HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Nissen Fundoplication

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/21/2019 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
This is a 22 month update Since my Nissen Fundoplication operation. I haven't felt heartbearn or reflux (the burning at the back of my throat doesn't happen now) and food goes down smoothly 95% of the time because sometimes I've rushed food that makes it slow to go down. I do occasionally have slight mini-burps but other than that I've been doing really well. I did used to get breathlessness after I removed an old carpet was still comes and goes occasionally but over longer periods.

Is this a good sign of a successful Nissen Fundoplication?

John.
Posted 1/21/2019 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi John,
Absolutely! Recovering from a Nissen surgery is a process, and after the majority of healing is complete, it becomes a fine-tuning healing process. It takes a year or more to totally complete this process. It sounds as if you’re doing fine!

Keep in mind that you will always need to chew your food more carefully than you probably did prior to surgery. This is just a good eating habit that would benefit anyone!

Thanks for checking in!
Denise
Posted 2/8/2019 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
Dencha,

I had an Endoscopy today and the wrap is still intact. The stomach is normal. The stricture is gone. The only thing what worries me isis the Barretts. I haven't had heartburn in two years or Reflux.

John,
Posted 2/8/2019 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
John,
It sounds like you are on the right track! The longer you go without reflux the more you will heal. That was great news!
Happy healing!
Denise
Posted 2/11/2019 10:55 AM (GMT 0)
Dencha,

I really hope so but swallowing is fine. I don't feel pain or anything but I have been feeling a tad bit of discomfort after my Endoscopy which feels like heartburn but its probably where they been messing inside but I'm focusing on healthy lifestyle now.

Thank you smile

John.
Posted 2/11/2019 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi John:

Did the doctor say he suspected Barrett's? I thought everything with the endoscopy was normal?

Sharon
Posted 2/11/2019 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Sharon,

I do have Barrets but its being monitored with regular Endoscopies but the stomach is normal. I no longer get heartburn or reflux thanks to the surgery. I feel well, swallowing is the best its been in a while a long time. This is why I'm focusing on healthy eating, cutting out food that isn't good for my body.

John.
Posted 2/11/2019 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
That’s all great news, John! The esophagus will heal with time, now that the source of the problem has been controlled!
Hang in there!
Denise
Posted 2/15/2019 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
Dencha,

I do hope so but I'm focusing on exercise and good nutrition. I have however had a serious headcold this week where i been coughing and sneezing and stuff. I just hope the sneezing hasn't damaged my wrap. Its settled now thankfully.
John
Posted 2/15/2019 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi John,

I had 4 years of severe, uncontrollable asthma due to fairly unremarkable reflux that triggered my lung reaction. I feared the surgery, and my GI doc kept telling me my reflux levels were not indicating that surgery was necessary.

My PCP was sure that my reflux was the culprit. He continued to push me toward surgery. Finally, in desperation, in the midst of a terrible lung infection, and on high doses of steroids, I had the surgery. I had to try it. Nothing else was working, and my lung problems were life threatening.

Three months post-Nissen surgery, my lungs finally improved—seemingly “overnight”. For those 3 months post op I was continuing on steroids and antibiotics. At the 3 month mark my lungs were healthy for the first time in years. I stopped nearly constant productive coughing.

I was so afraid that all that coughing would destroy my wrap! On top of coughing my guts out😉the steroids I was on had made my internal organ tissue very fragile. ( my skin has never recovered from steroid damage. It is thin and tears easily—no protection at all from the slightest bump.)

So you see—you don’t need to worry!!! If my wrap could make it through those three months (not to mention the many colds and allergic asthma issues I’ve had for the
Past 10 years) yours will be fine!

I have been aware of the fact that I will likely be in for a redo Nissen at some point due to those years of stress, (and gladly do it again—I won’t let my lungs get into that condition again)—but I share this story to help you relax into your recovery! Your wrap will be fine!!

Happy healing!!
Hang in there!!
Denise
Posted 2/15/2019 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Dencha,

You have been through the rough edges to get where you are now and you should be extremely proud of yourself. You look after yourself and your health. Your an inspiration to so many people on here and i do hope you know that. 😊

I'm a constant worrier that's. I never used to be that way but thankfully the wrap is intact and the stricture isn't present any longer and both the stomach and Doduam are both normal. I do try and eat alot slower and don't fill my mouth with to much food anymore because if I do and don't chew enough or certain foods tend to slow down and give the sticking sensation. Since a few people on here including yourself have said it's vital i have to chew better and slower I've been fine.

I do really appreciate your advice and kindness. 😊

John.
Posted 2/26/2019 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
I'm currently going through a phase of feeling food go past my wrap again. It doesn't get stuck but it feels like it's going to. Any tips smile

John.
Posted 2/26/2019 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
John:

Make sure you are still chewing your food to almost a liquid consistency, sometimes we forget as we advance our diets, and we are starting to feel better.

Sharon
Posted 2/27/2019 12:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Sharon. I will do, i occasionally have moments like these. However since my endoscopy it's been there since the 8th of February but comes and goes. I do chew better than I did but i feel it with some foods more than others.

John.
Posted 2/27/2019 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi John,

It’s normal that some foods will cause more problems. Even when you’re fully healed and feeling great, you STILL need to chew more carefully and fully. Of course your wrap will become more forgiving, but it’s still a tighter entrance to your stomach.

Even now, 10 years later if I eat certain things too fast they can feel stuck for a bit. I think French fries is a culprit. Steak is another. It’s not really a problem for me. I still have to remember to eat more slowly and chew thoroughly.

Hang in there!
Denise
Posted 2/27/2019 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Denise, invading the OP's original topic with a similar question that concerns and, i believe, other wrapped peeps. Your wrap has quite a long millage as you've mentioned so i wanted to know about the overall longevity/integrity of the wrap during the whole life time. The surgeon told me that it should last (at least theoretically) for a very, very long time (if not for the whole life), how are you (your wrap) is feeling after all those years? Of course the outside factors - overweight, outisde injuries to the wrap site and father time can make a difference to the worse huh?
Posted 3/3/2019 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Dencha,

I think, I'm going to take a few steps back with what i eat and I'm going tobEat slow and chew thoroughly. It's quite annoying that sensation. The weird part as you know. Everything went down smooth for the first 18 months or so. It's very annoying. Had an Endoscopy two weeks back and no structure.


John
Posted 3/3/2019 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
One last thing can stress contribute to the sticking sensations? I was unwell with severe headcold and sneezing vigorously and been stressed aswell.

John.
Posted 3/4/2019 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
John:

Are you still swallowing at around 95%? If that's correct, you are doing well. With this surgery, nothing is 100% perfect, 100% of the time. Just relax and continue to chew your food to a liquid consistency and if you feel more comfortable backing off of the foods - then do it, it should help.
Posted 3/5/2019 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Sharon,

Thank you for the reply, I really appreciate it. Yes, my swallowing is still 95% and I have learnt fo chew alot more and that 5% where i feel food slowing down is the times i forget myself and forget to chew alot but I'm getting better at it. smile

John.
Posted 3/5/2019 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
Good news, John!
Posted 3/7/2019 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
I've had my letter from Endoscopy and he's pleased to tell me they showed nothing worrying but I do have some inflammed Barretts and I need a 24 hr PH to see how much acid is coming up. He's hoping it isn't alot but if so, i have to go on a course of medication.

John.
Posted 3/7/2019 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
John did you have a full wrap, or partial/floppy wrap?

Sharon
Posted 3/7/2019 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Sharon.

I had the full Nissen wrap. My surgeon said the wrap is still intact. Perhaps it's my diet and stress.

John.

Post Edited (JoHnGaMeR90) : 3/7/2019 1:02:15 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/8/2019 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
John:

You know diet and stress pay a huge part in all of this.

Sharon
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12