Nissen Surgery Scheduled April 17th

DAY 10 POSTOP

Went to my parents' anniversary party today. Traveling was OK; lots of storytellying and laughter; laughing till our sides ached. (Which for me came sooner than others. lol) I did sneak off for a bit to take a nap.

Glad I brought my own food because most nutricious items on the table would have been hard to mush. It was much easier than I thought it would be to resist all the sweets. By the time I finished eating my healthy little bit, everyone else had already finished their desserts. Eating very slowly is still the order of the day. No discomfort as long as I eat tiny bits, very slowly. Food does seem to go down slowly, but I am nearing the 2 week point.

My cough has returned. But, this time caused by incense at church. So, I guess I do need to carry my inhaler, even though there is no reflux-caused cough. I had always known there were multiple causes, but having one out of the mix will reduce frequency.

Debra- Anyone who supports a "wrapper" from Minnesota is automatically a "member." You and Bev have more challenges, but just think - your stories are much more interesting! And you are doing awesome with 6 or 7km hikes! Lots of rain here today, and lots more forecast for every day this week. I will have to be creative in getting some walking in. We may even have that 4 letter word - shhh - 'snow.'

Bev- Sounds like you are really on the mend. You and Debra are inspiring in that you take the path you are being given and find the best in it. It would be fun to think of meeting, maybe some time this summer. I am not sure where Kurt is from, but I am sure we could find 'middle ground' to meet at. Something for us all to maybe look forward to. Debra - I am not sure where you are from, but if we plan something, ALL wrappers will be welcome.

Getting tired, so I am off to bed in a bit. Rainbow blessings, Barb

Grandma Barb
Nice to hear that you are doing do well after the surgery.
I didn't read your history,but I saw that you are coughing still, and this caused by the incense. Has your doctor ever mentioned that you can have Vagus nerve damage. Coughing from smells is one sign. I am seeing a sugeon this week about the Nissen. I not only have LPR but the Vagus nerve damage. My chief sympton has been a choking chronic cough. If you cough all the time from smells for one, check it out.
It can be controlled
good luck

DAY 11 POSTOP

Not a lot of change today. I spent 2 hours volunteering in my classroom, slept for 4 hours, had my First aid/CPR update training, came home, napped a bit and now need to sleep so I can be rested tomorrow.
So literally, all I did today was eat, work, and sleep!

My wonderful sub has family needs so I am heading back 2 days earlier than planned. But, I can come late, leave early, and have an extra assistant for those two days so it should be fine. Especially, since I just work half days! Will let you know tomorrow if I regret saying yes.

toritone -Thank you for your bit of info. I have read a bit tonight and it sounds spot on. I can identify with a number of the triggers. I do know the non-acid reflux was a big one, so that is one taken care of. When I did the PH study, 100% of my cough times were reflux related, but that was just one day and I was not in many of the environments/situations where the cough is a problem.

Well, must sleep. Blessings, Barb

My first two days back at work have been fine. Very tiring, but fun. I just teach mornings, come home and sleep the entire afternoon. I did have a few repercussions from from CPR class Monday night. Lots of low level pain, starting a few hours after I got home. It has taken a couple of days, but healing is almost back to where it was. When I feel good, it is so hard not to think I can do all my normal stuff.... but I can't. Patience can be so hard! I must be nearing peak swelling. I can feel where the food/drink is at as it moves down the esophagus. No problem; Just a reminder that I still need to eat and drink VERY SLOWLY.
I hope you are all doing well this day.

Healing blessings to all, Barb

Greetings to all on this beautiful spring day,

Real life has gotten busy!!

Work continues to go well. I teach 22 3-6 year olds at a Montessori school. The children can work pretty independently, we have hand washing as part of numerous activities so that helps keep the children (and teachers) pretty healthy, and my assistants are ready to do any lifting. And, I could sleep the afternoons away!

We had a busy weekend celebrating with two of our grandchildren (and two days preparing for the party!) I snuck off for naps throughout the days and did not suffer any setbacks. It is nice to have family reminding me to take those breaks.

Sometimes is is hard to remember to eat SLOWLY. I still think of you every day, Denise, as I chew, chew, chew. I am still on the soft diet, slowly adding foods, but my digestive system is not always cooperating. Even tiny amounts of processed sugar or honey get my systems going in fast gear.

But, I am not complaining. Thanks to all the information I got from others on this site, I really have had a good healing journey. I just have to remember, I am still towards the beginning of it!

Blessings to all, Barb

Happy Wednesday!

Had a delightful visit with my surgeons's physicians' assistant. He was a former student of mine. I have not seen him for over 30 years. He came to the appointment with class pictures and lots of memories. They had adjusted appointment times to give him double time with me so we could share! It feels so good to be in the care of a group of people who really care about each other. They are very pleased with recovery progress to date. He reminded me to chew, chew, chew and to not rush new foods. (Great advice! Right Denise? ) He said by three months, the swallowing function should feel more normal. I think I should change my middle name to "Patience." Also suggested I take fiber supplements to help with the "quick food transit." I already saw significant difference today.

I am trying to stay in tune with the activity level that is best. I had a late meeting last night, so cancelled my volunteer work for this afternoon. It felt so good to sleep the afternoon away again.

I had another call from the nurse with my insurance. (To follow up after my post op visit.) Another delightful visit. Her encouragement for the "food dash" was no sugar, milk, or soy. It is the track I have been taking, so for me, I am guessing I just need lots more fiber. It just feels so good to feel genuinely cared about by a usually 'faceless' insurance company. I am sure it is ultimately a cost-saving measure to make sure problems after major surgery are dealt with quickly, but for me, it just felt good! They will do one more check-in, unless there are problems.

Debra - It is harder to remember to slow down when we now add hunger into the mix. It is a good sign, but now the onus is on us.

Healing blessings to all this day, Barb

Hi Barb,

How wonderful that your PA is an alumni of your classroom! As a fellow teacher (retired) I understand the connection you have with your students forever and always! And yes, his chew, chew, chew advice is one of my favorites! It works!

It sounds as if you're getting outstanding care, and Patience should be your middle name after all! That's what it takes with this recovery. Patience and SURRENDER. It is what it is, and you can't rush it. Listen to your body and go with the flow. It sounds like you're doing just that! Great job!

Happy healing,
Denise