Nissen recovery journal

Haven't posted for a while will explain as below.

Day 1 oct 3rd
Had surgery at 2:30pm, returned to ward at 6:15pm
Surgery went well managed to do the redo as lap
Felt bad this day and don't really recall a lot
Was limited to 30ml fluids per hour
Given fluids IV
Given morphine IV
Orally tramadol
No food
Oxygen via mask

Day 2
30 ml per hour liquid orally
Fluids IV
Morphine injections
Anti nausea injections
Oxygen via mask
No food
High temp 39.6 deg
Antibiotics IV

It s now that things get a bit confused as I had a very high temp that was as a result of a chest infection and tonsillitis. I had chest X-rays and also noted that I had a partially collapsed lung on LH side. I cannot actually recall huge amounts of what happened between days 2 & 4 other than lots of attention from the staff and being given a lot of medication. Anyhow it was strange feeling as I could not seem to focus properly either in site or thoughts.

Day 5-7
Started eating soft foods only such as soup and mashed potato with a lot if gravy, was still having antibiotics via IV and pain relief. Allowed free fluids so drank plenty, tonsils the mani problem and was still coughing up phlegm and fresh blood but gradually reduced and by day 7 I only had small amounts of old blood and was a little phlegm 3-4 times per day. I was also put on a nebuliser at day 3 up to day 6 to help clear chest.

Now have been discharged to begin recover properly at home.

SO FAR NO REFLUX, I am happy.

Day 8 nearly done
Stomach feels upset almost like travel/motion sickness, some pain when overdoing it such as walking to far or stretching. Eating is ok have had porridge, soup, custard and mashed potato with mashed veg.
Some coughing still from chest infection (confirmed by hospital as bacterial pneumonia), and hiccups are painful. In general energy levels are only probably 30% of normal and I need to rest in the afternoon.

In general pleased with recovery, tender around incisions but overall pleased.

Day 9

Today I ate some probiotic yoghurt, broccoli and Stilton soup, baked potato with baked beans (mashed together).

I have had some stomach pain at LH side after all meals and general discomfort, also my voice is getting a lot weaker which I can only put down to a combination of the remainder of the mucus at the back of my throat and recovery from op.

Still feeling washed out and as you say Denise I have most pain around LH rib area incision when coughing. Have some other general pain but I am sure this is just the healing process, the swelling in the abdomen is noticeably less but sleeping on my side can still be uncomfortable. All said i am happy with the outcome.

Day 10

Much same as day 9 except for I tried to eat some flaked white fish and it was a bad mistake. I was in pain for around 7 minutes and unable to talk etc due to intensity of the pain. I know that I should know better but I thought I had been doing so well and the fish was very soft, it was accompanied with sauce (white) but even though I chewed it was not happening.

On other side still some pain in back and stomach and hiccups really are painful. Also struggling sometimes to stand out of the chair without pulling at my insides.

Anyhow still positive.

Day 13 & 14

Still no reflux so happy about that.
Still getting pain in LH side behind ribs and through into back, suspect this may be exacerbated by the issues with the lung and pneumonia. Some discomfort on eating and still only eating very soft foods although I have progressed to mashed banana and custard.

I have lost weight as I can see it in my face but have not bothered to weigh myself as long term I know it will stabilise but if I was to guess I would suggest around 5 kg (11lbs).

Energy levels still very low and doctor has not cleared me to return to work until I have had another review in 2 weeks.

Day 15-18
Still swollen, stomach is very hard to the touch and I have what feels like gastritis but intensity is not as high as when I had gastritis last time. Pain still predominantly in LH side with some pain on breathing at times.

I am eating a soft diet but have added things like soft carrots and broccoli along with minced lamb and beef. Portion sizes are still very small and I have very low energy levels.

Most concern is my hypotension has really started to increase in intensity and duration and I have gone to ground twice in last few days.

I am getting better as I can feel it and focusing on trying to increase food intake.

Still no significant reflux or ppi rebound so I am happy, still not back at work as not enough energy but I am ok and happy with results.

John. Thanks for keeping us updated. You have gone through so much. Do you have someone helping with your meals. Would using a blender, making it very liquid allow you to sip more calories throughout the day. Want you better real soon.

Jonh71-

I was told to eat ice cream for higher calories. Since you are struggling with getting enough calories and having a hard time eating enough small meals you might try this. It worked for me. I made a lot of shakes and added protein powder some times.
I know about the passing out due to vagus nerve and low calorie intake, sucks. I also was low on postassium and magnesium when this happened,

Take care,
Bill

Hi jonh,

It sounds like all-in-all you're making excellent progress. It's highly likely that you've got some gastritis going, so be sure to be very careful with your food choices.  Smooth (or chewed completely to creamy) foods, and stay away from spicy and acidic.  It takes time to get an irritated stomach healed. Hang in there!

You're still in the thick of the most intense healing period.  It will get better over time.

Keep the faith!

Denise