Had Nissen surgery done on monday the 26th having chest pain days after.

I totally understand your frustration and concerns.  The not sleeping would get to anyone, and is probably the cause of some of your other problems.

You don't by chance have a recliner, do you?  Many have found sleeping in a recliner the most comfortable alternative during the first weeks of recovery.  Just a thought.  Maybe you could come up with some way of propping yourself up into a reclined sitting position that will allow sleep while not being in a supine position.

While I fully intended to go back to work half time at 2 weeks, my lungs were still very sick, and since I'm a teacher and would be surrounded by second graders with coughs and sneezes, I stayed home longer.  I didn't go back for 6 weeks, so by the time I did return to work I had lots more energy and things had settled down pretty well.  It will be challenging if you have to go back to work while you're in the thick of healing.

I hope you get feeling better soon.

Denise

For ppl who have had the nissen wrap done......about how long does it take before the chest pain completely subsides?

It will be 5 weeks tomorrow since i've had the surgery, and i'm still having chest pain come and go throughout the day and its not brought on normally like when it was acid reflux.

like sometimes i'll wake up with pain other mornings i don't, or i'll have pain and then minutes later its almost completely gone, and then later on it comes back again.

Doesn't appear to be affected by what i eat or if i eat at all.

Its just so intermittent right now.  I guess its still earlier but its so annoying, just nothing i can do about it.

Have you been to visit your surgeon or GI doc?  It seems as if you're having a very difficult time.  You shouldn't have to deal with it all by yourself.  You paid your surgeon to do the surgery, but he/she is also responsible for helping your through the recovery. 

The pain you're describing is atypical, and should be followed by your surgeon.  Don't assume that you'll be dealing with this past your recovery.  Call and insist that you be seen. 

Sorry you're struggling.

Hang in there,

Denise

I have worked on these boards for 3 years and had the surgery myself 3 years ago.  I can tell you that what you are describing is not a bit normal. 

People will have some discomfort, but the amount of pain you're having is not right.  You should definitely insist on being seen right away. 

There's no way you should be in that much pain.  Be sure to be forceful regarding what you're dealing with and don't take no for an answer.  Tell them they need to fit you in.  Let them help you get to the bottom of what's going on. 

It may be spasms, in which case they should be able to treat you. 

Here's a Mayo Clinic link:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/esophageal-spasms/DS00763

That may not be what's going on, but it does come to mind.

Here's hoping you get in to see your GI doc or surgeon soon.

Hang in there.  Things will get better! 

Take care,

Denise

I hope you can get in to see your doctor soon.  Hang in there.  Don't despair...it will get better, but it will take time.  Everyone heals differently.  You're having a rough time, but it will all work out in the end.

Take care,

Denise

I guess that Maalox is made in the same factory that had problems with Excedrin, so it has been pulled for a while.  Our store makes a generic version that works just as well.

NSAIDS are brutal on the stomach, and you're wise to eliminate them.  They could definitely be causing you a problem.  If you think you've got gastritis, be sure to REALLY baby your stomach.  If you are ever in need of a pain killer, liquid Tylenol is considered the gentlest on the stomach.  If you can manage without any medication like that it's probably best. Still use your judgement.

Have you discussed this with your doctor? 

It certainly makes sense.

Hope you get everything worked out.

Denise