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Nissen Fundoplication Recovery 2015

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Posted 4/18/2015 6:57 AM (GMT 0)
turn Brand new to this forum. I have read several of your reports, with great interest over the last couple of months, prior to surgery.
I just had Nissen Fundoplication / hiatal hernia surgery yesterday afternoon 4-16-15
Last night I had several items for supper which really surprised me.
Ice cream, chicken broth, Popsicle, apple juice, seems like there was more? Don't remember at this time. Went for a walk after supper, down the hall. Walk went well. Today For breakfast I had a coffee, Apple juice, Popsicle, strained oatmeal, ice cream, chicken broth.. I am very amazed that I was offered all of this quickly..... And enjoyed it all.
The Doctor seemed very pleased with how the surgery went.
Today for lunch was very similar to breakfast with the addition of strained potato soup. I was preparing myself for clear liquids for 30-days, was not the case. Doctor came to visit around 2:30 this afternoon and gave me a choice to stay another night or go home. Around 3:30 my wife and I were leaving the hospital. I was very concerned with not being able to Burp following the surgery.. Not the case, I have Burped several times and felt really good about that. Please note, I am 54 and this was my 1st time in a Hospital. So I really didn't know what to expect and of course was very nervous... It may sound really odd, but I was at complete peace "trust" with the surgery itself. What I have been most anxious about is the Recovery. So far, much better than I had expected. I have been up waking around quite a bit, mostly to relax all the bubbles in chest area. Pain medication is a wonderful thing. Bedpan not so much... Glad to no longer be in need of that jewel.. The gave us a list of types of foods to eat and types of food to avoid. This seems to very helpful, and has lessened my anxieties very much. He pretty much said I can eat anything that I can chew to a mush, go very slowly drink lots of fluids. Stay away from fresh vegetables and anything with pieces at this time. I have already started taking pills for allergies and pain which seems amazing, that they can be swallowed already.... Most of my pain is in my left shoulder... The incisions become noticeable as the pain meds wear off. I was sleeping in my recliner at home. Woke up an attempted to sleep in my bed.. Must be too soon for that. Created too much pressure on my chest area. Back to the recliner. Where I am currently wide awake. So far so Good. Life is Good and God is Good!
I am so glad to find this Forum being of a positive and actual type. Prior to finding Healing Well, all I could find were negative and complaining types reports, which nearly caused me to back out of surgery at this time.... Gastro Doc had suggested this surgery back in 2012, but was not pushing. This year we decided the time was now.
Posted 4/18/2015 7:18 AM (GMT 0)
Just for info
I did have the full wrap 360*
He called it a loose wrap, and the Surgeon has been doing these for about 15-year now. I have been fighting acid reflux and heartburn since around 1991. In 2012 my esophagus was pretty ulcerated. Doctor put me on a pretty intense med regime to heal. Every month it was a battle with the insurance to get the medication. This just wore me out. He did get the healing to take place. Took about a year. After that I was so burned out going to the pharmacy, that I just loaded up on off the shelf med's. Was taking two or three times a day. Not getting any better. For years this was like a panic attack when going to bed and waking straight up with all the vial nasty stuff coming up my throat. That changed into, I could be walking, sitting up or standing and it seemed like full portions of my meal would come back up....this has going on for a year or longer.
Posted 4/18/2015 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
Another note, I work in sales. We do not have set time for lunch. Mostly stand up to eat, and usually have to eat really fast or not eat at all. I like my food. And do not like missing a meal.
So my biggest issue so far out of habit. Is remembering to drink slowly and small sips. Eating in such a hurry may be what got me into this mess from the beginning?
Posted 4/18/2015 7:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Snod,
I had a 270 degree wrap done 5 weeks ago, and am almost on a full diet now. It's sounding good for you. I found I could eat more than I expected after my surgery, and could belch too!
Eating fast isn't something you will be able to do anymore. I was a fast eater, and I have slowed myself right down. I work a reception desk, so I have yogurt drinks or soup that I can sip while I work. I now have 5 to 6 small meals a day. But I can have mostly what I want. I am not eating anything dry yet like nuts or biscuits. Hope you continue to get better.
Posted 4/18/2015 10:00 AM (GMT 0)
Another note, I work in sales. We do not have set time for lunch. Mostly stand up to eat, and usually have to eat really fast or not eat at all. I like my food. And do not like missing a meal.
So my biggest issue so far out of habit. Is remembering to drink slowly and small sips. Eating in such a hurry may be what got me into this mess from the beginning?
Posted 4/18/2015 10:09 AM (GMT 0)
Sweetie UK
That is awesome, 5-weeks out and nearly eat what you like....
Your response is very encouraging. And you can belch. It is the little things that give great joy! I know some folks after having this procedure could no longer belch, which was very discouraging to me. I'm sure that I will Learn to slow down or be sorry
Thank You for replying
Posted 4/18/2015 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Snod,
Just find something you can eat while doing your job - and not having to rush too much, that's what I was trying to say! Thats why I have yogurt drinks and soups at my desk, I can take a sip, without rushing - and that way I get nourishment in me. I am lucky I do get a lunch break , but the mid morning and mid afternoon snacks have to be something I have at my desk. Even if you can spare 15 minutes for lunch - it will make such a difference. I am finding spacing my meals has made me feel a lot better.
I hope that you continue with the good healing that has started!
Posted 4/19/2015 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
My surgery was on Thursday afternoon, Today is Sunday, made it thru another day just fine. The pain seems to be fading. Yesterday I only took an Alieve in the morning and another at night, so far I have taken none today.
I have been sleeping in the recliner since coming home. This morning about 5:30 I ventured to my bed, first laying on my side, then on my back, before rolling onto my stomach. Must have done ok, since it is now 9:30 am and I just woke up. Prior to surgery I almost always slept on my stomach, unless having heartburn or reflux, then I would go to the recliner.
Thinking about taking my 2nd shower since returning home?
For lunch yesterday I tried a packet of Idahoan instant mashed potatoes and some Heinz jar gravy. It was very tasty and went down without a problem. Also put pears halves the Magic Bullet to go with along with jello and a Popsicle. Later in the afternoon I drank a Vanilla boost. For supper, I tried some cream of broccoli soup, jello, popsicle, the rest of the pears, and later had a bowl of ice cream with caramel topping..
The eating recovery is going ton's better than I had expected. Not sure I will lose any weight at this rate. smilewinkgrin again it were not for this "Healing Well" forum and one of my friends encouragement, I may have chickened out of having this surgery. At least for now. I guess that would have only prolonged the course. My friend had this done earlier this year and highly recommended going thru with it. He is in another part of the country, so completely different Doctors and such. And another Cousin has not had this type of surgery, but has had many surgeries and was a huge encouragement to me. Just wanting to share my experience so far, in case this may help someone who is considering, Thanks!
Posted 4/19/2015 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Snod,
Thank you for posting your story. I know how you feel about having confidence in the surgeon but anxiety about how recovery will go. I've been told I'm very fortunate to have the surgeon I have and I believe it. I'm scheduled for a hernia repair and toupet on May 15th and have confidence that the doctor will handle the surgery with great skill. I'm not so certain about how I will recover. That's where individual experiences seem to differ. It's extremely encouraging to hear from you, Sweetie UK and so many others here who share their positive recovery stories. Please keep posting.
Posted 4/20/2015 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Please go to topic ( use search engine above) "for successful fundoplication members" and add your comments when you feel ready. Thanks. Pat
Posted 4/20/2015 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
snod,
I am so happy to read how well you're doing so soon after surgery! I hope to be starting my own thread, soon. I have appt. today at 3pm EST to get the 'vertdict' from the surgeon. My whole future rides on what he will say about my recent tests. I've been suffering for 6 long painful years and am 67.

Please keep us posted on your recovery! We LOVE all the success stories that can be found on this forum.

Take it EASY, rest, walk and be careful about your diet.
Posted 4/20/2015 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
1 am now 4-days after surgery and posted this on my Facebook this morning.
Lisa is my wife..

Yesterday

Lisa after work:
So, did you remove the Steri-strips from your incisions?
Me: No, started to and panic set-in,
Guess I was chicken
Lisa: You do know that your guts won't fall out, right?
Me: maybe I'll just wait until they come off,on their own
in the shower.

Today

Me: I did remove Steri-strips and guess what?
Lisa was right, my guts didn't fall out

real story, and a little humor

Post Edited (snod1960) : 4/20/2015 10:17:33 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/21/2015 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
So on a more serious note, my recovery was going much much better than I had anticipated, almost to the point of "why am I not back at work". Well I was feeling so good, why not do some stuff around the house? So, I started some laundry, cleaned some cabinets, due to some pesty ants, which required rewashing all of the dishes in the cabinet. Cleaned some windows, cleaned some window blinds. Now it was early afternoon and time for some lunch. Fixed some scrambled eggs with milk gravy, pretty tasty, then I started to feel it... How much I had over done things this morning. My body decided to give me a wake up call on why I am off work.... Just had LNF / HH surgery 4- day ago... Hello...
Decided that I needed to sit down for a while, maybe a long while? Which did turn into several hours of sitting down and taking a needed nap. Woke up sore and wondering if I had caused any damage? Incisions look fine, but cannot see what's trying to heal on the inside... Making me nervous. Took an Alieve, and eventually started feeling a little better. So, now that I have had my wake up reminder, tomorrow may be a Lazy day and just recuperate. My wife fixed a supper tonight that we could both enjoy. Real mashed potatoes, baked Tilapia fish, cooked carrot slices, all easily chewed to a mush and very tasty. I am still amazed at the food opportunities following this surgery. My surgeon said that basically I could eat anything I wanted, that could be cut up into small pieces, and can be chewed to a mush. He also said to stay away from chicken, beef, bread, steak and raw vegetables. Will need to work up to those down the road. Could be several weeks on those items? I do feel very fortunate to get to eat this well. It is Awesome!
Hopefully this account will help someone.. Again Thanks!
Posted 4/22/2015 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
snod1960,
I got a chuckle about the 'steri-strips'.... cute!

So glad you're doing so well!

I will be joining the 'wrapped club' soon! My LNF is scheduled for July 7th and will be performed by a top-notch thoracic surgeon. I need some time to get into shape for this surgery and my work schedule doesn't permit me to have the surgery sooner. I will be following your journal and keep taking good care of yourself!

snod1960, did you need any assistance getting out of bed or getting up out of a chair right after surgery? I figure those internal abdominal muscles should be very sore for awhile. Just wondering what I will need other than loose clothes, LOL!
Posted 4/22/2015 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Linda Sue:

I didn't need any assistance getting around in the hospital, or after I got home. I was comfortable enough to sleep in my bed post-surgery.

Sharon
Posted 4/22/2015 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear you are feeling better Snod! Long may it continue! Have to say I didn't like removing the steri strips either! Did you have big plasters over the top of them too?! I did - made my incisions look huge!

Linda - I didn't have any abdominal pain after my operation at all - just sore shoulders, and I couldn't lie on my left side for a week or so - but managed fine with lying on my right hand side or back. Just like Sharon, I found being in bed very comfortable, that was once I got the shoulder pain under control. I did and do get twinges where my wrap has been done if I bend down to do something, but it doesn't last long.
Posted 4/26/2015 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Sharon Z and Sweetie UK!

That is good news! I'm hoping I will bounce back quickly after surgery and with Spring finally here, even though it's still very chilly here in Michigan, I will be getting outside in the sunshine and walking and getting fit for this 'life changing' event!
Posted 4/28/2015 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
My steri strips were not coming off. When I went to the doctor for post op he took them off which was 2 weeks after surgery. They looked great. Just a note that I am 75 and retired. Third day after being home was in the supermarket shopping because I knew what I wanted. Hung on to the wagon and son helped take out the groceries. I have felt great and no pains at all. Someone has to do the laundry.
Posted 4/29/2015 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there
I just had surgery last Thursday, I have been having sharp pain in my left shoulder that is almost unbearable and also bouts of nausea, yesterday I was so nauseated I tried to vomit a couple times with nothing coming up and I am now worried I could have torn my stitches. Anybody else experience this? Today I haven't been nauseated so far but have been having a lot of pain after eating. I haven' taken any pain medication today as I was worried that was what caused me to feel so sick. I have been having a bit of heart burn today but no reflux and was thinking this is probably just irritation from trying to vomit yesterday. Just a bit worried today! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Posted 4/29/2015 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
I had very severe pain in left shoulder after surgery. This will happen from the gas used during surgery. Mine persisted for about three weeks after I ate--generally about 20 to 30 minutes after I ate. Doc indicated the shoulder pain was referred pain from the diaphragm and it would eventually pass. Doc was right, it eventually subsided. Walking as much as possible is very helpful. I walked around the hospital floor a couple times several hours after surgery and increased walking every day after that.

Be careful what you eat. Eat very small portions, chew, chew and chew some more. It will take time before things settle down. I had chest pain and mild nausea for several weeks post-surgery. Hopefully, you were provided with good instructions on what to eat. Hope this helps,

-Tim
Posted 4/29/2015 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply! My surgeon gave me zero information on what to eat or recovery time or any complications. I've been reading the forums which have been very helpful. Just really worried about my episode of nausea yesterday I would hate to have ruined the wrap.
Posted 4/29/2015 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
You can find a lot of post- Nissen diets online. The following link is an example of one such diet:

http://www.oregonsurgical.com/pdfs/Nissen_Fundoplication_Diet.pdf
Posted 4/30/2015 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
Tim:

The best remedy for the gas pain in your shoulders is walking.

Sharon
Posted 4/30/2015 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I'm new here and I just had the Hiatal repair and NF last Thursday. I was in the hospital over night and had the terrible back/shoulder gas pain that eventually went away. I'm doing pretty well. I was wondering if anyone else had issues swallowing. For example: I take a sip of water and it gurgles down and is very uncomfortable. I find it easier to swallow if I'm laying back in a recliner. I'm pretty sure this is due to swelling, how long do y'all think it will take to pass?
Posted 4/30/2015 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
My Toupet Fundoplication was done 8 weeks ago and my swallowing is just now starting to get back to normal. I had a lot of gurgling and still get just a little bit. It improved over time. The swelling from the surgery can get worse before it gets better. Eat very small meals, very slowly and chew everything up to a liquid. I was on a liquid diet the first week and slowly started back to soft foods after that,

-Tim
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