My post Nissen experiences

If you're not feeling better by Friday, please don't try to go back to work.  If you do, it'll stress you and your body more than it should.  When I had the surgery I had every intention of going back half days after two weeks.  Because I'm and teacher and my class was sick, my doc didn't want me to risk sickness with the condition of my lungs and my healing wrap.  I ended up staying out 6 weeks, and honestly couldn't have imagined going back as early as I'd imagined  Granted, teaching second graders is more intense than a desk job, but still...just consider it, depending on how you're feeling.

If you're having dumping, try dropping the jello.  If it's not sugar free, it's full of sugar.  Joy (couchtater) has the theory that the diarrhea is caused by "liquid in, liquid out".  In her experience, it subsided after she added solids.  I didn't have that experience.  The only times I had diarrhea were when I was dumping.  I'd always know I was dumping when I heard loud gurgles and grumbles in my stomach.  I'd get diarrhea a few hours later.  Some get it immediately.  I'd only get it one time in a day, though.  That said, I expect the IBS adds another layer to the problem.

I still think you should call your surgeon's office today and talk to the nurse or even the surgeon himself.  I talked to mine once during my recovery.  Of course I had to patiently wait for him to call me back.  It's just a good thing to touch base when you're experiencing a difficult time.

You will definitely get through this, and you will be very happy you had the surgery.  You just have to get through this especially rough stage of recovery.  I'm off to volunteer in my son's third grade class for the day! After school I tutor two students.  It keeps me from missing my classroom!

Have a good day and feel better!

Happy healing,

Denise

The fullness is due to swelling at the top of the stomach. That's the area that communicates fullness to the brain, and the stiffness of swelling is communicated to the brain as fullness.  This will subside gradually.  On the bright side, it keeps you from overfilling your stomach during the recovery stage.

The swallowing discomfort and spasms is totally normal.  Your upper GI tract has undergone a major revision, and it will take time to heal and adjust.  Make sure that you chew, chew, chew, and take very small bites.  The gurgling is your stomach complaining.  I got very loud gurgling whenever I had a dumping episode. When I heard my stomach making all that noise, I knew that some time later I'd have diarrhea. 

If the tightness with breathing continues, let your pulmonologist know, just in case he wants to adjust your meds.  I'm sure you're having some additional symptoms due to the high doses of steroids you were on, and the fairly rapid tapering.  I would guess your tiredness might be partially due to the steroid taper, but still, the surgery is plenty reason to be tired!

You will be tired going back to work.  You've had major surgery, and are still in the midst of the most difficult healing phase.  Listen to your body and go with the flow.  No bending over low drawers and lifting heavy files yet.  Ask for help an don't be a hero! 

Hang in there!

Happy healing,

Denise

It sounds like you're doing great! about the cough...do you have asthma/allergies?  If so, I'd guess the pollen is irritating your lungs if you're spending time outside.  Even without the allergy component, the high quantities of pollen that's out there right now can do a number on your lungs. 

I'm on a new drug to inhibit he production of histamine.  Still, I went out on a high pollen day and exerted myself to the point that I was breathing in lots of pollen.  I'm paying for it now with some bronchitis.  I really think the pollen is acting more as an irritant than an allergen right now.  I'm not having trouble in the actual lobes...just the bronchial tubes.  I'm using my neb twice a day to help moisturize the mucous and get it out.

If your cough is productive, try lying down on your belly when you cough (on the bed).  It seems to cause less exertion when coughing.  Just a thought...it works for me.

This time of year anything is possible with lungs.  It's a good idea to discuss it with your pulmonologist, as your case was very severe and he's doing a balancing act as far as ditching steroids/adjusting meds.  Hang in there...springtime doesn't last forever!

Again, glad to hear you're making such great progress!

Happy healing,

Denise