Advice needed post Nissen

Hi, I had Nissen surgery done 5 weeks ago and initially everything was going fine until 10 days ago. First I ended up back in hospital with severe stomach pains which were caused by an impacted colon. After 5 days in hospital with a catheter etc I was released last Monday night. On Wednesday evening I started feeling nauseous with a stomach pain that got worse until the point I was doubled up kneeling on the floor leaning over the chair. I desperately wanted to heave and vomit but of course because of the Nissen I can't although did a few dry heaves. After about 3 hours or so the pain eased and I was able to get to bed and get some sleep.

Woke up yesterday and went to see my GP who had a quick check but couldn't find anything and just gave me some anti sickness tablets.

All day yesterday I had a nagging stomach ache, I couldn't face food or any drink with a strong flavour. Last night the pain flared up to agonising again, suffered for another 3 or 4 hours before getting to sleep for a couple of hours.

Woke up with nagging stomach ache again this morning and its plagued me all day, sometimes getting slightly worse then easing, right now its hard to type as the pain is beginning to flare.

Have suspected wind pains as I can't burp but sometimes feel I want to, but even though I passed wind the other way its doesn't ever relieve the pain totally.

Have bought wind tablets today in hope, along with peppermint tea, some digestive enzyme tablets and charcoal pills. Still the nagging pain goes on in my stomach, up under my rib cage and into my back.

I am getting worried now as it has been nearly two days and no relief. I really don't want to go back into hospital again, can anyone suggest anything it might be apart from gas bloat/trapped wind? Stomach feels tight around the middle.

Don't know what to do or how much longer I can bear this. Can hardly bare to move.

Hi On2Wheels,

Are you eating much fibre? The reason I ask is I was getting terrible stomach pains and cramps after about 5 weeks so I spoke to a Dr (in another country, my own ones wanted nothing to do with it) who advised I upped the amount of fibre I was eating.

I chose salad, apples and bran cereal as you can chew them until they're pretty much liquid and the results were amazing. I also eat very slowly and drown my food in olive oil and this helps too - if the food is unsuitable for oil, I just drink a tablespoon ten minutes before eating.

I hope you improve,

LD

PS - the upside of olive oil is it's good for you and allows the food to go down easily. The downside is it allows you to eat very quickly so be careful!

Hi LD just wanted to thank you as have followed a little of your advice and have managed to begin to take small amounts of food the last 2 days with only a little discomfort. Hopefully I can continue and it will help me get some strength back at least. Still not sure on other problems seeing doc tomorrow to discuss. But anyway I just wanted to say thank you for your help. John