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Newbie intro! 3 WEEKS POST NISSEN

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 4/30/2012 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all.
I was diagnosed with a hyatial hernia and GERD 3 years ago. I used to have horrible heart burn, then the reflux started, then I started having regirg issues at night, and then the chest pains started. (hindsight being 20/20, I've had GERD for many many years. Probably closer to 20 then 3) Well, after going through all the medications available, (including dexilant 60's) My gastro suggested I see the surgeon about the Nissen. Pre-op testing included the endoscopy with bravo, and the esophogeal motility test.

I had my Nissen on April 9th, 2012 (my 40th birthday). I am 3 weeks post op and I feel great. I can sleep through the night, I have no heartburn or regirg.

I am having some problems with different types of food, and there isn't one particular thing that makes it react. One day I can eat one thing, but to eat it the next day, it may not stay down. But after reading a lot of your posts, I feel confident that it's going to get better with time.

The question I would like to ask is this:

When I eat, I get a gas bubble that seems to block whatever it is that I'm eating. If I try to use a gas-x it definately helps, but most times, it makes my saliva thick and foamy and usually ends up coming back up. Does anyone else have this issue, or is it typical post op?

Post Edited (08HDrider :)) : 4/30/2012 1:58:57 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/30/2012 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
08HDrider :)

Welcome to HealingWell and the GERD Forum.  I am glad to read your doing pretty dang good post-op.  I have not had the surgery but plenty of our members have and I am sure you will be hearing from some of them.

Again, welcome aboard and I look forward to getting to know you better.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 4/30/2012 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt! It's really nice to see that others have the same concerns I do, and it makes you feel not so alone. I work in a relatively small company and no one here had ever heard of the Nissen, never mind had one.

I look forward to following everyone's recovery and comparing notes.
Posted 5/1/2012 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rider,

Welcome to the Healing Well yeah yeah yeah Wrapped Club! yeah yeah yeah Glad to hear that things are generally going well for you post-op.  I can tell you what my surgeon told me when I was at your stage of recovery; "Pretty much anything is possible during the early weeks..."

I don't know if you have already read my early recovery journal...it's in the Resources section...but just in case you haven't seen it, here it is:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

As you read it you'll see that it's common to have lots of difficulties and discomforts with eating at your stage of the game.  

I used to get a feeling like I was swallowing a huge bubble of air when I ate a bite of food during the early stages.  It was very painful. 

My guess is that you're getting some food and drink held back at the wrap site due to residual swelling.  That's likely the source of the foam and discomfort.  As the swelling continues to diminish your swallowing will improve.

Remember that it takes a full 6 months for most of the healing to occur, and a full year for the rest.  I found fine-tuning of my upper GI tract continued into the second year. 

Hang in there.  You're in the thick of the healing process.  As time goes on you'll gradually notice improvements.  Sometimes just a week is all some things need to resolve.

I'm glad you've joined the forum!  It's a great place to be during your recovery. 

Happy healing!

Denise

Posted 5/1/2012 8:26 AM (GMT 0)
I had the same think - im 4 weeks post op myself.

My thoughts are same as Dencha's, I believe it's air/food/saliva getting stuck in wrap due to swellIng. I tried to ignore it but it made me feel like I needed to throw up, but of course couldn't. Luckily I can burp slightly, so allowing my stomach to (gently) burp naturally help the problem to go away.
Posted 5/1/2012 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
i also have this. i am 3 weeks post op tomorrow. feeling great! i actually ate some potato salad yesterday. after chewing till it was a paste, it went down nicely. the day before i could not get a bite of scrambled egg down. go figure. dencha is right when she says anything is possible in these early days. the best part of this whole thing for me is being able to sleep all night.
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