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Vomiting and dry-heaving after Nissen

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Posted 7/5/2021 9:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

Had a Nissen (floppy) and hiatal hernia repair around 4 months ago. The other day, I went for dinner with a friend. I must have eaten something bad as I got the urge to vomit. I tried to hold it back protecting the wrap but it was impossible to control the sentiment fully (so the gag/ vomiting reflex occurred during an hour or two). Eventually, I managed to sleep it out (next day I was fine). Area of the stomach felt a bit sore but the pain was definitely bearable. Luckily, the reflux has not returned. Nevertheless, I'm anxious I might have damaged the wrap?

Surgeon proposes to do an endoscopy to make sure everything is fine. He also added: "good to do a check-up anyway, did it as a standard post-op procedure in the past."

Now, something I don't find much data on: can an endoscopy damage the wrap? I'm weighting the advantages and disadvantages. An endoscopy could determine

1° Whether the hernia is still fixed and wrap intact (pro)
2* Could potentially damage or loosen a wrap bringing the reflux back (major con)

Any input/ experiences/ scientific data much appreciated.
Posted 7/5/2021 12:19 PM (GMT 0)
Simple endoscopy shouldn't mess up the wrap. Just ask exactly what they plan to do.
I was told I needed endoscopy for a problem years ago and asked, and the new young doc said he was going to stretch the wrap. I said ok endo, but I refused the wrap. He said he'd do the stretch anyway, so I didn't go for the procedure.

Write down all you can remember of the food you ate that day. Keep a food journal with foods, drinks and reactions. You may have just eaten too much or too fast, but write it down. 4 months is still early healing time. It takes a year, in my experience with a major wrap and hernia repair, to fully recover, and even then you are in a NEW NORMAL. You can't just eat and drink like you used to.

After over 12 years my wrap is still tight and I cannot vomit, well, a little comes up now. Mostly I just get the heaves. I keep a couple of anti-nausea pills on hand always, Zofran and one other. Anyone who has had a wrap should avoid vomiting forever. See many posts on this subject in the archives.
Posted 7/6/2021 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
I've had multiple endoscopies since my Nissen, and have had no problems. I agree with Alcie, it's a good idea to keep Zofran on hand.

Sharon
Posted 7/7/2021 11:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Alcie & SharonZ for the swift feedback. The surgeon was great but the hospital follow-up was really poor. They never even mentioned an antiemetic. Just worried about the gag reflex during endoscopy though (it feels pretty much the same as vomiting)... @Alcie: why would he "stretch" your wrap?? Unintentionally or what was his/her deal?
Posted 7/7/2021 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Most endoscopies are done using propofol, you are awake but unaware of the procedure. It's not the hospital's responsibility to suggest an anti-emetic, it should be prescribed by your surgeon.

Sharon
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