Reflux sensation a few days after Nissen Fundoplication?

Dear Healingwell forum
So I had my second Fundoplication surgery 4 days ago. The original operation 1.5 years ago failed because it was anterior fundoplication and I'm an opera singer, so the pressure undid the operation. The nissen fundoplication is supposed to be less affected by singing.

This operation was far less painful and very small burps have been able to exit the new entrance on the odd occasion, but nothing like before. Also the post op 'contractions' are there as well which means the wrap is definitely in tact and not too lose.

However I am getting minor reflux symptoms. Nothing too ridiculous, but it does concern me. The only thing I'm getting is the feeling of having a peppermint in my esophagus (a kind of cool-post gavascon feeling). This was the main symptom of my reflux after the original operation undid itself - I didn't leave it long enough to get worse. If I were to 'try' to burp (very gently so that I don't do anything bad), the impulse is not easy, so I can tell it's sealed up, at least I think it is. I also took two omeprazole just to see what would happen and that hasn't alleviated anything. This has only started happening today.

Is this normal? I don't remember this sensation from the anterior operation although the pain was so incredible that time that I probably didn't notice.

I am crossing my fingers that it is previous damage healing + the healing/swelling of the operation itself. Some insight on this would be great. I dread the thought of holding off my life yet again and going through another, more intense measure.

I have not taken any painkillers or anti-inflam as the pain has not been enough for me to worry. I have also stuck to the liquid/sloppy diet.

It's also good to note that while my reflux symptoms post anterior op have been minor, the vocal cords are very easily affected by reflux, so that explains why I am quite freaked atm - and I consider myself patient and calm usually. If I knew that this sensation 90% is not reflux then I think that would calm my fretting mind.
Cheers
M

Post Edited (Burningrand) : 6/20/2014 7:59:31 AM (GMT-6)

TonyG said...
Hello Burningrand!

That sensation is completely normal. The only way the esophagus knows how to communicate pain is via reflux-like sensations. I can assure you that this close to your surgery date you are definitely not feeling any reflux. With the tightness of the wrap and the swelling you have inside at the moment, there's no way you could be refluxing.

Warm liquids may help as well as continuing your pain meds if you still have them. Nothing to worry though...it should go away soon enough.

Be well and take care!
-TonyG-

Thank you for your advice!
I have also started to get a minor dry cough in the last two days (4-5 days post op) and a bit of tenderness when I swallow at the top of the esophagus (still have the 'reflux burn' sensation which I am no longer worrying about thanks to you :) )

Would the anaesthetic breathing tube be responsible for the cough even 4-5 days after the op? I didn't have much of a cough earlier. Just covering all ground since this is so much less painful than my last operation, so I'm noticing different thigns :).
M

Post Edited (Burningrand) : 6/20/2014 10:39:01 PM (GMT-6)

Burningrand, Tony gives good advice. I hope you get to feeling better.

Can I ask if you felt the wrap undo itself? If so, what was it like? I'm sorry you're having to go through this again.

I can only burp after I hiccup now. Sometimes I open mouth and burps escape without effort.

Hm, I thought incredible pain came with the wrap coming undone.

vestilagiubba:

You are replying to thread that is three years old, and Burningrand hasn't been seen on the Forums in a few years. You may get more results by starting your own topic.

Sharon