Barb's partial fundoplication journey 12/17/13

Wanted to post my journey in the same spirit of sharing that so many others have done before.

I did not have typical GERD symptoms, my issues were with waking up in the middle of the night sometimes choking on phlegm for the past 3 years, constant throat clearing and pain in my diaphragm area. Had an endoscopy in Sept which showed a hiatus hernia. PPI's did not work and most would call my symptoms LPR but the Bravo capsule did indicate acid sitting on my throat for long periods of time so believe I had symptoms of both GERD and LPR.

I had a colon resection in 04 due to diverticulitis (apparently it isn't uncommon to have multiple issues in one system of our bodies, mine happen to be digestive in spite of the fact that I eat healthy, exercise and am in good shape otherwise.) The colon resection went extraordinarily well and I was thrilled to find out that my surgeon also specializes in GERD. He did every test imaginable, 8 total I believe in order to fully understand my digestive system before recommending a partial fundoplication.

His pre-op diet is 7 days of liquids to deplete glycogen stores and shrink the liver-this makes it easier for him to move things around with the scope and makes for an easier recovery. I followed his pre-op diet plan and arrived for surgery on December 17th at 5:30 am. Was in my room after surgery by noon, had a lovely nurse who was very attentive though most of that day is a blur as I am hyper sensitive to anesthesia and pain meds.

First night and Day 2 were tough, almost vomited on several occasions, night nurse and next day nurse were not compassionate or responsive. Ran out of water, had to empty urine collection container myself, finally started just unplugging everything myself so I could go for walks. Very disheartening. Lots of burping, gurgling and sensation of liquids swirling around the wrap. Oh, and hiccups. Ouch. Was happy to be discharged at 2 to the care of my way more compassionate husband. Sent home with photos of the hernia repair and wrap which are really interesting.

Day 3 was not bad at all, actually felt pretty good, pain level about a 3. Went for a nice walk outside, was still burping.

Day 4, pain returned in earnest, up to a solid 8 and the hydromorphone I was sent home with did not help at all, just made me nauseous. My pain is in both shoulders and it is fierce. Walking as much as possible, got vicodin rx which isn't helping either. Realized yesterday on day 4 that I hadn't had a bowel movement since Monday so took stool softeners and am drinking smooth move tea. Don't actually feel constipated esp since I have not eaten anything solid in past 10 days but hoping that is what is causing the pain. Haven't burped at all in about 24 hours and it feels like the wrap is swelling.

It is early morning of day 5, still not sleeping at all as it is difficult to get comfortable. Body feels tight from not moving, neck and back are achy. Hoping it is warm enough today to get outside for an extended walk-from everything I've read here I believe it will help move the gas that is likely causing the pain.

No problem getting liquids down, taking very small bites and small amounts. Post op 2 week diet includes broth, strained cream soups, jello, pudding, cottage cheese, smoothies, yogurt, milk shakes. Bought a cheap but very effective juicer the Hamilton Big Mouth so juicing some veggie and fruit blends though not able to drink more than a 1/8 or 1/4 cup at a time. Have lost 10 lbs so far, don't want to lose more but will surely have no problem gaining it back. :)

Barb-

Welcome to the Wrapped Club!

As for sleeping, I found it much easier to sleep sitting up for a week or 2 after surgery. I fortunately have reclining ends on the couch as well as a comfy recliner.

Take care,
Bill

Hi Heartogold

The only meds I took after leaving the hospital was paracetamol. It did help but of course it didn't kick in straight away then wore off after a couple of hours. I'm sure it did help.

Maria

Thanks Bill. Haven't slept more than 3 hours a night since surgery, mornings are the worse as the pain is harsh-woke up today shaking. Looking forward to sleeping flat again someday, hoping the chair works tonight. Tough day today, trying to stay positive. Appreciate the support.

Barb

Barb-

Are you taking the pain meds are prescribed? Early on that can help you get more sleep if takenhen you want to sleep.

Take care,
Bill

Barb-

I found that taking Ibuprofen with the other pain meds helped them work better. I was given that at the hospital as well.

Be sure to stay hydrated. Even a slight amount of dehydration will make you feel worse.

Take care,
Bill

Posted by dencha on 12/31

Hi Barb,
You're the first abscess post-Nissen that I've heard of. So sorry to hear you had to go through so much! I'm just very glad that you and your husband acted quickly and got you medical help right away. That's not something to play around with. I'm glad you posted your experience, so others can learn from what you went through.

This is why, while many, many pains can be normal post-op, it's always best to contact your surgeon's office if your pain is persistent and/or severe. I'm very glad it all worked out well. Be sure to take it EXTRA easy, as going through two surgeries is even more challenging than one!
Happy healing, AND
Happy New Year!
Denise

 Posted Yesterday 1:51 PM by Heartogold

3 weeks post fundo, 10 days post 2nd surgery to drain abscess.

Thanks to Denise and Bill for responding to my post about an abscess, wasn't sure I should post because I don't want to scare anyone but infections are a possible complication of any surgery. Was fortunate mine was strep rather than staph or mrsa which are much harder to get rid of. Any indication of infection should be dealt w immediately, extended pain, shortness of breathe, even slight fever.

My surgeon said he rarely has patients require pain medication after week 1 but from what I had read here, the shoulder pain is not uncommon so really didn't think anything was seriously wrong. Grateful he heard shortness of breathe when I spoke to him-hope this post helps someone else avoid what can a huge complication if not addressed promptly.

With 2 surgeries in 10 days, my recovery is different than most and certainly delayed. Not much energy, hard to keep spirits up and eating very small amounts. Luckily not having issues w wrap, very few problems swallowing.

Heartfelt wishes to all for a happy new year.

Barb

Having a rough night, antibiotic got caught in my wrap but the pain and spasms have lasted for 6 hours. Pain has returned to my shoulders, stomach is very noisy. Drank tea, walked, used a heating pad, no relief.

I am 3 and 1/2 weeks post fundo-is it normal for the wrap to swell at this point? This is the worst it has been since surgery.

David, how are you? Just read your post, sounds like things are very slowly improving for you. I'm amazed at what you're eating, still just eating super soft foods here and ready for some texture and flavor. How are your other symptoms?

I've only had things stick a few times and it is usually my large antibiotic capsule. Before tonight it took about 20 minutes for it to go down the few times it has gotten stuck, tonight is the first time it has persisted. Still have some phlegm in my throat, less than before surgery but will wait 6 months-1 year before passing judgment-sounds like it is one of the last symptoms to resolve for most. My voice was gone after two surgeries but is finally coming back-everyone says I sound better when they talk to me. Haven't had heartburn but didn't have much prior to surgery and am being super cautious about what I eat and eating small bites, chewing for eternity. Eating is such a chore, don't want to bother with it but trying to eat every few hours to get energy levels back up. Going to look for some protein drinks tomorrow.