Did anyones wrap fix their LPR, or even come close?

My original symptoms were chest pain, some throat pain, and mucus in throat.

The Nissen got rid of the chest and throat pain. The mucus in throat has decreased probably 50%. Its there, but sometimes I don't even notice it. Sometimes I notice it as much as I did pre-surgery. Its definitely an improvement, but its not 100% gone. My surgeon thinks it will be gone one day (my surgery was 7 months ago), but even if it does not clear up, I'm okay with how it is now as the rest of my symptoms were cleared up.

My surgeon did have other patients that saw 100% throat clearing/mucus relief, some that saw about my level, and some (fewer) that had little or no relief. Many took a long time until they felt improvement. That's a tricky symptom that seems very difficult to eliminate.

Hi renegade,

My major (and I mean major) LPR symptom was severe and uncontrollable asthma.  My answer to your question is, yes.  I had a lung infection before, during, and after my surgery, but once the infection cleared and my lungs had a chance to heal, they improved 100%.  I took about 2 and a half months post op.

Good luck with your decision!

Best wishes,

Denise

Hi forme,

Welcome to Healing Well!  First, DON'T WORRY!  Your esophagus and stomach have been through a tremendous amount of trauma.  While your outsides have only 5 little slits it's as if an egg beater has been let loose inside.  Your upper GI tract has been completely revised, and is very irritated.

My surgeon told me that the esophagus is a dumb organ and it interprets all pain as reflux.  Of course your wrap is swollen now (it will reach peak swelling on or about Day 14 post op) and it is misshapen, so a bit of reflux can be allowed through.  Still, I'd put money on the fact that the reflux you're experiencing is due to post-surgical pain.

Also, because your wrap is becoming increasingly swollen, it's very possible that what you're eating and drinking is being held up at the wrap site for longer periods, and that can be irritating as well.  In addition, if medication doesn't get through the wrap, it sits there and can cause serious inflammation.  So be sure to sip water (no iced drinks, no straws) after eating.  Crush your pills and take them with plenty of water.

Here's a link to my early recovery journal:

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

Here's a link to some post-Nissen eating information:

http://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/nutrition/Pages/diet-after-nissen-fundoplication-surgery.aspx

Glad you've joined us.  Hang in there!  You're at the very early stages of recovery, and people around here can attest to the fact that it is a rough recovery.  Things will get better in time!  I don't know what your surgeon told you, but it takes 6 months for the majority of the healing, and a full year for the rest.  I found continued impovement into the second year.

If you can surrender to the recovery and follow it where it takes you, you'll find it much easier.  People who struggle against what is have a lot more trouble.

Happy healing!

Denise

Hi renegade,

That sounds like a good plan.  Good luck with your coaching endeavors!  I think you're wise to hold off on the surgery until things settle down. 

Good luck!

Denise