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7 weeks post Nissen w/ daily discomfort?

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Posted 4/12/2012 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I'm 7 weeks post Nissen w/ hiatal hernia repair. I've seen other people complain about a reflux like pain and be reassured it goes away within 3 months or so. For the last 2 weeks I've had what feels like esophageal pain, 2/10, for most of the day. It's a bit like my reflux was but feels more like just plain irritation. I am just a little concerned because it's constant. I've been eating solids for about 4 weeks now and do get mild discomfort pretty often with eating. Nothing seems to make it better. I've tried to stick with softer foods, but haven't been very good at that. So is this the same discomfort people are describing? Obviously I'll call my doc if needed, just wanted to see what your experiences were.
Posted 4/12/2012 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
I am 9 weeks post op and I suffer the same thing. I have to go back to soft foods frequently to settle things down.  I also get bloating and severe gas and have to take Beano and gas X to relieve it. I can't burp which is a problem. The discomfort is constant and annoying. I don't know what we can do except maybe wait it out to see if things improve whithin 6 months like they say.  
Posted 4/12/2012 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
I've noticed something lately, especially the last couple of days.

I am at 4.5 months, and up until recently, I've had discomfort sometimes after eating, a fullness feeling in the chest. Not painful, and not really a huge deal, but still a little annoying. After a few months I just kinda figured that it may be something I'll just have to put up with from the surgery. Since I've had significant improvements in my symptoms, and my quality life has improved amazingly, I figured I'd just deal with it.

But now around 4-4.5 months, those feelings have gone away. I guess something finally settled. I just realized this over the last couple of days really that I am not feeling the discomfort anymore.

I am not at 6 months yet, but I can say the continued slow improvement over the months is a real thing. I saw my most drastic improvements right after the surgery, but each month I am seeing very small improvements as well. Its nice.
Posted 4/12/2012 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi GerdyGirl,

You are still healing, and I'm quite sure that it is directly related to what and how you're eating.  Now that you have a wrap created out of your stomach, things have a harder time getting through.  Because of this, your wrap can get irritated, and you can even have a bit of food/drink/even medication sitting on the wrap site at the bottom of your esophagus, which can also be irritating. 

Be sure to continue to take very small bites and chew, chew, chew your food.   Generally when people get to the stage where they're adding a bigger variety of solid foods it's pretty common to get some feelings of pain or irritation. You're still healing, and need to listen to your wrap.  You may need to baby it for a few days.

Also be sure to sip on water or tea after eating so you get more swallowing action and ensure that all your food actually makes it into your stomach and isn't sitting at the base of your esophagus fermenting and irritating things.

This situation will improve a lot over time.  Still, even after you're fully healed, you may find that you get some irritation depending on what you're eating.   Raw veggies can cause my wrap to get irritated if I eat a lot of them.  Be sure to always drink plenty of water and sips afterward, whenever you take medication.

It will get better!

Best wishes,

Denise

Posted 4/12/2012 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reassurance guys. I'm going to try liquids again, I just have trouble controlling my appetite. I also ran six miles Sunday and am wondering if the bouncing increases the irritation...
Posted 4/12/2012 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
GerdyGirl,

It takes 6 months for the majority of the healing to occur.  At 7 weeks, I don't think there's much doubt that running 6 miles could create some pain for your healing wrap. 

I would recommend that you take it a little easier on yourself for a while.  Walk 6 miles--there'll be a lot less bouncing.

Just baby yourself for a while and you'll be right back on the right track.

Take care,

Denise

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