My Nissen Journey- Surgery Friday August 9th 2013

Hiya Stephanie!

I had my Nissen on April 30th after what seemed like reflux for most of my life. Up until my surgery I was taking Protonix 4x's a day with very little relief. Even brushing my teeth caused reflux. I've got to say, having the procedure was the best decision of my life. It's now August and I haven't had a bit of reflux or heartburn since.

The internet is a crazy place. As I'm sure you've already found, there's lots of information and advice and diets to follow. In short, surrender to your recovery and follow your doctors orders precisely.

Some things to note while you're in the hospital:
1. Hospitals don't have a "Post-Nissen Diet". Your surgeon will prescribe a clear liquids only diet for the first day or two. Hospitals think that means it's okay to put a Sprite or 7-UP on your tray with a straw. Don't do it! Water, broth, Jello, that's it. No straws for awhile. After that you should be on a full liquids diet. Soups, oatmeal, ice cream, yogurt, juice, etc.
2. Don't be afraid to ask for pain medicine. I woke up with a magic button (Dialudid) that I was able to push every 10 minutes if I needed it. I only needed it for the first two days. It was removed on the third day and I was on liquid Lortab after that. It's really all I needed and even after coming home I was only on the liquid Lortab for another 4 or 5 days and was fine after that without any pain meds at all.
3. Walk, walk, walk. Walking will help you heal faster and will help get your energy back. Don't sit in bed or on the couch and stare into the television. If you have any pain in your shoulder from the CO2 used during surgery (I'm assuming you're having the laparoscopic procedure) walking will help eliminate that.

My surgeon asked that I remain on the liquid diet until my follow-up appointment with him two weeks after surgery, which I did faithfully. As that date approached, I added soft scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes and didn't have any problems. Some people complained of constipation or violent diarrhea after getting home. I didn't experience any of that and attributed that to sticking to my diet and not trying to over-do any activity. Once released from that diet I was given the green-light to eat anything I wanted as long as I was sensible about it. Cut everything up into small pieces and chew like crazy. Swallow carefully. Nothing carbonated and still no straws. Bread was a little difficult and to this day peanut butter gives me a little bit of a challenge. I was able to go back to work 16 days after my surgery and am pain and pill-free. I've added carbonated beverages and straws back into my diet (in moderation as gas will tend to be a problem for awhile since you may not be able to burp for several months post-op) and pretty much eat anything I want these days.

Note that you'll feel worse before you feel better. The swelling around your wrap won't really start to go away until at least a month post-op. Your best bet is to just take it easy and don't rush your recovery. Your body will definitely tell you when you've gone too far.

Take care of yourself and you have my best wishes for a successful surgery this week!
-TonyG-

Gosh Tony, thank you for the great advice! I really appreciate that and its good to hear how well you are feeling. that is keeping me positive and motivated. I dont look forward to the CO2 it was the worst part of my other lap surgery. I also dont react to anesthesia well, but that is fully noted in my chart and I will be telling the anesthesiologist that as well.
Thank you Thank you!

Post Edited (StephanieJean) : 8/5/2013 6:02:10 PM (GMT-6)

Hi Bill, Thank you! I read Denise's recovery journal. It was really helpful. The most I am taking away from this is to really just relax and stay calm during that two week mark. I know that is probably where I will have the most problems. Thank you!
I appreciate your help. Its nice to know I have people here to freak out to if necessary when I feel strange or not healing fast enough or stuff like that! :)

Hi SJ,
I had my surgery on a Thursday, and was back to work on Monday. Now, I'm a very light-blue -collar worker, so I work more with the computer than with my hands.

Every day is better, and now that I'm at the 13th day, I forget that I had the surgery at times. 4 days ago, bending over and tying my shoes was excruciating. Today, I tied them, walked away, and then later I had the thought, "Hey, I forgot to scream."

For a reference as to me and my healing potential:
48 year old male.
15 pounds over ideal weight. (Now only 5!!! Thank you Nissen.)
15 years of meds.
Food used to get stuck about once a month. Usually a nice puking session would fix me right up.

I'm only a short way on my journey, but I think I'll be much happier in a few more weeks.

Keith K.

Hey SJ,

I still have problems swallowing unless it's fairly small or chewed up. The problem with post-nissen, is that you get so hungry from the small meals, that it's very easy to take too big a bite. The best advice is to make it so that you can't. Buy soft food.
Mashed potatoes
Egg salad
Potato salad
Macaroni salad
Macaroni and cheese
Chicken pot pie
Yogurt

Keep us posted.

Keith K.

Thanks everyone!
The time is ticking by at work, and tomorrow is the day before surgery. I can't help but feel terrified, but I think it would be worse without all of you giving me advice and letting me know that you are doing so well.
I appreciate each and every one of your posts.

Hi I am Christine,

I had a partial nissen fundoplication on 24th July through the NHS in the north east of England and I am so pleased that I had it done.

I understand that a partial is probably an easier option for recovery than a full wrap but I have been instructed to adhere to the same diet regime. I have just moved onto soft foods from liquids and everything seems ok. I have been out walking each day and have gradually increased the distance.

The decision to just do a partial was made on the operating table but I was forewarned that this may be an option.

The only problems that I have had are a few pains in my left shoulder, in fairness, it is discomfort rather than pain.

So far, it has not been as bad as all the reports I have read on line leading up to the op ( this is the only site that I have found positive reports). My only concern is that a partial may be less effective. Has anyone out their had a successful partial wrap?
Chris

Chris-

Welcome to Healing Well and the Wrapped Club! We have several members who had the partial wrap and are doing very well.

SJ-

The floppy wrap is a newer technique that surgeons have been using. They used to just size the wrap with a bougie and sometimes that was too tight or too loose. The surgeons using the floppy wrap generally have been doing these a long time and have developed a feel for how the wrap should be. At least this is what my 2nd surgeon explained to me about it.
It has made for less post op problems with burping and allowing some to vomit while still controlling the reflux. Mt 1st was done with a bougie and was done wrong and too tight. My 2 redoes were done as a floppy wrap and I can tell a world of difference.
As AnotherDay said, getting up and walking soon helps a lot with getting the recovery process started. Even with my esophagus tear surgery(thoracotomy) they had me up and walking within 24 hours and that was with 2 chest tubes, an NG tune, and catheter. It helps ease some pains as well.

AnotherDay- Welcome to the Wrapped Club too! I don't think I have welcomed you yet.

Take care,
Bill

SJ-

Deep breathe.....relax

Please stay away from the "what ifs". This will cause huge anxiety. You and your surgeon have gone through everything and determined you are a good candidate for this surgery, so there is no reason to believe it won't be successful. Now you need to head into this with a positive attitude and believe this is your solution.

The carafate may help early on while your esophagus is healing. It won't hurt to use it.

We will be here waiting to welcome you to the Wrapped Club!

Do something that you enjoy and is relaxing tonight.

Take care,
Bill

Thanks a lot Bill. I have been trying to be positive about it. Pesky Anxiety and Panic disorder makes it harder though, but I have a good support system. Just sometimes I cant stop my mind from racing and thinking things even if I know they aren't rational.
Thanks for the tip on the carafate, I just filled it again.

txman4102- I will be documenting as much as possible for as long as possible. The journals and posts here are reassuring and helpful to me and if I can add to that great pool of knowledge and experience and help others going through what I am going through its the least I can do.

THANK YOU! you are so sweet

GC1pink said...
Hi StephanieJean,

Just wanted to wish you all the very best for your surgery tomorrow!

Hi Stephanie, good luck for today! Hope all goes well for you and no more Reflux! All the Best.Barry