Posted 10/15/2012 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
I discovered this site shortly after undergoing Nissen fundoplication in July. Before the surgery, I had somehow been under the impression that the recovery would be fairly short and simple. The reality was quite a shock! I had serious trouble with swallowing, diarrhea, dehydration. I lost 20 pounds. My surgeon scolded me for not eating and said he had never seen anyone have so many problems.
When I started following the posts on this site, I realized that my symptoms were not that unusual and that there was hope. For that I was very grateful.
Gradually, I have been recovering. I haven't had diarrhea in a while. My diet has improved, although I am certainly not eating normally yet. My stomach has been burning, and my internist gave me a stronger medication for acid. It has helped only a little.
My biggest problem recently has been gas. Lots of flatulence, but I can live with that. (I work with young children, and they think it's hilarious.) But sometimes when I try to eat, I seem to get an air bubble in my esophagus. The pain literally brings me to my knees. I've always considered myself fairly tolerant of pain, but this pain makes me moan and scream until I'm able to burp. I haven't identified any specific food that causes this, and I can't predict when it will happen. I may go a week or more with no problem. But this week I've had 4 episodes. This weekend, the burping caused me to vomit brownish liquid. (I guess I should be grateful that I can burp and vomit, but the pain is making me hesitant to eat.)
My surgeon wants me to wait 6 months before undergoing further testing.
Has anyone had similar problems?