Surgery - Back Home and Feeling Good

So far so good ;) All I remember was seeing the Anesthesiologist by my bedside injecting something into my IV....rolling me out...then bam....I'm in done.

First things first, my LPR burning like symptoms are gone I believe. It's hard to really tell cause my throat is sore from the oxygen tube and previous damage form LPR but nothing like before. The actual incision sites are not sore at all. I'm on Oxycodone so that's masking it a bunch and have some for home but overall this is much better than I expected. I was expecting to be in hell after this. No nausea and I can burp. My chest slightly hurts when I take a deep breath but my surgeon said that's normal and should pass. I had a little bit of jello and ice chips so far. I'm not even hungry. I can walk and move around fine without too much pain or trouble.

I remember Denise mentioning peak swelling is at two weeks so I'm aware of that still. I'll take my diet very slowly and try to walk around when I can. Overall I'm very happy I went though this and I hope it even better.

This site has been invaluable and I will forever be a supporter and remember all you who have helped me through this journey.

My surgeon did find a sliding hernia which was not picked up in my previous tests and repaired that which was good. I always found it odd that they can pick up during surgery but not from previous tests. Anyways, I'm glad it was repaired.

Thanks everyone!

Wow, glad to hear you are doing great! And home just hours after surgery... there's no way I would have been able to go home the day of. I was barely moving around and completely out of it. I hope how well you feel now points to an extra speedy recovery!

Don't be discouraged if you feel good today and bad tomorrow. Once the excellent hospital drugs wear off, you start to feel the surgeon's work. Just keep taking your pain meds as they will help. The day after was my worst day overall during recovery, but just the day after that was much better.

Just take it easy as much as you can. Your body has been through quite a bit.

I am really happy that you're on the road to recovery. Fingers crossed that this amazing surgery gives you the relief that it has given many of us.

Tony

Yay, Max!

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! Glad to hear all went well in the hospital and your safely tucked in at home.  Lucky you, to be able to recoup at home immediately. There's no place like home...

Just remember to take one day at a time, and don't panic over little ups and downs.  They're natural, and to be expected. 

Rest, relax, and don't forget to walk, walk, walk whenever you get up to use the bathroom.  It'll help get that gas out of you and keep your shoulder comfortable. 

Sending healing thoughts!

Denise

Take it day to day and best of luck on a speedy recovery

Max,

I am really happy that your home and surgrey went well. I think you should call your doctor and get some anti Nausea meds just in case you start feeling sick. I only had my pain meds for 2 days then nothing after that but everyone is different. If you have any questions you can ask me. Glad your doing well. Thanks Alexis

I did have to stay on my pain meds for about 10 days, but having no experience with surgery, I thought I would have more pain than I did. Like you, the pain from the surgery was not nearly as bad as my worst GERD episodes.

My iPad was always by my side during my recovery too. It was too uncomfortable to hold a laptop on my lap, or bend over a desk for periods of time, so the light iPad worked great.

Congrats Max on a successful surgery! I hope it continues well and you soon get to the point where you go days without even thinking about Acid Reflux or LPR!

Just out of curiosity, what kind of activity restrictions did your surgeon place on you after surgery? It seems like they vary quite a bit, so just curious what your limitations lifting and activity wise are.

Hi Max,

If you really think about it, it makes sense that you wouldn't be hungry.  Your stomach has been through a lot of trauma with the creation of the wrap, and it's not very happy about it.  As things settle down you'll be able to begin to eat again. 

Pain is normal at this point, but you should be sure to stay ahead of it with your pain meds.  Don't be a hero.  If the meds aren't working, call your surgeon and let him know. 

Be sure to call your PCP or surgeon to get anti nausea drugs, just in case.  This time of year viruses abound, and you'll want to be ready for anything.

It sounds like you're doing great.

Take care, and get lots of rest.

Denise

Hi Max,

My guess is that perhaps you're drinking a little too fast, and the liquid is being held up by the swelling wrap.  When that happens you might be aspirating a bit of it.  It could definitely make you cough.   Don't know if that's the case, but you could try drinking a little slower...smaller amounts at a time...and see if that helps.

I remember bringing it home, but don't remember how often I used it.  I had a pretty bad lung infection going into the surgery, so my lungs were already a mess. 

Sorry, I can't help you with that one, but hopefully someone will stop by with more information on it.

Take care,

Denise

You're welcome, Max.  Have a good night.

Thanks Jesper.

8 weeks.....man that seems like a long time.

The pains do seem to be subsiding slowly. I hope it gets better as days go by.

Initially I thought it would be impossible to stay on liquids but now it's not a problem. I would rather not have pain then try and force things down there.

Thanks for the replies.