Lap Nissen Fundoplication Post op day 5

I planned on posting earlier, but haven't felt good enough to sit long at my laptop.
My surgery was last Friday, 7-8-16 at 10:30am. It lasted only about 1 1/2 hours with no complications.
I woke from surgery with an NG tube in (yuck) but it came out about 6 hours later. I also had to be cathed, but I was ok with that. I was in some pain but not severe.
I was put on a PCA pump of dilauded for pain, which helped, but it gave me hallucinations and I was talking out of my head! I asked to be switched and was given morphine instead. It worked great with no crazy side effects.
On day 2 I had the most horrific pain I've ever had. Worse than childbirth and kidney stones. I am usually quiet with pain.... Not this time. I was screaming in pain. Turns out, my intercostal muscle was damaged and was going into spasm. Nightmare! An anestiologist took me down for a nerve block, (I was given a sedative and remember nothing), which helped for about a day. The pain returned and I couldn't walk like I needed to.
The Dr wasn't happy about my not walking and sent PT down to help me move. I hurt so bad from the muscle pain and back pain (from being in bed) that it was a relief to get up and MOVE!
I was told I could go home Monday if I wanted but he planned on my staying at least one more night... I cut loose and ran! I wanted to be home.
As for eating, up till Monday I could only sip water and ice chips but would voit everything I swallowed. It never made it to my stomach but was sitting at the wrap and just came back up. The Dr had me do a swallow test that was cut very short due to my inability to swallow much. I was only gettong 40% to my stomach due to swelling. He wasn't concerned and said everything looked great.
I am now sipping tea, a bit of broth and sherbet. I was instructed to eat only lliquids or food that turns to liquid for at least 2 weeks. I'm working on that.
Still no bowel movements (Sorry) but also not cramping yet.
I could burp right out of surgery, which I thanked God for. I was given a loose wrap.
I have a call into my Dr reguarding the intercostal muscle pain. I am praying he allows another nerve block. I don't think he will. If that pain were gone, my recovery would be a breeze (So far).
I'm sorry for rambeling. I haven't slept too much and I hurt.
This site prepared me for everything except the muscle damage. That was quite a nasty surprise. Other than that, it's been going well.
I hope anyone looking into this surgery understands what's involved and finds a greatv surgeon. I know I'm only 5 days out, but so far, I can say the anticipation was so much worse than the actual surgery.

Thank you.
I am surprised at just how little I can sip before it starts try to come back up. When you guys said small amounts, you meant SMALL amounts. lol
I don't get much laying down time due to this. Frustrating but doable.

With my NF surgery, I used the UPMC Nissen diet. I stayed on a clear liquid diet for the first few days, then progressed to the full liquid diet which included yogurt and jello. I didn't go to the soft diet until about 2 weeks post-surgery. Mashed potatoes did not work for me because they tended to get stuck above the wrap, but everyone is different. I would go with what your surgeon has advised regarding diet and don't try to go back to a regular diet too soon. I drank a lot of smoothies with added protein powder. You will more than likely experience nausea, and you should have medication on hand for that - I used, and still use over 2 years later, Zofran. Just remember that this is a major surgery and recovery is slow moving, just try not to get frustrated.

Sharon

My procedure was done via DaVinci robotics, so it was essentially via lap. I did not have an NG tube, but some surgeons insist on them. Did you have any conversation with the surgeon, he should have explained to you how the procedure was done and what to expect post-surgery.

Sharon