Nissen Fundoplication Recovery Not Good 3 Months Out

Hi everyone,

I am 3 months out from a Nissen Fundoplication Surgery, and am really struggling.

I got the surgery because I have been suffering from nausea after eating for the past two years. I was on a prescription anti-acid medicine that had my symptoms under control for the most part. However, after a positive Bravo Test, my GI said that I could do the medicine forever or get the surgery. Being that I'm 21, I didn't want to be on the medicine forever, so I went with the surgery.

For the first 2-3 weeks I'd say I was recovering normally and was sticking strictly to the liquid / soft diet. After about a month things started going worse, and I am now really suffering. Not only is the nausea back, but I can taste this sourness in my mouth and throat which I assume is acid, I have this constant pressure in my throat / chest, and overall my digestive system is for lack of better words - crap.

I do have IBS, but aside from the nausea and some constipation/diarrhea here and there, none of the other symptoms above have I had before.

I am extremely concerned that not only was the surgery not needed, but it made things extremely worse and they'll never get better.

I've had a CT scan, Esophagram, Endoscopy, and blood work done. All have shown that the surgery is still in tact and looks good, and the blood work didn't show anything either.

My doctors seem stumped and are telling me to wait it out. Has anyone else went through this / will this ever get better??? Please help!

I am not on any medication. Was back on anti-acid that was controlling my nausea before the surgery, but wasn't really helping. I have been on an alkaline diet for the past few weeks which has me feeling the same, maybe even a bit better than I was when I went back on the meds.

I know nausea is a common side effect, but I'm 3 months out. Doc said I should be feeling better by now, and can't figure out why I'm not.

Hi Csanta0228,

I struggled for almost 2 years after my first NF and HH repair... I also had a similar story... first few weeks were ok, then things took a turn.

I was allergic to the stitches that held everything together internally, which caused my esophagus to spasm, causing severe heart attack pains in my left shoulder down my arm. It is called referred nerve pain and uses the same pathway as your heart. These were excruciating. I still get them today. The nausea comes in waves still, 6 years later. This I fear will never go away, but you absolutely NEED to have anti nausea medications with you at all times... also, because I am allergic to the stitches in my diaphragm, I get really strong hiccups constantly. I'm on medication for that, but still... the recovery was hell for me. BUT life without GERD, without anything aggravating my Barrett's and without having to take meds and sleep on a mountain, it was worth it.

Hang in there... you may just take longer to heal than others. It took me a good 2 years before we figured out all the complications post op and fixed them. 2 years before I "stabilized" and was fully healed.

Document everything! I found that helped to give my surgeon a better overview of my diet, and this can maybe help you identify what could be triggering your sour taste in your mouth.
Keep your head up... this too shall pass.

All the best,

C