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Nissen Fundoplication Surgery in 4 days!!

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Posted 7/5/2016 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
I have been studying this surgery for a while now with excitement and trepidation. My GI Dr was against my having it, stating I would be trading one set of problems for another. After speaking with my GP and my surgeon (He removed my gallbladder in Feb of this year) we decided this was my best option.
My history... I am a 44 year old female with two grown sons and a fabulous husband. I can't really remember how long I have had IBS, GERD, HH and reflux, but it began to control my entire life about 2 years ago. My first EGD showed level 4 esophagitis with black lesions on my stomach. (those were benign thankfully). After increasing my PPI dosage and adding Carafate 4X a day, my last EGD showed improvement but my symptoms never were relieved. I sleep on our reclining couch every night, cannot eat much of anything anymore and have no energy. I am basically homebound due to IBS-D and GERD symptoms. I needed a way to get past this and resume my life. The NF/HH sounds like my best bet at this stage.
I am nervous about recovery, of course, but this site has been a Godsend! I appreciate so much the insight, both good and bad, from everyone that has had this procedure.
If anyone has guidance, tips or info I may need in the coming weeks amd months I would appreciate it so much.
Thanks in advance
Posted 7/5/2016 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
make sure you get a prescription, of anti nausea medication, only needed twice, but so thankful i had i, also its critical, you stay hydrated early on. more so than how little you will feel like eating and drinking. when you do eat, do not over do it. eat small meals. i was kept on liquids for 4 weeks, which was helpful, but still learned some painful lessons. and when your diet advances, chew chew chew everything well. coffee and warm liquids, were very helpful for me .good luck.
Posted 7/5/2016 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there!

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! The Wrapped Club is an elite group ;)

Take a look at my post: https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=3347425

There's some good information there about what to think about when approaching your procedure. Much of your success will be in how prepared you are and how much you prepared your care giver(s) about what you've gone through and what you'll need.

Most importantly, be prepared to get your rest and don't rush your recovery. Take it slow and don't push it. Be VERY careful about your eating, and make sure that you keep hydrated. Ask for all your medicines in liquid form (painkillers, etc). I didn't need any anti-nausea meds after surgery and in fact, was only on painkillers for a few days once I was out of the hospital.

Feel free to come back and ask questions as you go along your journey (and don't be afraid to be as graphic as you need to in order to get your point across....we've all been there). Remember that this is major thoracic surgery and shouldn't be viewed as just a minor procedure.

Keep us posted!
-TonyG-
Posted 7/5/2016 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your quick responses.
I decided I wanted to eat one of my favorite things before surgery Friday, fried cheese! Mistake! I knew from research that this was something I can't have for months and wanted to enjoy one of my "last meals". My stomach is killing me. This just underscores why I am having this surgery.
I am such a picky eater on a good day, I'm concerned about diet after. I eat no veggies, rarely meat and no fruit. Mostly what I eat is junk, dairy and bread. This should prove interesting. lol
I know I'll need meds on hand for upset stomach, gas and probably vitamins. My doc said I shouldn't need liquid pain meds, but I'll see how that goes...
I am not looking forward to waking up with an NG tube, that freaks me out a bit. Other than that, the diet is what I dread. I have had a hysterectomy and gallbladder removal. all in the last year. Yikes! I don't expect this to be more painful but probably more difficult soley based on eating restrictions.
I go tomorrow for labs and to meet the anesthesiologist. I was in the hospital this past weekend with a kidney infection and was put on steroids and antibiotics. I hope this isn't a problem.
I'll keep you all informed on how it goes. Should be interesting...
Posted 7/5/2016 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Interestingly I find that dairy and bread and fruit and alcohol and all the usual things make my reflux much much worse. I have been surviving on veg, rice and fish or chicken and 80mg somac. I still get symptoms but bearable. I am anxiously waiting my fundoplication in 2 weeks now. Good luck with yours!
Posted 7/6/2016 12:30 PM (GMT 0)
CroweGirl:

The first thing you need to do is get familiar with what your diet needs to be post-surgery, and you probably won't like it. I used one from UPMC, you might want to Google it. Junk food, dairy and bread will not be on your post-surgery diet. Did you ever try and control your symptoms with diet changes? The only reason I'm asking is that NF is a major surgery and a huge commitment on your part. Did your doctor say that you would definitely need a NG tube? I would ask for pain medication for when you leave the hospital, I didn't need it after the first few days - but most people experience some pain and discomfort when they are home.

Good Luck,
Sharon
Posted 7/6/2016 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
I have the UPMC diet printed and have shown my husband so he, too, will understand what I can and cannot have. My problem with foods I don't like is that I can't just say "nope, I'm not a fan." I actually throw up foods or drinks I don't like. Always have. That worries me. I just know that in addition to eating the things on the list I'll probably need vitamins too, to get enough nutrients in my system.
The effects of the GERD, HH and esophagitis have overtaken my life and this surgery is my lifeline. I don't expect to enjoy the recovery and I assume there will be times I ask myself why I did it. I just pray that when I get on the other side of this I have more energy, can sleep laying flat, that I won't feel and hear the reflux sit in my throat and I'll be able to have more of a normal life.
I go today to have my labs done. I plan on picking up some gas-x, vitamnins, and anything else I can think of to have on hand.
Oh! The NG tube... my Dr says I will probably have one for about 6 hours after surgery to help with nausea, as I thend to have that problem often on a good day. Ugh
Posted 7/6/2016 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
corrod2. I have heard that dairy can cause problems for a while after this surgery. I sure hope and pray that isn't the case with me because I live on it. My Dr told me no bread, pasta or sodas for at least 8 weeks. I don't eat fruit but do like juice, so I guess, that too, I'll need to test. I don't drink alcohol, so that's a nonissue. Good luck with your surgery! Let me know how you do. I'm not the best at writing about my own life, but I'll try to do better so you will know how it goes.
Posted 7/7/2016 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck. I hope your recovery is not too bad! Let us know how it goes.
Posted 7/8/2016 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
I'm three weeks post op so quite recent. I found that dairy was not an issue post op. Instead it was a lifeline. Smooth yoghurt was pretty much all I had week 1 (with some nutritious milkshakes as well). I tend to avoid unbound lactose. So I drink lactose free milk but eat regular cheese and yoghurt. I found this really helped my IBS prior to surgery.

Small portions are key. You won't feel like eating but make sure you do. I still have days when I don't feel like eating and suddenly realise I'm super tired and it's because I've only had 200 calories and its 3pm. So keep an eye on your intake. I'm logging everything on myfitnesspal so I can keep an eye on what and how much I'm eating and supplement when necessary. (It reminds you of you haven't logged anything for a while and tracks macro nutrients so you can supplement correctly).

Good luck.
Posted 7/13/2016 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sophie!
I am just now, 5 days post op, eating bites of sherbet and broth.
I had an issue I hadn't counted on... Intercostal muscle spasms from damage done during surgery. Aside from that I have done great, but that has taken over my rehab. I can't get comfortable. You can actually see it bulging under my ribs on left side. Horrible pain. I guess I'll be I=on pain meds and muscle relaxers longer than planned.
Surgery wise, not so bad.
I could burp as soon as I woke up. (Loose wrap) My bowels are taking forever to move but it doesn't hurt yet, Thank God.
I'll try to add some dairy this evening. I usually live off dairy.
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