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FALLING AFTER SURGERY

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Posted 12/16/2013 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
hi all:

I managed to take a fall in the snow yesterday. It was a soft landing in the snow but ever since I have been feeling rotton. It could be mind over matter cause we are told NOT TO FALL> Does anyone know if the wrap is strong enough to withstand a light fall.

If I ate a bad food could that cause me to feel sick today??? Yes, Im a little overly paranoid about my surgery cause goodness knows I never want to go through that again.

Thanx Happy Holiday

BacciB/RubyOne
Posted 12/16/2013 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RubyOne

I was told by my surgeon that he'd only ever seen one wrap that had come undone due to a knock. He said it was a car crash and it was a chest impact so I guess that what he was saying is that it takes some force to damage it.

Maria
Posted 12/16/2013 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi BacciB,

Sorry to hear about the fall. I don't think you hurt anything. You probably were bundled up too because of the cold which provided a buffer. Just think if you didn't have the Nissen and the stomach was not secured. That fall might have been worse without the surgery.

Hope you feel better.

Michelle
Posted 12/16/2013 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
BacciB

I too think you are good to go. The sutures are pretty tough they use. I am one who has had a wrap torn apart and it was from a stent they had to use in my esophagus to hold pressure against the hole I had. It was a serious;y strong spring thing. I am sure you didn't tear anything by falling in the snow.

It wouldn't even have to be bad foods to make your stomach sick. after this surgery even normal foods can cause it to get upset. It has been through a huge ordeal and sometimes we need to baby it while it heals. I bet all of us who have had this surgery has had at least a few bad days,

Take care,
Bill
Posted 12/17/2013 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
thank you so much for your reassuring responses. I do feel much better this morning. Its only 6:30 a.m. and I am out of bed and functioning. HOOORAHHHH
Posted 12/18/2013 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
I slipped and fell down the stairs after my surgery. I felt pretty crappy for about a week or two after even though it was a minor fall.
Posted 12/18/2013 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor has me take my Nexium for nausea. It does more than just reduce acid.
But ask your gastroenterologist first!

It's always a good idea to ask the doctor when you have a question or concern. Many questions can be answered by his nurse, or she can ask him and get back to you by phone. You don't have to have an appointment for small things.

The advice we give here is NOT medical advice. We only have our own experiences to share.
Posted 12/22/2013 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ruby,

How are you feeling? How is the recovery.

Happy Holidays!

Michelle
Posted 12/22/2013 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
HI MICHELLE: I JUST POSTED RE: HEARTBURN...PLEASE READ AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO FOR ME. AS FAR AS HOW DO I FEEL...CRAPPY. IVE GONE BACK TO SOFT LIQUIDS TO SEE IF I FEEL BETTER. I DEFINITELY SEE BENEFITS OF THE SURGERY; HOWEVER, DOC TOLD ME BEFORE SURGERY THAT MY BREATHING WOULD STILL NOT BE NORMAL. FIFTY TO SEVENTY FIVE PERCENT AND I LIVE AT HIGH ALTITUDE. SO MY THINKING IS THAT WHEN YOU HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO BREATH, IT WEARS YOU OUT SO IM VERY TIRED. GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRR. THE BREATHING IS BETTER SINCE THE SURGERY YES.

I AM NOW TWO MONTHS OUT OF SURGERY. GRATEFUL FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS ; HOWEVER, I STILL DONT FEEL LIKE A NORMAL HEALTHY PERSON. WILL I EVER? IM NOT SURE :(((((((((((. THANX FOR ASKING LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

BACCIB

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND HERE IS TO A HEALTHIER NEW YEAR
Posted 12/22/2013 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi BacciB,

I saw your posting about the pizza. I too had pizza the other day and noticed reflux. I think the stomach is still inflamed and irritated from the surgery. Tomato sauce is definitely acidic. I have done a trial and error with my food. Some people are more sensitive to foods with or without surgery. You are most definitely in the beginning stages so I wouldn't worry. Keep a food log. Are you taking PPIs? I overindulged today and had to take an extra PPI. The stomach is much smaller so you feel the acid more readily. Especially on a full stomach.

Hope you feel better. DC was 72 degrees yesterday and no snow.

Michelle
Posted 12/23/2013 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi:

I started taking Nexium last week as he took me off of them after surgery and im going to start taking Pepcid in the mornings. I am very food sensitive....my whole life so you are saying that would make it harder for me now. Makes sense.

Yes, stomach hasn't had a chance to adjust since surgery. My family is here from DC and they are loving the snow and the skiing. even my 5 yr old grandbaby skied today for the first time.

All you need is your health. GGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRR Can you tell me some of the things that you eat. Im pretty much back on liquid although tonight Im having sweet potato.

See how it goes.

BacciB
Posted 12/23/2013 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
BacciB-

Really 2 months is still early in recovery. Think more like 6 months to a year for full results depending on how your body heal, how you treat your stomach, and how much damage is in there from the previous reflux.

We see a lot of people in your position and in a 2 or 3 more months notice some good improvements. Remember... marathon, not a sprint for this recovery. I really wish more surgeons would get onboard with the realistic amount of time it takes to heal. It's a huge pet peeve of mine.

I had issues for several months with my 1st redo and within 6 to 8 months 90% of them went away. I had the reflux feeling, dry heaves, and general feeling bad. Look for ANY improvements each day or week, no matter how small. They will add up even with setbacks. With setbacks back off your diet and baby your stomach for a few days. Remember to chew VERY well and still keep meals small and frequent.

Anything that set of your reflux food wise still can set off stomach irritation for a few months until your stomach heals.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 12/23/2013 9:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi BacciB,

I am still on pureed foods that I alternate with my solid foods. I eat a lot of soups that I make from scratch. I have a blender and bought a mini grinder. Everyone reacts differently after this operation with certain foods. I cannot take anything cold after my setback. I eat ice cream and my wrap swells so tight. Room temperature or heated liquids work. Same for food. I can eat cookies as long as they have a crumbly texture. Soft cookies stick, same for soft breads. I can't have rice or pasta in bulk. Small portions.

If you start to feel that vicegripe around your chest stop eating. I made the mistake of drinking to get it down and the food expanded! When it happens, I stand up straight or lay down on my side.

Happy to hear your family is visiting. Best Wishes to you and family for the New Year!

Michelle
Posted 12/23/2013 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanx Bill for your continuing great info. I had decided surgery had failed cause heartburn is worse than before surgery. I shall be patient and notice the improvements which there are and be grateful for them.

The surgeon's info letter didn't help me when it said that people can go back to work after two weeks. Well, maybe there hernia was smaller than 12cm. I would imagine because of the size of mine, it will take me longer to heal.

Happy Holidays and yes, my tummy is being very babied. mostly liquids again. I do seem to feel better that way.

BacciB
Posted 12/23/2013 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Baccib,

You mentioned the breathing issue with the high altitude. How are you feeling with the mesh repair in your diaphragm?

Michelle
Posted 12/23/2013 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi:

I don't know if I feel the mesh or not. So Im going to say no although do get more tummy aches than I have ever had. Staying to the liquids seem to help

Ive read here about the failure rates or lack thereof. I had two surgeons turn me down bek the failure rates are so high. Different info. Maybe due to the size of my hernia 12cm. I don't know. Im going to chose to believe that the failure rate is low.

Makes me feel better.

Thanx all
Posted 12/24/2013 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
BacciB

With the size of your HH it will definitely take longer to heal. You will also take longer to feel normal again, but it will happen. I too suspect that the size of your HH is why the other surgeons turned you down.

We have many people here who have had great improvements in their breathing after the are healed from surgery. With your altitude it will most likely take longer, but I believe you will get there.

People who have this surgery with a HH of say 3 or 4 cm have major surgery, you had major major surgery with your HH. It's gonna take a little longer, but will happen.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 12/24/2013 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
THank you BIll. You would think my surgeon would have explained to me how my healing would be different than the norm. Nothing. Im going to see another surgeon for my followup . The Denver surgeon expects me to drive 4 hours for a 10 minute followup which they could do over the phone.

OH WELL: He is supposed to be the best in the country for my type of Hernia so I will be grateful for that. He did tell me pre surgery my breathing will only come back between 50 and 75 percent. I just want my energy level to spring high.

Really appreciate your sharing your expertise. Happy Holiday

BacciB/RubyOne
Posted 12/24/2013 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
BacciB-

You have experienced what I hate. Seems surgeons have a had time communicating to us what we will really go through. Some even seem to think that because it's done as a lap we should be good to go in a couple weeks. Sheesh! rearrange our insides and fix big holes in a muscle and expect us to be good in a couple weeks..Nope not gonna happen.

Anyhow, it will take a lot of time, but your energy will come back. Right now your body is using any calories it can get and then some to heal. Definitely going to make your energy level low for a while. I was shocked at how easily I got wore out after my 1st nissen. I had a few other lap surgeries and expected it to be the same. A couple weeks and energy is back, NOPE.

I am betting you will have more improvement with your breathing too. Many here have had great results once they have fully healed.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 1/2/2014 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Baccib,

Happy New Year! How are you feeling?

Michelle
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