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Side effects after a Nissen Fundoplication surgery for a large hiatal hernia

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 5/10/2018 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I’m a new member on healing well. I had a Nissen Fundoplication to repair my hiatal hernia which was the size of a soccer ball in September 2017. Since my surgery I have suffered from constant, debilitating nausea, heartburn and am extremely iron deficient with a ferritin level of 8. I have had 4 IV Iron infusions and am working closely with my Hematologist. Has anyone else who had the surgery have this awful nausea and fatigue? Please help!
Posted 5/11/2018 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
Shopper

First of all, Welcome! The iron deficiency probably has a lot to do with you feeling fatigued. When I had my surgery my surgeon prescribed an anti-nausea medication (Zofran), that I carry with me at all times. It's something that a lot of us still suffer from. I don't have waves of nausea very often, but it seems to hit for no reason. Everyone's recovery is different, but I didn't start to feel better until six months post-surgery and my "new" me at about a year - so you are still in your recovery phase. As far as your continued heartburn, have you called your surgeon to discuss your concerns? You can also try taking something like Pepcid before bedtime. And, some people still need to take PPIs temporarily after surgery.

Sharon
Posted 5/11/2018 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your response Sharon Z!
So far, I’ve taken Zoltan, Compazine, Hycosamine, Dramamine and nothing works. Yesterday I found out that I have Hypercalceimia due to elevated calcium in my blood and a very under active thyroid, very sick, fatigued and the nausea is off the charts. I can barely walk.
Posted 5/11/2018 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Shopper

That's terrible, it sounds like your symptoms may not have all been a result of your NF surgery. Good luck, I hope that your doctor gets everything under control for you.

Sharon
Posted 5/11/2018 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
I had the same surgery in November and prior to that two iron infusions. When I was first diagnosed, my ferritin level was 5 and my hemoglobin was 6.1. I was bleeding from the hernia and it didn't stop until it was repaired. The hemoglobin increased soon after surgery but it took four or five months for the ferritin level to return to normal. I was so tired before I was diagnosed that I had to stop two or three times walking up a flight of stairs. It was awful! I was used to getting on a treadmill and walking three or four miles at a brisk pace.

I was fortunate and didn't have nausea and my reflux is silent. I hope you find solutions for your problems soon.
Posted 5/11/2018 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chububba,
Thank you for your response. I’m so sick and nauseous I can barely move!! What to do?
Posted 5/12/2018 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
If it were me, I'd see my GI doctor.
Posted 5/12/2018 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Chubabubba,
Been to my GI doctor, no help. What can I eat or drink to lessen my withdrawal symptoms? Or, what else can I do on my own to feel better?
Thanks!
Posted 5/13/2018 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
I wish I could offer more help but I had silent reflux so I've never had to contend with the problems you're having. Have you gotten a second opinion from another GI doctor? Since this is a QOL issue for you, you'll probably have to become more aggressive in getting help.
Posted 5/13/2018 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Chubabubba,
Yes, I have been aggressive in my treatment. After a soccer ball hiatal hernia repair in September, I have seen a Rhemotogist, a Neurologist, changed my Internist twice and had numerous IV Iron transfusions! Still trying to be aggressive! Ty!
Posted 10/1/2018 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I feel your pain with the iron levels. I had Nissen Fund. back in 2010 and as the years have gone by I'm only getting worse with the iron. My level is 4. I am passing out when I stand for more than 25 minutes. I'm going again to see my Dr. tomorrow as I was sent to a blood disorder Dr 2 years ago who didn't want to do a transfusion. Well I need one because this isn't life.
The blood Dr told me that some people who have had this surgery get chronic iron deficiency and they don't know why. I never had this problem until a couple years after the surgery.
No more GERD or any problems except an occasional dumping after I eat but other than that, things are ok except for the iron.
I wish you well in your journey.
Posted 10/1/2018 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
I think you may have dumping syndrome or malabsorption in other words. That results in electrolyte imbalance. I advise you to see a hematologist and a gastroenterologist a
. More investigations are needed .
Best of luck.
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