Home from hospital

maximus808: What started as a bout of indigestion and heartburn, over the course of 1yr., became a bit more complicated with very small amounts of reflux. I had a endoscopy done which first showed some polyps, some samples were removed. At this time, (2008), the term Barret's Esophagus entered into most of our conversations. With the increased amount of reflux, lots of tests, it was agreed that I had Barret's. For the next 2 years it was back and forth to clinics for every test imaginable. My reflux began to take over my life. The vomiting at night started without any warning, simple movements in bed had me dashing to the bathroom.I slept with plenty of towels and many over the counter remedies. My incredibly doting wife would sleep in a side bed which we brought in for solace and comfort. I had been taking 40mg of Tecta and 60 mg of Domperidone as PPI's. Near the decision time for surgery, I would endure reflux while standing up. The stomach pain on the left side near the ribs brought daily agony. I was also dealing with a Hiatal Hernia. The biggest night terror was aspiration into my lungs which always morphed into pneumonia. Also 2 bouts of pneumonia progressed into Pleuresy. Thus my decision for surgery was a no-brainer. Till next time                      Cheers

I am very happy with my post-op situation at this time. The incision area is still a bit tender, as well as the 2 drainage holes, but the healing process looks well. 3 days after surgery they took all the bandaging off the incision site. I have a appt., with my G.P. on Monday to remove the staples. I meet with the surgeon and a respirologist 1 week later. Sticking to the diet is going to be a challenge. I understand that even though I am feeling great most of the time, my insides must heal at their own rate and I must stick to the (Nissen) diet. I am able to swallow pain medication effortlessly as well as some other meds which I was taking prior to surgery. I am a water drinker so 6 or 7 litres daily is not uncomfortable. I have a lot of swelling at the wrap end which I have been told may take a while to go away. I gave up trying to look like a swimsuit model after coming home from the desert. I am trying not to get to ahead of myself with my healing. Things can go south in a hurry.                       Cheers

My surgery was on the 23rd of Jan., so thats 13 days post. Morning meals are applesauce and some quaker oats and a small banana if I am not feeling full. I generally get some gas but have been fortunate that it moves thru my system and out the back door. I'll drink 1/2 a litre of water if I can. I do get a fair amount of burping, however it must be keeping the bloated feeling under control. I'll generally have a couple different types of soups during the day along with a protein drink after supper. I will drink water throughout the day.The swelling around my incision is uncomfortable so I try to walk around my block 2 times daily. Another meal I've been having is mushed up brown rice, it has always been a staple in most of my meals anyways. My evening treat might be a pudding or 1/2 of a popsicle. I have noticed that the area of the wrap is slightly tender. Many on this forum have described the same manifestation. One day at a time.                       Cheers