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Post-op lap nissen fundo/hiatal hernia repair

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Posted 11/5/2007 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
anesthesia after-effects.... i know that for some people the anesthesia can really mess your system up along with the surgery. I had a"minor" laporoscopy for endometrosis once...they told me you could have it done on a thursday or friday and go back to work on a monday. Uh...my body revolted! I took a full week off and then it still took me about 6 weeks to feel back to normal. Same thing when I had my gall bladder taken out. Some people recovery really well from anesthesia, some don't. I certainly don't! That's why if I have this surgery I want to take at least a full two weeks off.

What's the name of the medication they give you for nausea?
Posted 11/5/2007 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I am scheduled to have the fundo wrap in 2 weeks - I see my surgeon for a final consult on Friday and have have all of the motility, PH tests, etc. I've read everything that I can get my hands on and feel well prepared. The only thing that I have read concerns weight loss or weight gain after surgery being on the liquid and soft diet for so long. I am 5'5" and weight 140 lbs. and sure don't want to gain any weight but would love to lose some! I have just recently gained 15 lbs. due to some medication for another health issue and have never weighed this much and can't seem to lose it. I would like some feedback from readers on what the weight loss or gain has been like after the hiatal hernia surgery. I will have the surgery, regardless, but would like to know out of curiousity. Thanks! Your previous entries have provided me with alot of great first hand information!
Posted 11/5/2007 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry for the typos! I meant to state that I "HAVEN'T" read anything concerning weight loss or gain after the surgery!
Posted 11/5/2007 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Barbara:
I have something to say about 5 incisions 2 weeks post op: ITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Booklady12:
Good luck with your upcoming procedure.

As you can see, each person has different experiences but we are glad we made the choice.

As you are about to join us post fundo's , here's some extra advice. Diarrhea after is normal because of the liquid diet. However, a cement mixer in your intestines and explosive diarrhea is not normal and you must tell your doctor if the diarrhea is really bad, i.e., explosive. I ended up with c.diff due to the antibiotics received in the hospital post op. To kill the c.diff, I was given flagyl (a pill that I had to grind into a powder and then had to find something to suspend it in to swallow). The flagyl cleared up the diarrhea and I now just have loose stools normal for a liquid/soft diet. But the flagyl gave me thrush so I'm on a different antibiotic to fix that. So my advice to you is watch the side-effects of the antibiotics.

I did not have a tube in my nose when I woke up from surgery, however, I did have a catheter. I had specifically asked the surgeon to not have that when I woke up. However, he knew best and that night I really appreciated not having to get up. They removed it early the next morning and by the time I needed to "go" I was about 24 hours post op and felt ready to walk a bit. In the hospital I kept a pillow over my stomach - it helped while coughing. You're going to want to cough to clear your lungs after surgery. I spent most of my time with my legs raised and head raised - sort of sitting with my butt in a hollow type of position. I found this more comfy than laying down as I was able to breath better sitting up and was able to cough up the after-surgery stuff. I was also able to belch easier when sitting up, which I did a lot of for the first few days.

As to weight loss, I've lost 5 since the procedure (10/22) putting me at 145 now. Back on September 1st, I started watching what I ate, stretching with yoga and walking religiously. I'm 5' 2" and on 9/1 I was 165 pounds. I lost 15 before 10/22 because I wanted to give the surgeon less "stuff" to plow through with the instruments and I knew less weight would be healthier going under anesthesia - especially because of my severe hypertension. I anticipate a healthier eating style after this procedure and will be able to exercise more intensely in the future. I will no longer have to plan my exercise time around eating like I did in the past. I used to have to be careful to wait at least 3 hours after eating or I could only do it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach because exercise would cause reflux and I'd have my stomach contents come up into my mouth if I exerted to much or did any exercise on the floor - such as situps. So my body was already in "loosing mode" when I had surgery. I also stretched well before we went to the hospital.

When you have your final consult, make sure you bring a list of your current meds with you so you can determine if those pills can be crushed. My particular blood pressure medicine is not one that the hospital normally has on hand, so I brought my own after ensuring it was not a time release formula. If your pills can be crushed, purchase a pill-crusher so you can turn them into powder at home.

When I was in the hospital, the staff caring for me had not been exposed to a fundoplication patient but knew that I'd had laproscopic abdominal surgery and was on clear liquids. I had to explain the procedure to several of them. Because I had done my homework and had been well-informed by the surgeon before hand, I knew enough to not use the straw I was provided with. Actually, a spoon and cup of ice worked out very well my first night. The hospital followed their standard clear liquid diet routine (broth, Italian ice, jello, regular black tea), which was fine because I had gone prepared. I brought a carton of the organic, low salt chicken broth that I prefer from home - the nurses were kind enough to heat it for me. I brought my own herbal tea bags because my research had said to stay away from caffeine. Hospital jello can be a bit rubbery, so I didn't do too much of that.

Go ahead and ask questions ... you're bound to get a huge answer in return :)
Posted 11/6/2007 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
Have I mentioned lately that incisions ITCH?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Signed,
Dying to scratch, but knows better than to give in as healing is taking place.
Posted 11/6/2007 3:23 AM (GMT 0)

Happily Wrapped,

You really are a good source of information on the lap Nissen.  I didn't have the shoulder pain the the two of you mentioned, but I do now recall the brain fog.

I had my surgery in March of 2005 and I'll let you in on a little secret.  I am now able to have two Diet Cokes per day without a problem.  I always drink them at home because I have a lot of little burps, but to have my Diet Coke back is wonderful.  On down the road, you will just have to do a trial and error deal to see what you can tolerate, much later down the road.

Good luck to both of you!

Carla

Posted 11/6/2007 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
Happily Wrapped - Thanks so much for the reply!  I also suffer greatly (!) from severe IBS and have to contend with that as much or more than my hiatal hernia problems.  I am used to extreme constipation and then bouts of constant diarrhea.  I am extremely sensitive to antibiotics (like Flagyl) so thanks for the warning.  I am trying to do all of the homework that I can before the surgery and appreciate all of your tips about taking my own tea and soups.  How long was your hospital stay?  I know that I will have my questions answered on Friday but was curious.  I am an elementary library media specialist and am hoping to not be gone from school over 3 weeks.  I have had 14 previous surgeries so the surgery part is not frightening to me.  My last was a hysterectomy 2 summers ago.  I usually get along very well and am not one to lay around although at 45 the hysterectomy did take me about 6 weeks to recoup my full energy.  I thought that I had read everything that I could find on the internet about this procedure and the healing afterwards until I found this forum.  It has been so very informative!  Thanks again for taking the time to reply!  :)
Posted 11/6/2007 11:46 AM (GMT 0)
Booklady12:
Before the surgery day, the surgeon told me to expect one or two nights in the hospital. He also said I may or may not have the naso-gastric tube and/or catheter. These are issues that are dependant on several variables. My procedure was scheduled for 11 a.m.; due to an emergency that came in and needed treatment, I was delayed and did not get to the operating room until 2:30 p.m. I woke up in recovery at 6 p.m. after a 3-hour procedure. My surgeon stopped by the recovery room and said that because it was so late in the evening, not to expect to go home the next day. I was very glad to have two nights in the hospital because that second day I really did need to be where I was with IV pain med and aids to assist with getting to the "throne". Plus, my house has kitchen and living area on one floor but the full bath and bedrooms are on the second floor. I would never have been able to do a full set of stairs the day after surgery. Also, in the hospital I was on an IV drip to ensure I was getting adequate hydration - I would not have been able to consume enough water at first to keep the plumbing moving and to help flush out the anesthesia.

If you're offered the 2nd night, take it. Yes, you've been through other procedures before; however, they all left you the ability to consume adequate nutrition, hydration and pain med through your mouth. You're now cutting off your mouth as a primary resource to get stuff into you and that IV is an alternate route. Once you get home, you'll want to have something like boost or any other nutritional meal replacement on hand. Plus you'll want to keep your electrolytes up so ask your physician about gatorade or something similar.

My shoulder pain has gone completely as well as any muscle stiffness. Other than the furry tongue from the thrush, I feel great. When I see the surgeon for my next appointment I will ask for permission to do light yoga stretching and I want to ask if deep breathing will affect the stitches in the diaphragm for the hiatal hernia. My appointment is this afternoon and I will find out when I'm cleared to go back to work. I am driving again, but I place the shoulder part of the seat belt behind me. When I hit the brakes, the shoulder belt tightens and is uncomfortable on the area it lays across my abdomen. The lap belt is easily positioned under any tender area.

I did not feel up to going to work last week, but I do feel able to go in for half days for the rest of this week. That means that on the 3rd week post op, I feel up to half days and anticipate week 4 being full days, but not overdoing and going home an hour early if I need to.

Another day:
You hit the nail on the head - I agree that each person will be different as to what they can or cannot consume down the road. Each person will find what triggers gas for them and will avoid those items. It's trial and error once the physical healing has taken place.
Posted 11/6/2007 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
 

I had the lap nissen fundo/hiatal hernia surgery on 10-23-07

and everything went great.  How when I drink water or

something I will get the hiccups.  Has anyone else get the

hiccups after eating or drinking?  I still get pain in my chest

espically when coughing and sometimes it is crushing pain.

My dr said that 50 % of my stomach was out.  Otherwise,

I feel great and don't eat much but soft food.  I am going

back to dr on 11-08-07, so I will see what he says.

bill

Posted 11/6/2007 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Bill:
Yes, I had the hiccups. This is how it was explained to me: Because of the hiatal hernia repair, they stitched your diaphragm tighter. The hiccups are caused by your diaphragm sort of "spasming" (sp?) because it's been messed with. They'll subside as you heal. I found I got them less by eating/drinking room temp or warm items. Cold items seemed to start them up.

I have no chest pain/pressure/discomfort anymore and my procedure was the day before yours. I haven't read anything about loosing 50% of a stomach, I was told about 1/3. But then again, we're right back to everyone is an individual and there will be differences in the procedure and recovery.

Post Edited (HappilyWrapped) : 11/7/2007 8:35:58 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/6/2007 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
 

Happilywrapped:

Thanks for reply, I though that there was some problem

because of the hiccups.  I am glad your are doing real

good.  I hope that I get a answer on the chest pains

this week.

Posted 11/6/2007 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
I have noticed a lot of new members on here posting about this. I just want to extend a warm welcome to anyone who is new here...I look forward to meeting you all! Glad to have you aboard!
Posted 11/6/2007 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Just returned from visit to surgeon. I'm cleared to return to work Monday the 12th. That means I'll have had 3 weeks out of work and from my point of view, it was the right amount of time to be out. I'm still on soft food for several more weeks to ensure there will be no chance of choking on something - which is fine because the longer I let things heal the longer the wrap will last.

I must say that I'm pleased with how this doctor handles his patients. I had the procedure on 10/22. Saw him 10/23 and 10/24 in the hospital and he personally filled out the paperwork for my discharge on 10/24. Had an appointment at his office for a checkup on 10/30 and again today - that's a one week and two week checkup. I've read where some people don't see their surgeon for two or three weeks after the procedure for a follow-up.

I hope anything I've posted will be of help to others. Take care everyone. Good luck with upcoming procedures and to those still suffering the effects of recovery, I hope things get better soon. I can't imagine being able to add anything else to this forum, so I'm signing off.

Bye!
Posted 11/6/2007 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
Happily Wrapped,
Once again, thanks for the fountain of knowledge! I do hope for 2 nights and hadn't thought about what you said about your mouth being the primary entrance for pain meds after you leave. I hope that you had a good report today and thanks for giving such "heads ups"! :) Will keep this forum posted on surgery date and outcome.
Posted 11/7/2007 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Murphy's law for you all.... I had an appointment with my gastro doc last friday and I was going to ask him about the fundoplication. Then I found a suspicious lump in my armpit and had to go see a surgeon and the only opening they had was the same time as my gastro appt. So I had to reschedule that because the lump was a priority. I can't get back into my tummy doc until December....sigh....but I told them to put me on their cancellation list just in case.

So I see the surgeon and they schedule me to come back Tuesday(today) to have the lump excised. Low and behold my gastro doc office calls and tells me they had a cancellation and that I could to come in today instead of waiting until December. One problem...that appointment was at the same time as my appointment with the surgeon...AGAIN..grrrr. Could they have been at different times today so I could have made both appointments....Nooooooo!!! that would have been tooo easy!!!!

Hey Bill - how much time did you take off of work for your surgery?



Thanks!

Post Edited (doghouse) : 11/6/2007 8:30:24 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/7/2007 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi doghouse,

I took about 1 week off from work, I run a ski shop on

a lake and it is out season now so there was not a lot

i had to do, but answer the phone and do some accounting

work.  I hope you the best.  It has been a bad year for

me because of prostate cancer treatment, surgery for

melanoma skin cancer.  So I am now taking it easy for the

rest of the year.

Bill

Posted 11/7/2007 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lakeman,
So sorry that you have had such a rough year! Just wanted to give you some encouragement - I had a stage 3 malignant melanoma and the surgeons had to remove 18 inches of muscle, tissue and lymph nodes due to the position of the primary site ( upper right shoulder blade). I took immunotherapy treatments ( at the time, best treatment for melanoma) for 2 years, and have been cancer free for 25 years!!!!!!!!! Stay out of the sun and take care of your skin, watch for any unusual lumps or bumps that don't immediately go away (I look like I've been in a knife fight from having them removed) and have a positive attitude. Good luck and my prayers are with you that the rest of your year will improve!!!!!!! :)

Booklady12
Posted 11/7/2007 7:53 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Booklady12:

Thanks for encourgement, I am taking one day at a time.

I am glad you are doing great.

Bill

Posted 11/7/2007 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I haven't been on the computer for a couple of days.  Today is my three week anniversary of my operation and I have to say that I still haven't bounced back.  HappilyWrapped I am so glad you have made a significant recovery, you sound like you've got much more pep than me.  You are so lucky not to have anymore chest discomfort because I am still having to deal with this.  I am relieved to read that the brainfog is normal because I am still experiencing this phenomena.  I think I also feel this way because of the lack of nourishment and was 4 weeks post op from the gallbladder surgery.  I know I have lost more weight, when I had my follow up visit with the surgeon my weight was at 116 and I am 5'4".  I just feel sort of weak/lethargic and yes, I am still drinking ensure.  I think what is affecting me too is that I am not drinking as much water as I should.  I don't even drink 2 glasses of water a day, who wants to drink lots of water mixed with nausea (yuck)?  I really need to make an effort to stay hydrated though.  Thank God my bowels are still ok and gas is no problem but nausea still is bothering me.  Someone wanted to know what I was taking and the Dr. prescribed (promethazine 12.5 mg tablet every 6 hours).  I still have lots of pain on my left shoulder radiating to my arm but what you said makes sense and I never thought of it.  Yes, my i.v. was placed on the left arm opposite of where my elbow bends so this must be the cause of my pain because it still hasn't subsided and even have a problem just hooking my bra.

HappilyWrapped you were lucky you didn't have that gastric tube from your nose to your stomach.  I was never asked whether I wanted it or not, I just woke up with it in recovery.  I had it for two days and what the GI tube does it decompresses the stomach and keeps you from getting bloated.  Truthfully, it was gross because I could see green stuff mixed with some brown stuff (I know this was bile) draining from the tube into this receptacle and after a while the receptacle mixed with bile and stomach acid would turn the contents in the jar purple.  It was horrible when they pulled out the tube (I get goosebumps thinking about it).  I did bleed some afterwards in my nose and had like a phlemy (sp?) like stuff that would drain from my nose down my throat (just awful), the first time it happened I sort of paniked because I didn't know what to do (scary) and it just came on about 5 minutes after they removed the tube and there is nothing you can do but swallow it (gross) the phlemy like substance.  So, yes you were lucky you didn't have this.  Also, I did have a catheter but it was removed the next day.  I know that I am being graphic about my experiences but I know that people anticipating this surgery really want to know what to expect and I definately won't sugar coat it.   

Booklady:  I also had a hysterectomy about 10 years ago but I think this surgery is a little tougher.  I don't know if perhaps because I was 10 years younger, at this present time I am 44 years old (not a spring chicken anymore).  Also, what makes this one tough is the part of being on the liquid diet and not getting enough sufficient nourishment.  Also, the dull chest pain still persists even after 3 weeks, at least in my case.  You will definately need help if you have a family i.e. cooking, cleaning.  Just make sure you are taking care of yourself and don't under any circumstance do any heavy lifting.   

Lakeman:  I am glad to hear you are coming along with a speedy recovery.  I agree that we are all different (which makes us all unique) and we all heal in our own ways.  I too am just taking one day at a time.  Sorry to hear about your cancer, sounds as if you've really been through alot.  I guess I will close for now and off hand can't remember if I had covered any questions that were asked on the previous posts........Barbara.....

Posted 11/8/2007 3:51 AM (GMT 0)

Barbara,

I think I had told you I stayed off work for three weeks when I had my surgery, what I failed to tell you was that I really needed to take another three weeks off because of the diarrhea. I seriously spent as much time in the bathroom as I did at my desk.  I was miserable.  I had already missed so much work because of asthma, I was taking unpaid time off any way and I had been getting these "when are you coming back to work" phone calls, so I went ahead and went back.

Sometimes people just aren't nice when you are sick and have to miss work.  So, when I was diagnosed with epilepsy in August of 2006, I just went on home and I don't miss those people a bit.  The ones I do miss, we stay in touch.

Don't go back to work until you feel you are ready.  Every one heals at a different rate.

Take care!

Carla

Posted 11/8/2007 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
Carla:  I think that what you are saying is that it took about 6 weeks for you to start seeing a light at the end of the tunnel?  I am a little disappointed that I haven't bounced back as quickly as HappilyWrapped.  She really sounds terrific and I am so glad she is making great strides in her recovery.  Lori, I know you will read this post and I truly am so glad for you and hope you keep improving and all of my best wishes.  I think what is getting me down in the fact that I am hungry but really don't have much of an appetite to eat.  Even right now as I post this, I sort of have a slight hunger headache, mixed with nausea and yeah when I am done with this post will have my usual ensure.  I probably won't go back to work until December.  I thought I might sub for a while but as of right now I don't have the strength and energy to deal with those teenagers (in my condition they'd make mince meat out of me).  Also, I have decided if I don't start to feel better I might go see my general doctor and maybe he can prescribe some iron (give me a shot or something) or a certain vitamin.  My second follow up visit with the surgeon isn't until the 28th of Nov.  or maybe I will call him but doubt the surgeon has stuff like iron shots there in his office like a gp would.  I am just frustrated and have to be patient also the nausea is getting pretty old and getting to me like the way you felt with the diarrhea, I am sure.  Did you have lots of nausea?  I know you said lots of diarrhea but I don't remember if you had mentioned the nausea.  Carla, do you remember feeling weak/lethargic?  Thank God the diarrhea hasn't been a problem and you are right we all heal at a different rate.  I just have to have a positive attitude and hopefully all of this will get better.  I know this will eventually improve my quality of life.  The way I was living was no way to live either.  Take care and thanks for all of your encouragement.  Barbara....

Posted 11/8/2007 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys. I didn't think I could add anything else to this posting, but I tapped in this morning and thought I'd send a note to Barbara - you sound like you need a hug.

I'm currently at work - I'm cleared for full days next week, but am trying out 1/2 days this week. I can handle 8:30-12:30 and then I get tired. After a short rest at home, I can do light housework - because I'm overly picky regarding my home's cleanliness and should be looking for a forum about being anal-retentive about house cleaning :)

As I posted before, the antibiotics caused a problem with diarrhea and then thrush. Knowing that my body was not balanced with the proper intestinal organisms, I sought the help of a naturopath physician that I have used before. My surgeon is not opposed to naturopaths and believes they are a good medical resource. The imbalance of bacteria can make you feel lethargic and without energy; it can also produce internal gas which could make you feel lousy. Once I began using the probiotics given to me by the naturopath as well as following her suggestions nutrition-wise, I felt more energy (I am still not eating anything with more consistency than pudding and I'm still refraining from most dairy). I'm 2/1/2 weeks post-op and I'm 3 years older than you, so I should be in worse shape. However, I did not have 2 surgeries back to back. I also sought pre-operation advice and supplements from the naturopath to prepare for the procedure, so I may have been better prepared physically. I know that natural remedies aren't for everyone, however, it's a suggestion to consider and might help you feel better.

I understand the lack of appetite with the feeling of hunger; I have this, too. I don't find it much of a problem and haven't given it much consideration. I have something to eat at breakfast, lunch and dinner - it's not always a large quantity, but it's something. I can't consume a whole package of Cream of Wheat - I make it very thin and can only eat 1/2 the serving. I'm lucky to not have the nausea that you have experienced and continue to deal with. Hopefully, this is only temporary and will soon pass. I guess I just got luckier than you in that respect.

I think the major difference in our recoveries is the foundation we started with - I went into it in physically better shape than you.

I'm sorry that your recovery isn't going as well as mine, but you must admit we are surely giving good food for thought to anyone considering the outcome of this procedure. Keep up the positive attitude.
Posted 11/9/2007 5:08 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks HappilyWrapped for the hug as I sure could use it.  Yesterday I was really down but today was a little better.  I wasn't able to get an appointment with the general doctor, as I had mentioned perhaps I could get a shot of vitamin or b-12 but couldn't get in until next week.  So, what I did was go and buy some cow's liver and made me a very small piece (I know lots of people will say yuck) but I do like liver so for me it would be no problem.  I coated the liver with flour and fried it in olive oil but very low and made sure it was well cooked but soft and I ate it (a very small piece) and chewed and chewed and also made my runny mashed potatoes and I think the liver helped, it didn't get stuck because I take very small bites.  I know it is loaded with iron and vitamins but yes, it will raise your cholesterol but right now I doubt I have any high cholesterol left.  I am going to eat it again tomorrow because it did give me some strength.  As I have mentioned before the nutrition part is awful.  Today they called from the surgeon's office to reschedule my next follow up visit and I wanted to talk to the lady who deals with the insurance.....so anyway, to make the long story short, I was talking to her at great length and told her I just can't bounce back.  She told me that the surgery I had is one of the toughest ones to recover from meaning that they are a large group ( I think there are 9 surgeons in the group) who also deal in bariatric surgery, rectal surgery, and so on they specialize in gastric surgeries and said that they do perform the surgery I had alot even on babies and yes the recovery is tough.  She said she has seen it all and to be patient and that my particular surgeon does many fundos and gastric bypass surgery is his specialty. 

HappilyWrapped, I do believe in the natural alternatives and at one time used probiotics.  I religiously watch the show "Your Health" with Dr. Richard Becker and I just love it.  I have learned so much and he is a proponent of probiotics.  Before I had my surgery I tried all of that but like I had mentioned nothing ever worked for my gerd.  Later when I can swallow better I will take some probiotics but will wait for now.  Before my gallbladder surgery I had taken probiotics for about 3 months but I know they have all been wiped out in my system because before both my surgeries the surgeon had given me the order/paper to take to the hospital and I did notice he wrote on the orders something about an i.v. drop with some type of antibiotic.  I do want to get back to my probiotics when I get better.  I don't take any pill right now because I am scared it would get stuck.  Yeah, I have to agree you were in much better shape than me pre op.  Are you still taking painkiller medication?  I am not taking anything any painkiller at all.  I am scared about getting hooked on that stuff.  I have seen shows like on Oprah where people can get addicted to pain medication and it wreaks havoc in their life.  I just wish I had done all of this in the summer but never thought I would end up having my gallbladder removed.  When I had the Pipda scan my gallbladder only worked at 19% ejection rate and 35% is normal.  I also read that the use of PPI's can cause your gallbladder to become sluggish.  I think that is what happened to me since I was taking massive doses of PPI's.  That was very smart of you to prepare for your surgery and because of it your outcome has been better.  I was re-reading your post and you talk about the trush, I don't think I ever got that?  What does it look like and is it on your tongue?  Also, you had asked about my incisions itching, mine don't itch, but I still have a little pain from them but I have one in particular that really bothers me still.  That left arm still kills me, I wonder if this is a temporary thing?  HappilyWrapped I think we have really journaled our experiences in great detail and hope that people will truly have an understanding of what we have been through because it is normal to be scared about any anticipating surgery.  Yes, we have given food for thought as you mentioned.  Take care and I really need to keep my chin up and have a positive attitude....Thanks again for your support...Barbara....

Posted 11/9/2007 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
Barbara:
No, I am no longer taking pain meds. Because I cannot tolerate codeine, I did not get liquid tylenol with codeine when I left the hospital. I got regular adult extra-strength Tylenol liquid and childrens Advil. I chose to not take the Advil because it does have a tendency to raise blood pressure and I did not want to do that, so I went straight to just tylenol after the hospital. I took it for maybe 5 days (which including the two nights in the hospital was about 7 days post op), found it did no good, then decided to tough it out. So I was uncomfortable for a few days, but nothing excruciating.

My incisions no longer itch and the only one that is sore is the biggy above the navel. Nothing major, just the healing inside I'm sure. It's only a bother depending on what pants I wear. I'm still not totally deflated after the surgery (people considering the surgery, pay attention here - I'm almost 3 weeks post op and if I hadn't planned a comfy wardrobe for after surgery, I'd be pretty miserable. Tummy area is still too tender for tight waistbands and tight bras with underwires).

Thrush is a candida (yeast) overgrowth. Your tongue will turn white and furry - and you won't be able to brush it off no matter how hard you try. My entire tonge was covered front to back and side to side. Your tongue will feel like its coated in pop-rocks and will tingle when you eat or drink - especially if there is sugar in the item. It feels like your tongue is swelling and some people might mistake the feeling for an allergic reaction (and if anyone thinks they are having an allergic reaction, by all means head for the doctor and don't think that HappilyWrapped told you not to because you have thrush). Thrush cut down on my list of acceptable foods to eat - I won't use splenda or any other chemical sweetener - so I had to remove soy yogurt, jello and Italian ice from my menu. I switched to goat-milk yogurt because it has no sugar in it and has lots of pro-biotics and is easier to digest than cow's milk yogurt (recommendation from naturopath). Speaking of pro-biotics - the one I'm taking is a powder that you dissolve in water, it's not a pill. Just thought I'd let you know that it's available in a powder so you don't have to worry about the pill. Lots of good info regarding Thrush is available online, this is just a general idea of what it was for me. The prescription antibiotic to resolve it didn't really start to work until I added the pro-biotic from the naturopath - now I'm actually seeing and feeling results.

I'm glad a dose of real food helped you feel better. As a suggestion, another way to increase your iron is to make scrambled eggs (or cook any food) in a cast-iron pan. I know it sounds silly, but that's how they used to get their iron in the old days before we got modernized with non-stick and aluminum cookware.

Here's a hug for today to get you through "h u g".
Posted 11/10/2007 3:51 AM (GMT 0)

Barbara,

I am sorry you are having such a tough time.  No, I didn't have any nausea at all, but believe me the diarrhea made up for it.  This is gross, but I would even have to get up in the night and change the sheets.  I had it pretty bad.  I wasn't  exaggerating when I said when I went back to work after three weeks that I spent as much time in the bathroom as I did in my office.  They wanted me back, they got me.

I'm not sure what is going on with your left arm.  I don't recall having any problem like that.  Are you sleeping in a different position because of you incisions?  Could that have anything to do with it?

After you get through all the rough spots, you will be glad you had the surgery.  I know I am.  Just think, you have gotten anything stuck in your esophagus.  That happened to me so many times.  Maybe I was wrapped tighter or I just got in to big of a hurry to eat.

Big Hugs to You!

Carla

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