy to handle ( crushable rather than trying to corral all those tiny beads in Nexium) twice a day mixed with like mashed potatoes.

I found that raising the head of my adjustable bed wasn't sufficient, my back was hurting like crazy, so I adjusted the bed at the knees and that took the pressure off.

I think I actually slept for about an hour after that. So, Nexium & GasX didn't do the job last night. Here's hoping the Prilosec does. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for all your support!
Posted 1/16/2012 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
I am really sorry you are having those problems. Luckily, I had no reflux no heartburn, I just can't eat and thought the pain would be long gone by this time. It also rained last night in the desert, this morning it's cold, in the 50's. My body responds to warm sunshine, so I will bundle up with my book reading from my bookclub and take it easy today. Pillates tomorrow!really wanted to start back to my exercise today, but I have that nagging, bruising feeling in my left surgical sites today. One step forward two steps back it seems
Posted 1/16/2012 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Wow! Pilates! I couldn't do that before surgery! Isn't that a lot of strain on the abs? How will that affect your surgery sites? How long has it been since your surgery?
Posted 1/16/2012 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Eloy,

Have you checked with our surgeon regarding starting pilates?  I don't think it's wise unless you have.  Listen to your body.

Take care,

Denise

Posted 1/16/2012 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
I just got this MSG. And it is too late to call my surgeon. I will take your advice and wait until I am cleared. Maybe she can suggest something else. As I said before I feel that my body is turning to mush, and walking only keeps my cardio going. There must be something to stimulate the muscles. I have lost so much weight I am skin hanging on bones
Posted 1/16/2012 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Eloy,

It isn't forever.  Just give your body time to heal.  Your surgeon is the best one to let you know if it's wise to start pilates so early.  I would be surprised if it was considered advisable do something as strenuous as that at four weeks post-op.  Your hernia repair alone needs time to heal and become strong before overstressing it.  In addition to that, your wrap is still healing.

I may be way off, and your surgeon might just tell you to go for it, but I would be very surprised.

Be sure to ask your surgeon when she thinks that whatever type of exercise you want to do is allowable. 

Better to be safe than sorry!

You'll get there!

Denise

Posted 1/17/2012 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Day 14:

After moaning and groaning so much, finally some good news! I actually went all of last night with no reflux or regurgitation! Woo! Hoo! I'm not sure if it was the Prilosec the Dr recommended or the fact that I decided to sleep sitting up on the couch - maybe a combination of the two. Whatever, I'm thrilled!

So far the crushed Prilosec has not mixed well with pudding or my attempt at cream of wheat this morning. Any suggestions? And Denise you are so right about that 14 day phase. Again, this morning I had that foamy stuff in my mouth.

Sterile strips still slow to come off, but if they don't come off on their own by Thursday I'll just let the Dr handle it.

It's amazing what sleep can do to help your lookout on this surgery stuff. I feel much more hopeful today. Thanks for all the encouragement!
Posted 1/18/2012 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nyteller,

Glad to hear you're starting to feel better! It's very challenging the first couple of weeks.  The Prilosec site recommends mixing the granules with applesauce.  Do you have a delayed-release form?  If so, you're not supposed to crush or chew the granules.  If it's crushable, that won't matter.

I remember even mixing crushed pain meds with applesauce.

If you haven't tried that yet, see if it helps.

Keep up the good work!

Denise

Posted 1/20/2012 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Day 16:

Just returned from USC for my 2 week checkup. Dr was happy with my progress and answered a lot of my questions. He explained that that foamy stuff I was experiencing was indeed saliva and when it rose to the top it was not acid reflux. He said what goes down, stays down. Because the swelling has not subsided, the saliva collects at the valve and then comes up when the pooling gets too much to handle.

I explained that it was worse at night he said that was because as GERD sufferers for protection from the acid we produce extra saliva at night. He recommended that I drink hot tea with lemon to cut the phlegm. As most of you have experienced, I was a little bit hesitant to drink anything before bed, but he said that was my old reality, before fundoplication.

I see him again in three months for a scope and then, if no complications, again in one year.

I'm still on liquids but for some reason, extra creamy mashed potatoes go down nicely. And at least it tastes like real food - I can only take so much of that Muscle Milk. And it's not even chocolate. turn
Posted 1/20/2012 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
After my surgery, for months I ate diliuted cream of wheat really runny... stir in a little cinnamon or jelly to flavor it.

Then I graduated to soft instant mashed potatoes, also runny.

Sometimes I would sprnkle a little shredded cheese on top for protien.

LOTS of milkshakes and smoothies.. made with sherbet....

small sips, wait a bit, small sip.. wait...

You will get through this!

I now can eat about anything I want, and take Beano!

3 pills gulped before eating and I can manage a slice of pizza now!
Posted 1/20/2012 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
I thought I wouldn't be able to swallow pills after this surgery?
Posted 1/20/2012 6:28 AM (GMT 0)
Omg I'm planning in getting a nissen for lpr in a few weeks and getting totally nervous from this thread. I hope you feel better ny!
Posted 1/20/2012 8:42 AM (GMT 0)
I was given pills to swallow in the hospital and have taken at least 3 a day, everyday, since surgery on Dec 13th.
Posted 1/20/2012 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't had any problems swallowing pills with any of my nissens. In fact I just finished a course of anti biotics with pills that were an inch long and about 3/8 thick with no problems.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 1/20/2012 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Wow! I guess I don't understand how you can get pills down and not food. Do you have to crush them first? On my Dr's handout it said the pill swallowing was a lifetime thing.

On a good note! What my Dr recommended worked! The hot tea with lemon did the trick last night! I was able to sleep in my bed with the bed slightly elevated with no saliva problems!!

I woke up this morning with a new lease on life. Yes, I'm still drinking Muscle Milk for breakfast and sipping warm apple juice, but something about that meeting with the Dr yesterday gave me new perspective this morning.

I awoke with no pain and a sense that I can do this and this is a temporary inconvenience in my life. I guess Day 17 can do that for you.

Maximus808: When I started posting I was hurting and scared. Through this forum I am finding my way out of this tunnel. And as my daughter-in-law said there's light and it's not another train!
Posted 1/20/2012 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
I have been sipping Muscle Milk - and it's a slow go, so I phoned the manufacturer and asked if I could possibly warm it up (the suggestion is to serve it cold) their response was yes, but not to a boil. Shake well and put in a microwaveable cup and heat for 20-30 seconds. I'm going to give that a try. I've lost 20 lbs in 2 weeks, so need the protein!
Posted 1/20/2012 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nyteller --

It sounds like you're buying the pre-mixed Muscle Milk? Not sure if you know this, but it's much cheaper to buy the powdered version in the large tubs...plus, there are tons of flavors to choose from! It would be an easy matter to use warm tap water to mix up a glass, instead of fumbling with the pre-mixed stuff.

-Bruce
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