Hi jocog,A belated welcome to the Wrapped Club! Sorry to hear you're having problems. I'll do my best to respond to your questions below.
You wrote:
I was told to be on liquid diet for six weeks then go on to puree if I could handle it. I am on supplement drinks and liquids but can only manage minimal amounts and get a lot of pain from operation site when doing this. Is this normal?
First, it's quite uncommon for a surgeon to require a six week liquid diet protocol. Generally it lasts closer to 3 weeks at most. I was on a "required" liquid diet only in the hospital, and went home on soft foods. At Day 6 my surgeon set me free to eat "anything that can be chewed to a liquid/creamy consistency".
There is a continuum of eating protocols that vary from surgeon to surgeon, but I have to say that your six weeks on liquids is on the far end of that continuum. It is not normal to be at 7 weeks and still having problems swallowing liquids. Generally people at your stage of recovery are eating regular foods (most minus untoasted bread and steak), although they're still taking small bites and chewing their food to a liquid consistency.
The amount of pain at the wrap site you're describing seems extreme. There can be swelling at the site for several weeks, which can interfere with swallowing and cause discomfort, but liquids should go down. It is true that they can back up at the wrap site even with typical recovery, and this can continue for quite a while. I remember feeling cold water backing up and then draining through the wrap. It's a normal part of healing. Still, the fact that you're having so much trouble with getting liquids into your stomach is concerning. If your surgeon doesn't satisfy your questions, please consider a second opinion. How many Nissen surgeries did your surgeon do prior to yours?
You wrote:
I keep my self active but in constant pain for left incision site. Will this wear off?
The left incision site is the last one to get comfortable. I discussed this pain with my surgeon, and was informed that this was the site where most of the surgical tool manipulation took place. That's why it's more painful for a longer period of time. I found ice to be a great pain reliever for this. Yes, of course, with healing, that rib will feel fine again.
You wrote:
This dumping syndrome after op is causing considerable pain, also.
My doctor did have me on tramadol then i was changed to Codeine and Paracetomal but this doesn't seem to be touching it, and I'm only able to take it in liquid form.
Dumping syndrome is a common recovery side effect after stomach surgery. It often occurs after gallbladder surgery as well. If you're drinking a lot of sweetened drinks, it's likely to be making the problem worse. Check out this anti-dumping syndrome diet information:
http://uvahealth.com/services/digestive-health-1/images-and-docs/dumping-syndrome.pdf/view
You wrote:
I had a really bad night last night dizzy spells and crippling spasms. I don't like bothering the doctors and have been trying to get on with it so to speak. Reading some of the posts, it seems people have recovered quicker and better than me. I really feel in limbo at the moment 'till I see consultant. I'm not sure what to do. If any one can help with advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
There are several members here who've had spasms both pre and post-op that subsided with time. I'd like to emphasize the fact that your surgeon got paid a LOT of money to do your surgery, and you have every right to call and ask questions at any time. You have not yet been released, so the surgeon is your go-to office. If you don't get satisfaction from them, call your GI office and express your concerns.
Spasms can be painful, and I have heard of cases where they can, if extremely strong and left untreated, cause problems with the wrap. I'm definitely not saying that yours are doing that, but they shouldn't be ignored.
You shouldn't be left to recover from this surgery without the support of your surgeon and his/her staff. You can even call and ask to have your appointment moved up, and if there aren't any appointments, get on a cancellation list. Make your problem their problem. They owe it to you!
I'm glad you joined the forum. It's a great place to talk to others who've been though the same thing you're dealing with.
Hang in there...it gets better!
Best wishes,
Denise