Jenn's Nissen Fundoplication Story

Hi Jenn,Welcome to Healing Well! You'll soon be a full-fledged member of the Wrapped Club! I thoroughly enjoyed reading through your first journal entry, and I can identify with much of it. I so remember reading all those incredibly scary posts. They kept me from having the surgery for far too long.

My situation was different in that my reflux wasn't even close to as severe as yours is. You're actually a classic Nissen candidate. My lungs were very sensitive to reflux, though, and were in terrible shape. That's what led me to the Nissen. It was very hard to convince my GI doc to consider surgery as an option for me.

You're right--it is extremely important to surrender to your recovery. You can't rush it...it'll take its own sweet time. Your attitude regarding sucking it up and accepting recovery as it is, will take you a long way and make it a lot easier to deal with. You can't fight it, so might as well join it!

I assume you've already run across my early recovery journal, but if not, let me know and I'll give you the link.

Thanks very much for sharing your story! It will definitely help many people. Be sure to ask any questions that you have. It is true that you can find out a lot from others who have "been there, done that"!

Best wishes!
Denise

Wow, Jenn, your story and mine are pretty much identical in that I have bad EoE, and they keep saying allergies. DeMeester scores and always high, and PPI's are not working (and causing terrible PVC's). Rings are developing in my esophagus, and I burn daily. I am off prescription meds, but taking TUMS and Maalox daily. I do worry about the NF because I am 35 and so active, so the chances of a re-do are about 100% IMO. I am looking into the LINX and TIF first, and if they do not work, then NF will have to be the call. I am just holding off as long as possible.....UGH.

Jenn,
I read your post and am looking forward to following your recovery as I am having the LNF on 1/15. Fortunately, I have not gone through years of missed diagnosis.

My GERD has been problematic the last couple years with regurgitation for so long I don't remember not having it, however, upon seeking treatment I was prescribed Zantac. This worked initially but caused a small rash that I didn't associate with Zantac because I used the drug on an as needed basis.

Fast forward to last summer, the Zantac was now being used daily 2x and not working so the prescription was changed to Prilosec. Whoopee, that worked terrific on the GERD, could eat anything without symptoms of GERD. However, there were some OTHER symptoms that were alarming, i.e., swelling of most of my body and a blistering rash. These were not the only side affects but the ones that got the most attention. Switch meds to Aciphex for two days and had intense itching over entire body.

Trip to primary care doc and she ordered endoscope in November, which showed inflamed esophagus and stomach, prescribed carafate (allergic to it) with a referral to a surgeon. Surgeon ordered barium swallow and surgery is on 1/15.

BTW, I'm 67, 5'2" and a BMI of 23.5

Best of luck with your surgery and hopefully uneventful recovery.
BB

has anyone gotten break through reflux on H2's like Zantac? Thanks,

Hi hitthepost,
..
I get breakthrough on Zantac all the time. I just up the dose and sometimes take up to three at a time at 150mg each. That does not include the two PPI's 40mg a day and tums if needed.

Thank you for the well wishes and advice. I am just coming out of the dope fog and finally able to stay awake more than sleep in the day. Finally started to read a novel and do a little web surfing today.   Denise – Yes, of course I read your fantastic journal (I’ve been lurking for a month and a half – went back to threads started on 2003)!   Illinifan – I’m following a combination of suggested aftercare plans from UCLA, Pittsburgh and several others provided online, siding with the most restrictive/conservative plan as it applies from food to activity levels.   I bought a Bullet Blender a month ago and have already been experimenting with a variety of pureed options.   hitThePost – My surgeon believes this operation will resolve my EE. My GI still believes my EE is caused by allergies. In a few weeks, I’ll know which one is correct.   BB/Summer – I wish you the best for your surgery and recovery.   Day 0 (op day) - January 14, 2013 - Arrived at hospital at 7AM – with my wonderfully patient and loving mother in tow, registered, admitted, AND scored a paper ID bracelet! - Sat in lobby/waiting room until the OR was ready for me. Taken back and prepped (I.V., vitals check, open-backed cotton gown, feeling vulnerable), took about an hour – then waited another 5 hrs until the OR actually was ready, apparently the case ahead of me ran long and I was eventually moved to a different OR room altogether. (My mom was brought back to the staging area and sat with me (keeping each other calm) while I waited to be taken to the OR. Then, she stayed in the lobby to wait out the op, biting nails, waiting to hear all went well and be ushered to my room.) - After being given a strong sedative, I was wheeled into the OR on gurney, busy scene, face masks, equipment, bright lights, cold, dopey… shuffled onto operating table. 5 minutes later…gas mask, deep breaths, good thoughts, BAD taste, lights out. Op took 2 hrs. - Awakened in recovery room, groggy, heavy chest, uncomfortably doped up. (I maintained a strong heart rate of 40 plus low blood pressure (90/50) throughout the op and recovery, staff was concerned with it being so low (normal is 60 & 110/60), but I exercise a lot and my heart is strong…still was in recovery for 2 and a half hrs due to this concern – apparently I was doing a lot of shallow breathing). -Wheeled to my room early evening, dopey, so tired and had to shuffle from the gurney to the bed – THAT was a task! -Sleeping in and out, doped on morphine and another pain med every few hrs throughout the night and morning. Never got out of bed. My mom was there by my side – said surgeon said all went textbook perfect and took less time than planned. -Just a few hrs before it was removed, realized I had a catheter in me since the op – weird thing was I frequently felt like I had to pee throughout the night even with it. Once removed, I also felt like I had to pee, but the sensation went away in a little while. In fact, never peed until later that afternoon on day 1 post op. -Pain level steady at 5 – HATE the feeling of morphine.   Day 1 (post op) - January 15, 2013 -Catheter removed 6AM, told goals for the day were to tear up the halls walking, drink clear liquid diet (which I was to maintain for the next 2 weeks), sit in chair more often than lay in bed, and pee by 9AM or threatened with being catheterized again. Meet my goals, and be rewarded by getting released later that day. No one followed up on the peeing and I eventually did pee, but it didn’t happen until the afternoon. Also the staff gave me straws, ice and offered hot coffee (no, no & no) – thanks to my wonderful and loving mother who was informed of diet do’s and don’ts in advance, headed off tragedy at the pass, she kept my liquid lukewarm and appropriately clear. She even put lip balm on my lips while I was all doped up during the night! Everyone on this planet should have such a mother and world peace would reign.   [MISTAKE #1: I walked up to 2 ½ hrs on day 1 post op wearing only hospital socks on hard tile hospital corridors – I did this in 2 one hour plus sessions. The muscle PAIN resulting from this burning in my calves, feet, neck, & lower back started the following day and stayed at a 6 & 7 for the next 4 days! …This in addition to the regular aches and pains from recovery of major surgery. Talk about adding insult to injury!! ADVICE: Bring very comfortable walking shoes and TAKE YOUR TIME with short 15-20 min leisurely strolls throughout the day.]   -Dark, dreary rainy day, but I’m in a fog so hardly even notice. -Was taken off the I.V. early morning, but I was only able to take down about a cup of liquid throughout the whole day – veggie broth which tasted wonderful. -Whole body swollen (fingers like sausages, face like a moon pie) gained 12 lbs of fluid retention overnight from I.V. and my body’s response to the anesthesia, various meds and overall physical trauma from op.   [NOTE: Although I have a high tolerance for pain, I have a very low tolerance for chemicals, hence my body’s supersensitive reaction to all the chemicals dumped into me. I also got a bad skin rash at the surgical site from the antibacterial stuff they painted my body with in preparation for the op. Luckily, I’m not allergic to any pharmaceuticals.]   -Burped 14 times between op and being released from hospital. This is good as my surgeon planned for my being able to burp, but not vomit. Also, I’m taking anti-nausea meds continuously. -Surgeon tells me I’ll need to stay on Nexium for the short term, and at a later date can determine when to wean off the med. He doesn’t want me to experience rebound while healing. -Pain level maintained at 5 until released from hospital. Torso sore, neck and shoulders sore. -Released from hospital around 5PM, bumpy ride home, 4 th pharmacy (after driving all over the state) had my prescript ions in stock, but have to wait an hour before returning to pick it up.   [MISTAKE #2: Left the hospital without getting my prescript ion filled at the hospital pharmacy which was likely to have ALL my meds in stock.]   -Got home and realized my previously considered comfortable couch was not comfortable at all for my new condition – too low, wrong angle, and my chair had no back rest. My bed has no auto sit up function or side handlebars, just a regular flat mattress. My pain meds have worn off and my body was screaming at me, pain level of 8 resulting in a mini melt down – which squeezed my chest and diaphragm and just increased my pain levels, so I had to pull myself together. I have obviously over done it today. -Mom went back for my meds. I dragged my poor self up a flight of stairs to my bedroom, and painfully rolled myself into bed waiting for my pain meds to kick in. -Woke from fretful sleep at 2AM for pain meds, back to sleep.   Day 2 (post op) - January 16, 2013 -Taking pain meds on schedule – maintaining level 3 for torso/surgical site, but neck and shoulder pain at steady 6. Poor feet & calves at level 7 (hard floors plus soft socks for too long equals leg muscle pain and spine shock). Rolling out of bed painful and difficult. The shift of body gravity shifts my insides and my midsection organs protest excessively, takes my breath away for a few minutes, then stabilized and it’s okay. -Dark, cold and raining day. -Walking difficult, but I’m determined and walk the floor plan of my lower level totaling 2 hrs throughout the day. Holding pillow firmly against my middle to reduce torso jarring is so helpful. Slept more than awake for the whole day. My kind and devoted mother helped me get my pillows arranged on my couch to get comfortable. Using heating pad for neck and shoulders. -No nausea -Gut feels full, bloated and little bit of rumbling throughout day. -Able to drink about 2 ½ cups of liquid in whole day. Recognizing that I will be dehydrated soon if not already at this rate. Yet, stomach will not accept more, it just revolts. Swallowing itself is not a problem. -Finally passed gas (below the equator) for 1 st time after op, also continue to be able to burb (not on demand, just my body passes gas upward and I burp which feels good). -Had 1 st bowel movement late in evening – had 5 seconds of warning, couldn’t move fast enough, didn’t make it and ended up starting in my pants! Then, weirdly both constipation and diarrhea at the same time and let me just say – Whole E. Yowzer. Bat Man. -Body has started to release some excess fluid, fingers and forearms a little less swollen.   Day 3 (post op) - January 17, 2013 -Got up once in middle of previous night for pain meds. Also needed anti-nausea med as woke up nauseous. Walked the upstairs floor plan for an hour to relieve gas pain, then back to sleep. -Still taking pain meds on schedule - maintaining level 3 for torso/surgical site, but neck and shoulder pain still at steady 6. Poor feet & calves remain at level 7. Rolling out of bed painful and difficult, again the gravity shift, the wait to catch my breath, plus my NECK. -Another dark, cold and rainy day. - Walked the floor plan of my lower level totaling 3 hrs, again slept more than awake today. - Introduced children’s liquid ibuprofen for legs, helped some. - Lots of gas in gut and lots of stomach and intestine rolling bubbles throughout day. It isn’t coming out. Very little gas passing down under. - 2 BMs today, both diarrhea, less painful than yesterday. -Able to drink only about 2 ½ cups of liquid in whole day. Recognizing that I will be or I am dehydrated for sure at this rate. Even have the tell-tale white tongue. Yet, stomach will not accept more. Swallowing remains not a problem.   Day 4 (post op) - January 18, 2013 -Slept through the night – bliss! Started day with ibuprofen for legs, no narcotics – will see how long before I need them. Maintaining level 3 for torso/surgical site, but neck and shoulder pain, & poor feet & calves at 6. Rolling out of bed …again with the gravity shift, the wait to catch my breath, plus my neck and shoulders.   [MISTAKE #3: Took my Nexium ( opened capsule, sprinkled on tsp applesauce) while laying prone, cause I was lazy and tired – it got stuck. Spasmed and irritated my esophagus all morning. ADVICE: Ensure you are upright while swallowing anything, even water.]   - Sun is shining! Warm day. Yay, there’s sun! - Walked the floor plan of my lower level totaling 2 hrs, slept less than awake today, but very tired. - Lots of gas in gut and lots of stomach and intestine reverberating throughout day. Finally passing some gas in the nether regions. - 2 BMs today, both diarrhea, not painful but came on fast with little warning - have to stay near a bathroom throughout the day because I never know when… Since I’m secluded at home, this isn’t a problem. -Able to drink about 3 ½ cups of liquid in whole day. One cup more than yesterday! Yet, still recognizing I am dehydrated and need to stay awake more often to sip more often. Still have the tell-tale white tongue. Yet, stomach will not accept more. Aside from my morning mishap, swallowing remains not a problem.   [MISTAKE #4: Later in the day, took 3 sips of liquid in a row & too quickly, got hiccups. THAT hurt! Need to maintain slow pace at all times.]   - Body has released most of the excess fluid from surgery, fingers and forearms are a lot less swollen. -Whole day without narcotics, went to bed without pain meds despite my very patient and dedicated mother’s advice to take them for sleeping.     Day 5 (post op) - January 19, 2013 -Woke in middle of night with nausea and pain. Needed my mom to help me get my anti-nausea & pain meds and something to chase it with, trekking to the lower level in the middle of the night. Took 1 ½ hrs to settle back down and sleep. Drank 1 whole cup of water though! - Started day with ibuprofen for legs, no narcotics. Maintaining level 3 for torso/surgical site, neck and shoulder pain & poor feet & calves now at 4. Rolling out of bed again with the gravity shift, the wait to catch my breath, better than yesterday, quicker recovery. - Sun is shining, chilly, but SUN! - Walked the floor plan of my lower level totaling 3 hrs, took one long nap today, but awake rest of day. - Lots of gas in gut and lots of stomach and intestine rumbling throughout day. Passing some gas down south. - 2 BMs today, again diarrhea, one was painful and again came on fast with just seconds of warning. -Able to drink about 4 ½ cups of liquid in whole day. Increasing since yesterday! Yet, still recognizing I am dehydrated. Still have the tell-tale white tongue. Yet, stomach will not accept more. And now, swallowing has started to get tighter while my surgical site is swelling up. I’ve got 9 more days of swelling expected before my surgical site peaks in its overall swelling. Had liquid SLOWLY pass through from small sips a couple times today and a hiccup, both situations uncomfortable (similar to how reflux feels). I’ve tried drinking warmed tea and veggie broth to help relax the muscle, although the tea and broth themselves are so soothing and tasty, they’re not really helping with getting liquid to pass through any easier. -Scale shows 1 lb weight gain since day of op (still retaining some fluid, but not much). -Took pain med at bed time.   Day 6 (post op) - January 20, 2013 -Awoke at 4AM with pain and nausea. Took narcotic and anti-nausea meds, chased with veggie broth. Walked for 45 min, settled back down and went back to sleep. -- Started day with no narcotics, no ibuprofen. Maintaining level 3 for torso/surgical site, neck and shoulder pain & poor feet & calves now at 2. Rolling out of bed again with the gravity shift, the wait to catch my breath, much better than yesterday, much quicker recovery. -Sun and snap to air, but beautiful day. -Finally took a REAL LIVE shower today! Heaven!! Washed my hair twice. I feel like a new person. Sponge bathing out of a sink to avoid soaking incision areas was less than satisfying – although I am most grateful to my wonderfully attentive mother in helping me with my back and lower legs. - Walked the floor plan of my lower level totaling 2 hrs, no nap today, awake whole day with either walking, sitting upright or laying at an incline. - Gas in gut, stomach and intestine bubbles and squeaks present mostly around drinking liquid and directly after and while walking. Passing some gas south of the border throughout the day, but not much. Burping regularly, but not excessively. - 1 BM today, again diarrhea, again came on fast with little warning. -Able to drink about 4 cups of liquid in whole day. I know I am dehydrated, but I am peeing 4-5 times daily so I’m not too worried at present (average is 8-10). Still have the tell-tale white tongue and sticky spit at times during the day. Still, stomach will not accept more. Swallowing is noticeably tighter today as my surgical site continues to swell up. Had liquid pass through very slowly even with small sips a couple times throughout the day and a series of painful hiccups. More and more relying on warm tea and veggie broth as soothers and muscle relaxers. I’ve got another week of increasing swelling before I’m expected to peak, and will take each day with whatever recovery brings me to handle that day. -Glad I prepared ahead and stocked my pantry with high protein liquid meals so I am getting some good nutritional calories while limited in quantity. -Maintaining good thoughts and high spirits in my slow but steady progress.   [ADVICE: It cannot be underestimated …the importance of having a dedicated and morale building caregiver while going through this process – which for me has been my wonderfully patient and loving mother.]   - Whole day without narcotics, but took pain med at bed time.   Jenn (aka jedi_Jenn)

Day 7 aka 1 week (post op) - January 21, 2013 -Slept through the night for 2 nd time since op day. Yay! -Started day with no narcotics, no ibuprofen. Maintaining level 2 for torso/surgical site, shoulder & upper back pain also level 2. Resilient feet & calves no pain! Rolling out of bed again with the gravity shift, the wait to catch my breath, less painful, much quicker recovery, feeling good. -Sunny beautiful day. -Short car trip (3 blocks) to local park for 1 mile walk with my wonderful and patient mother, I rode as passenger. Felt great moving, worked on deep breathing. Possibly looked strange while holding my pillow to my middle for stability! LOL. Soaked up Vitamin D. Crunching dried leaves under my sneaks left over from Autumn. Fresh air. -Midday uncomfortable pain at level 5 in torso, shoulder and back, laid at an incline to get comfortable, took 2 hr nap in early evening, awoke with torso and back pain level 6 so took narcotic this evening – got relief. Walked lower level floor plan in evening for an hour passing good amount of gas down south. - 1 BM today, again diarrhea, again little warning. -Able to drink 9 cups of liquid in whole day. Double from yesterday. Progress! Stomach is accepting more. Still have the tell-tale white tongue though. -Swallowing is noticeably tighter today as my surgical site continues to swell up, have lots of mucus and really feels a lot like esophagitis. Hello my friends …veggie broth and warm tea for soothing and comfort. -Overall good day with noticeable progress from yesterday. -Took pain med at bed time. -Completed week 1 of clear liquid, didn’t feel deprived at all because I had no appetite, felt like I had to force feed myself more than anything.   Day 8 (post op) - January 22, 2013 -Starting 2 nd week of clear liquid. Perhaps my appetite will increase as my activity level increases – just have to wait and see. But the high protein clear liquid meal replacements are a life saver. Getting all my nutrition and fuel in small souped-up quantities. -Slept through the night again. No pain when rolling out of bed, yet still being very careful with gravity shift. -Maintaining level 2 for torso/surgical site & 2 for upper back. - Sunny, chilly, pretty day. -Did 1hr on my elliptical this morning, no hands, just legs at half my usual speed and resistance. I’m restricted to no pushing or pulling or lifting. Went slow, and did better than I expected. Got my heart rate up a bit and felt good overall. I do NOT recommend anyone trying to do this machine at this stage of recovery unless you know how to use it without stressing your abdomen. But, I am finding the elliptical even more comfortable than walking because there is zero impact on my torso – just have to be super careful not to use my middle. -Dropped my shampoo in the shower this morning. Had to ask my wonderful and attentive mother to pick it up for me as I am restricted to no bending over, at all, for any reason. Talk about reverting back to childhood!! This is also a moment for patience when I need to change pants and get my sneaks on. -Went to the local park again this afternoon and walked a mile. Wonderful feeling having the sun bathing my face. Still using pillow against my midsection – certainly looking odd. -Finished a thriller novel, starting a new one. -Took pain med late afternoon (torso and back aching at level 6) & took a short nap laying on couch at an incline. - 1 BM today, diarrhea, little warning, painful. -Able to drink about 12 cups of liquid in whole day. Still have the tell-tale white tongue, but it’s getting pinker and I’m steadily increasing my quantity. - Swallowing ability is about same as yesterday. -Overall good day. I increased my activity level and it felt great doing it. My deep breathing ability was easier today too. -Took pain med at bed time.   Day 9 (post op) - January 23, 2013 -Slept through the night - again. No pain when rolling out of bed, but still being very careful with gravity shift. -Maintaining level 2 for torso/surgical site & 3 for upper and middle back. -Another gorgeous, sunny day. -Did 1hr on my elliptical this morning, again just legs, no hands, and again at half my usual speed and resistance. Improved a bit from yesterday, but took it very slow, careful. -Went to the local park again this afternoon and walked a mile. So pleasant and peaceful. Still using pillow. -Late afternoon back aching at level 5. Took a short but refreshing nap on couch at an incline, no pain meds, just heating pad. -Early evening did a 2nd set on the elliptical (1hr) – just legs. Felt great. - 1 BM today, diarrhea, little warning, no pain. -Able to drink roughly 14 cups of liquid for day. - Swallowing ability is about same as yesterday, tight and slow for liquid to pass through, with excess mucus, again feels a lot like esophagitis as the surgical site continues to swell. I’m warming everything that I drink - everything - to ease swallowing. Had series of hiccups (painful) in the evening after sipping juice at room temperature; room temperature is not warm enough. I had a bit of an appetite today, so that is good. -Overall good day. I’m getting better. Deep breathing was much easier today. -Took pain med at bed time. -Woke up at 2AM, felt overwhelmingly uncomfortable, but couldn’t identify what the problem could be, just had to get up. As soon as I sat up, lots of gas blew from the north and south poles. So, apparently that was it. Then, another wave of gas – with a little extra – and didn’t make it to the bathroom in time so started in my underwear – AGAIN! Ugh. Also, extremely thirsty so drank 1 cup of water. Got settled down by 3AM, then was up again at 430AM with another BM – diarrhea, but thankfully not another mishap. Again, very thirsty so drank another cup of water. Never really slept again rest of night.   Day 10 (post op) - January 24, 2013 -Super tired to start out the day cause I didn’t sleep much during the night. -Maintaining level 2 for torso/surgical site & no back pain. -Got on elliptical anyway first thing in the morning and did an hour, just legs. It felt good. -Walked a mile at the local park at lunch time – fresh air and sun. Kids were out playing on the jungle gym at the nearby school, chatty and laughing. Nice. -Took a nap early afternoon laying at incline on my couch. Back at level 2, so napped with heating pad. -Got a 2 nd hour on the elliptical completed late this afternoon. Just taking my time, going easy. - 5 BMs today, diarrhea, little warning, no pain (on the 3 rd pass, didn’t make it to bathroom in time, that’s 3 mishaps since op day! Dang!). -Able to drink 16 cups of liquid for day. Increasing my electrolytes. - Swallowing ability is about same as yesterday. I’m warming everything that I drink. I had a fair appetite today, yet limited by the quantity my stomach will hold as it continues to swell – 4 more days until my swelling peaks! Looking forward to when the esophagus and stomach inflammation starts to reduce. Also looking forward to when my intestines get on board and behave more normally – surely hope it isn’t several months ahead, but I know it could be. And really looking forward to graduating to full liquid diet next week. Hello pea soup – yum, my favorite! -Overall good day. Pain level way down (sneaks in here and there at surgical site and back throughout the day). Deep breathing was good today. -No pain med at bedtime. -Up at 1AM with BM – diarrhea again.   Day 11 (post op) - January 25, 2013 -Got up tired again, but maintaining level 2 for torso/surgical site. -1 hr on elliptical first thing in the morning, just legs. -Finished my breakfast drink at one setting for the first time (within 30 min, but usually takes two separate sessions) and ended up with a wave of nausea complete with beads of sweat – too rich, too much, too quick. Took an anti-nausea pill (dissolves under tongue) and sat down to wait it out. -Walked a mile at the local park midday, 1 st time without pillow – some jarring to middle but was okay. Cold bite in air – 30’s…but, invigorating. -Took a short cat nap early afternoon laying at incline on my couch. Didn’t get enough rest and got real grouchy. -Got a 2 nd hour on the elliptical completed early this evening. Seems I’m developing a routine with my days. -Peeled my liquid band-aids off my surgical incisions tonight. Dr. said they’d peel off by themselves in 7 days, but they never did. My skin is irritated under where the bandages were, but my incisions have healed and look great. - 6 BMs today (2 nd pass another mishap!), diarrhea. Lots of rumbling and pops in intestine. -Able to drink 19 cups of liquid for day. Wow. - Swallowing ability is about same as yesterday. I’m warming everything that I drink. I had a strong appetite today and general overall thirst, yet still limited by the quantity and richness that my stomach will hold. Good news is the quantity is steadily increasing. I’m sipping all day long. -Overall good day. Deep breathing was good today. -No pain med at bedtime. But introduced PeptoBismol (hoping to stave off the diarrhea) …and the MUCH needed Zinc Oxide cream.   Day 12 (post op) - January 26, 2013 -Slept through the night, still tired though. -Maintaining level 1 for torso/surgical site. -Maintained same activity level as yesterday (elliptical & park walk), yet still noticeably more tired throughout the day. - Napped midday which felt so good. -2 BMs today, took another shot of Pepto first thing in the morning – hits my stomach like a boulder, heavy and very uncomfortable, lasting 30 min before settling down. Gonna get some Kaopectate. -Able to drink 17 cups of liquid for day. - Swallowing ability is more difficult today, esophagus and stomach are swelling more – which is to be expected as I am still 2 days out from when my swelling will likely peak (14 days post op). The tightening is distracting and uncomfortable, but manageable – again, feels very similar to esophagitis. Despite warming everything that I drink, my stomach is revolting – this coincides with my appetite disappearing. My intake is better with less rich, dense liquid such as water, tea, broth. -Overall good day.   Day 13 (post op) - January 27, 2013 -Slept through the night, but still feeling overall tired. -Maintaining level 1 for torso/surgical site. I can move much better, turning and careful twisting, reaching, etc. - Maintained same activity level as yesterday. - Napped midday which felt so good. -3 BMs today, diarrhea, took Kaopectate twice, very heavy on my stomach. -Able to drink 15 cups of liquid for day. - Swallowing ability is same as yesterday. Feeling of tightness and a few spasms, keeping my chin up because I know this is temporary as my body heals, but it feels uncomfortable and distracting. Warming everything. -Overall good day, but mostly tired.   Day 14 aka 2 weeks (post op) - January 28, 2013 - Completed week 2 of clear liquid. Second week was tougher than 1 st as I had an appetite during 2 nd half of it. Today is the day I’m expected to peek with my swelling, then, I should notice it reducing. - I am modifying my physical movements to protect the surgical site (limiting turning, twisting, etc.) and here and there I get a twinge reminding me that I need to be more careful, but overall, I rarely experience any pain. Mostly, the discomfort is from the swelling of my esophagus and stomach and the symptoms I feel because if this – similar to esophagitis and reflux. And this is where patience needs to be in the forefront of my mind. I feel better so I want my body to BE healed, but it’s a 6 month process and in order to ensure a full recovery without incident, I’ll need to respect the fragility of my surgical site and continue to modify my movements. And continue to drink liquid (but graduating to full liquid – yay!) and take small, slow sips. - Maintained same activity level as yesterday, including nap midday. - Swallowing ability is same as yesterday. Phoned my surgeon, he said to try to drink thicker liquid as much as possible, but it’s fine to slowly transition from clear to full. Said I’m progressing fine, will see me in 2 weeks. -Taking Kaopectate again today to control diarrhea. -Able to drink 15 cups of liquid for day. -Overall good day.

Hi Jenn!
This blog is so helpful and reassuring. I hop that Ferris wheel on Friday and the way you document your experience makes me laugh but mostly bc it's so true to form. I appreciate your candidness. Keep the updates coming.

Hi Jenn

Thank you for detailing your experience, I was told yesterday that my surgery will be on 8th May, Cambridge in the UK. Bit nervous but I really am fed up with problems I have had over the last 3 years with the reflux, really been getting me down and affecting my life. After 3 years of appointments and tests they told me that I would have to stay on 80mg of Omeprazole a day and were reluctant to do the surgery (I imagine due to cost) but I have persisted with this and my fantastic doctor wrote to the Primary Care Trust which has now approved payment for the surgery.

It is so comforting to read the experiences on this site, just what I needed. I am sure I will be really nervous but I am sure it is the right thing to do.

Thanks Jenn and everyone else for your postings.

Jane in UK

Hi Jenn,It sounds like you're doing great. Everything you're experiencing is within the normal range, and is to be expected after major surgery. I'm sure that even though you're working at home, it's still stressing you more than just lying around and resting.

A lot of the pain you're experiencing is due to wrap-swelling. It peaks on or about the two week mark, but that's not in stone. It definitely creates pain and discomfort, but it will gradually subside.

Thanks again for sharing!
Happy healing,
Denise

Day 29 - 35 aka Week 5 (post op) - February 12-18, 2013 -Starting 1 st week of puree & soft food. Gonna start trying to get more soft food incorporated into my diet (like cottage cheese), but I’m taking my time and not pushing too fast. I don’t want another “egg episode” so I’m feeling a little gun shy in trying more substantial food. So glad that I stocked up my pantry with high protein liquid meal replacements pre-op to keep my nutrition up while I’m transitioning through the food phases. They are pricey, but really a lifesaver! -Saw surgeon on Wed for 1 month post op visit and was told I’m progressing fine, all my symptoms are typical for this stage of the recovery process. Said to get as much regular food (in a chewable state) into my diet as I’m able to and to continue supplementing with liquid meals as needed. Also, said that I can resume normal activity levels with one caution…not to stress my abdomen (lifting heavy weights, resistance crunches, etc.) for at least another month. Said to listen to my body and stop when feeling uncomfortable or pain, to slowly transition back into my regular workout routine. Specifically said impact and jarring to my midsection from running will not do any damage to my surgical site. He also said that the majority of my internal healing has already taken place within the 1st month postop! - This week I had Cheerios, cottage cheese, toast with jelly, catfish, salmon, deviled egg, meatballs & rutabaga and handled it fine. -One lingering issue is I get this awful nausea that seems to funnel from my stomach up through my neck & throat to the base of the back my head. I think it’s the vagus nerve being disturbed (or being fussy) any time I have a gravity shift (when laying prone and shifting from left side to back, back to right side, prone to sitting up, sitting up to standing, etc.). It’s not as overwhelming as it used to be a few weeks ago, so I’m feeling confident that this is just a temporary situation that getting better – yet another symptom of my recovery, but I feel it consistently & daily. -My left side and lower left back ached most of the time, usually at level 2, sometimes up to a 4. I attribute this to how frequently and heavily I stress the area. I notice that I need to sit with a comfortable back rest intermittently though out the day to avoid aggravating this area. -Overall good week.

Day 43 – 49 aka Week 7 (post op) - February 26 – March 4, 2013 -Starting 1 st week of soft & regular food. While still eating puree and high protein meal replacements as supplements. - Been off PPI and Flovent for about 2 weeks now and no significant side effects. I get gas and bloating and that pressure in my chest that I attribute to reflux, but nothing more than I’ve had since the op. - I still have the nausea that travels from my stomach, up my throat and to the base of my skull, but it isn’t as bad as last week (little less frequent and not as overwhelming), so I think it’s getting better. My left midsection is still stiff and I can feel the strain when bending over, so it’s little to no progress there from last week – which is frustrating, but I know it takes time... - This week I had fried and baked cabbage, chicken parmesan, and steamed swiss chard. All went down fine and my stomach accepted the food without any trouble. I LOVE cabbage and swiss chard drizzled with lemon, so it was a treat! Also, I can eat about 1.5 cups of food at a time. At this point, I can easily plan a menu of 6 small meals throughout the day. - I’ve slacked off on my work outs this week, but now that I feel like a slug, I’m gonna start off week 8 post op getting moving. Spring is just around the corner and I want to feel energized when it comes. ...And lose the 30 lbs I'm carrying around as excess fuel (aka fat). - Overall this week is about the same as last week, not much to report by way of physical healing progress. But, no setbacks either! Wink. Nod.   Jenn (aka jedi_Jenn)