14 days post wrap

Hi everyone!
I was unfortunate that I didn't come across this forum until
after my surgery, but I'm glad I did! Very helpful and insightful in explaining
my recovery process and the symptoms that come along with it. I joined because I was impressed with the positive and encouraging feel to the group! I have lived with acid reflux for about 10 years and managed the symptoms
for most of that time with Nexium as needed.However, in September, after having joined a kickboxing club in the summer, I gradually became sicker and sicker with nausea and vomitting. I became unable to eat anything but small amounts of soft food and even that didn't stay in. At that point I had lost 15lbs. in 4 weeks. I was sent for a barium swallow which revealed a large hiatal hernia. My family doc referred me to a surgeon as an urgent case and after a few more tests(endoscopy and biopsies and gastric emptying) the surgeon recommended the Nissen fundoplication. So here I am 2 weeks post surgery, down a total of 33 lbs and feeling still tired weak and sore but so glad I had this procedure done. My nausea and vomitting are completely gone! I do struggle with symptoms like dumping syndrome and have a ton of pain in my l
shoulder but I am going to physio to help with that as I had a past rotator cuff injury and it feels like somehow it has flared up again, perhaps during surgery it was irritated. I have a few puzzling symptoms though that perhaps some of the 'alumni' out there may have insight into. I have had a flu like feeling the whole 14 days..alternating between hot and sweaty, then cold and shaky with blue fingernails. I have no fever; if anything it's been low like 96.3 F. I've only had 2 days without diarrhea but am on a clear liquid diet which may be contributing. I also am having a great amount of difficulty falling asleep even with painkillers. The first couple of days post surgery I slept for about 1 and a half at a time...now I'm awake all day but still toss and turn all night. Could any of these symptoms be associated with vagal nerve irritation? I have an almost constand feeling of deep ache in my ribcage and back and shoulder. I'm sure this will heal with time but I'm starting to feel really weak from all that is going on. Any insight?
Thanks,
Cat-p.s.it's 5 a.m. Gave up trying to sleep at 3 p.m. But no reflux anymore!!! :)

Hiya...and welcome to the club!

Are you still taking the narcotic painkiller medication? If so, that is likely contributing to your flu-ish symptoms. When I was on the liquid painkiller once I was home I would get hot flashes within a half hour of taking it, then get really cold. Once I wasn't on the meds anymore, those symptoms stopped. As Stephanie suggested, your diet may also have something to do with that if you're not getting enough to eat/drink. If you've had bouts of dumping, you need to make sure that you're rehydrating properly.

All the furniture moving and manipulation of the surgeons tools are likely causing your ribcage discomfort. Especially on your left side just under the ribcage. That area is where your surgeons main working port was placed and the one that gets the most abuse during the procedure so you'll feel some discomfort there for a bit. Take Stephanies suggestion on the Childrens Motrin. Getting up and trying to take short walks will help with your energy level. It'll also help get your blood pressure up to reduce some of the swelling you're experiencing now.

Take care and be well!
-TonyG-

It was three to four weeks for me before I could transition to eating some rice with sour cream. Others on here managed to transition to soft foods way faster than me. Your stomach capacity is actually slightly larger than mine was at the time you are at now. At 7 weeks, I can eat lots of foods, I still stay away from salads, tough meats, and whole fruits. I can have small amounts of bread. Given where we both were/are at your point right now, I'm impressed I can eat what I do now. It helps for things to be extremely saucy and very well chewed. Eating is still an all day thing. If I eat any faster than a crawl then the food will for sure get stuck. Improvements happen but in baby steps. At least that's the way it is for me.

Post Edited (Diaas2) : 12/19/2013 9:41:06 AM (GMT-7)

Sounds promising. I am 12 days past surgery. Definite improvement but still lacking the energy and still in clear fluids. Happy to hear you're feeling so much better. I had no idea how long recovery was. I found this site shortly after surgery and also very thankful. Might get to move to soft foods tomorrow. You said you lost 33lbs. Did that count the 15 lbs prior to surgery? Sounds like a lot and would explain some of your weakness then. I lost 15 prior to surgery working out. Now 11lbs since surgery. I do feel weak but getting stronger. Just wish it was faster so I could exercise again.

I need to go find some patience! I am doing the Sun Run April 27. Only walking it, not running, but now I wonder. I thought I'd make it to Theraoeutic Yoga by about now but no way. I did read surrender to your healing too. A friend also told me healing by day. Very true. My body agrees but my mind has other plans. Today was deck uttering but paperwork and tedious stuff. Wiped me out. Lol.

Benjawood

You are responding to a thread that's almost 3 years old. You might want to start your own topic to get more response. Cat10hage hasn't been around the forums since her last post above.

Sharon