13 days after fundoplication

I had the terrible horrible shoulder pain from my diaphragm being irritated.
the children's liquid motrin helped a lot with that. 13 days is really not that long.
I would say, It was about a month before I started feeling normal again. Give it time. I know easier said than done, but really things should get much better. Some people swell more than others, some take longer to heal.

Its always helpful to talk to the surgeon about it. I hope that he can help you out.
I just know how painful that shoulder pain can be. It felt like my arm was going to fall off!

Hi Maria

I had my surgery in October and can tell you that what you were experiencing I was as well. I did have strong painkillers that I had to take for two weeks after discharge from hospital together with blood thinning injections and surgical socks. I was on a liquid only diet for the first two weeks, progressing slowing to a pureed diet which is where I am now. I'm not able to tolerate more fibrous foods yet (such as chicken even when pureed). I'm now four weeks on and all has settled down.

As for the shoulder pain, i sometimes get it but find that strong paracetamol (2x500mg) stops it immediately.

I'm now in week five of recovery, and feeling much better for the surgery, but still a long way to go - I really get the feeling that there are very different recovery processes whether on your in the UK (like me) or the USA - am not sure why.

So from a UK perspective - I was told the following - expect to be on a liquid diet for at least the first two weeks (very true), move slowly onto a pureed diet (very true again) focussing on small portions and six meals a day (again very true), as and when you can tolerate a pureed diet move onto the next stage of soft foods (some things I can tolerate - others are just not working right now) and when comfortable slowly move to a more substantial offering.

From reading on here some of the great contributors talk about it taking six months for a full recovery and others faster and slower than that.

My main learning is that I have to listen to my body, and to my tummy, rest when necessary and get out to walk as well (which whilst tiring moves things through). I have had to be extremely patient (not very good at that) and take each day as it comes - I have my up days and my down days. However, I don't have any reflux anymore or any burning sensations, which is a massive up side.

I'm not sure what post operative checks you had but I had to endure a barium swallow 48 hours after my operation which showed that the operation had been a complete success - did you have the same done? If not, it might be worth asking your consultant?

I wish you well and hope this is of some comfort and help.

I had the nissen about 7 weeks ago... I've been far worse since. The burning in my throat, stomach and chest don't respond to anything. Not sure why it's much worse... Idk if this is from the procedure and will reside or that It's continued reflux either. Let us know if it gets better.

I took Motrin for the shoulder pain instead of narcotics. It definitely helped as 4 hours later the pain would return. Took about 2 weeks to go away. I also had stitches with a large hernia and my Dr. Also said it was from that.
Good luck. Soon you will be through this stage!

Hi Maria

I am so sorry to hear about your day (yesterday). I hope you got some answers from your consultant today?!

It really sounds to me that your consultant has given you some very different direction as to mine. For information I had a paraesophageal hiatus hernia and was due to have a total nissens but like you ended with a 270 fundoplication, mainly due to the extent of the hernia.

I have to say the first 48 hours after were grim and I had a lot of morphine in recovery and continued on a morphine drip for the next three days, in addition to the pain killers.

Where we have gone different is the speed of diet - my consultant and dietician were most insistent on a liquid diet for the first two weeks at least, then onto a pureed diet and slowly onto a soft diet (which I have started today but already ruled out pasta).

From what you write it does sound that the reflux is there, so I hope your consultant has agreed to you having a barium swallow - at the very least!!

My consultant has been insistent that diet and following it by the letter is key to recovery - go too fast and it doesnt allow the healing to take place. I'd be very happy to share the diet plan if it would help!

Let me know how it went!

Rob

Hi Maria

I cannot tell you how excruciating my heartburn and reflux was before my operation - to the point sometimes I had to be violently sick to get rid of the excess acid. My gastroenterologist could not believe how raw my Oesophagus was and when it came to the first barium meal it was unbelievable to see how faulty my valve was - it was like seeing a firework rocket launch!

I knew about the hernia after my second endoscopy but it wasn't until the third that we did the maths and realised the harm it was causing. I know how you feel about the prodding and poking. All the tests before going ahead with surgery were quite uncomfortable albeit very necessary!

Wow that was a quick stay in hospital for UK standards, I was in for five nights! Which I know is not the norm but it did help me with really understanding the diet and I have a great dietician who I can email at anytime which has been really helpful.

I'm thinking it may help for other UK (and non UK) readers out there if I write in more detail about my experience and progress - there is so little out there!

Just wish there was a recipe book as well! I will gladly send you the diet sheets - am not sure how though! Do you have email?

Keep strong, keep smiling, and keep using this fantastic support network!

Rob