10 weeks post Nissen ended up in Casualty!

Barry - What does your GI have to say about this?

Barry, if your GI really won't see you after a visit to the emergency room with your symptoms, consider calling the patient ombudsman. Their number should be listed on any NHS general information website.

I would, however, first call the surgeon's office, describe your symptoms and explain that you are a post-operative patient having post-operative complications. If they will not book you a time, ask them point blank: "Are you refusing to make an appointment for me?" and find out why. I understand you might not want to seem rude, but this is your health, and if you feel you need to see a surgeon, don't be shy.

For lack of anything else, I would call the GP but explain CLEARLY and CONCISELY what is going on. "Hi, I'm 10 weeks post op NF and was taken to ER by ambulance because of heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The surgeon who performed the procedure is telling me to see a general practitioner."

Not sure how they'd do things there, but here they can refer you to another surgeon automatically based on your symptoms without having to wait for an appointment (I'm also on a public health system). You can also ask for a referral over the phone.

Now, all that being said, I have not had the surgery - this is just my perspective from a patient's standpoint. Hopefully someone who has had the surgery can come along and tell you of their experiences.

Ashley

Baza
I am so sorry to hear that you feel that you surgery has failed you. I know that if I were in your position, I would definitely talk to the surgeon ..please know that we are all here for you in what ever supporting role we can play..
I pray that you will find out what can be done or what is wrong and be able to find a fix for it.. I am also sorry that you wish you had never had the surgery.. I know that if I had not had it, I would be in really bad shape by now..
Please.... Reach for the Sunshine... Rainbows will follow
Sandi

Hey Baza, it is frustrating, but at least he's going to see you! :)

Hi Barry,

I've worked for the NHS and know the system well. You should have a follow up appointment with the surgeon and if that's not soon you should be able to bring it forward. Keep ringing the secretary and ask if you can speak to the surgeon or his reg on the phone - you should be able to speak to one of the team that treated you. It could be that they are getting the wrong end of the stick and thinking if you went to A&E with a cardiac problem then it's not their department - I would make it clear that you want an urgent appointment to discuss post op complications as you've had to restart medication. If you can't get an appointment within a week, phone the PALS office and sound off to them. The surgeon who did the op has a duty of care to see you as needed until you have recovered from the surgery. Your GP could also have phoned the hospital on your behalf to expedite the appointment, and as you say, Casualty could have bleeped any surgical team to come and advise. Not good enough, methinks!

MMM

Could be low blood sugar producing the symptoms. How long had it been since your last meal? Are you consuming protein and carbs in the same meal? Are symptoms relieved by drinking juice or something sweet? Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to test glucose level at the time you experience symptoms.

Peggy

Hi Barry,

You're just under 3 months post-op, and at your stage these types of quirky events can happen.  Unfortunately, many surgeons underplay the difficulty of this recovery.  While the symptoms that sent you to casualty aren't typical, you've been through major surgery not all that long ago. 

The problem with laproscopic surgery is that on the outside you look like nothing has happened, while on the inside things have been traumatized and have a lot more healing to do.  Remember--six months for the majority of healing and a full year for the rest.

Those types of symptoms can also be very anxiety-inducing, which can add to the mix of what you experienced.  Take it as easy as you can, and definitely pick up some acid reducer (either your PPI or Zantac) for the short term, until your healing has a little more time to progress.

Try to keep your eye on the prize and keep a positive outlook if you can. The mind-body connection is strong, and you want to give your healing as much help as possible!

Very best wishes,

Denise

 

Barry,

I locked this thread as you started a new one on the same topic.  Thanks for understanding.

Kindly,

Kitt