Day 4 Post Nissen

Every day is an adventure. Still, to all those people out there who are fearful of this surgery (as I was)--in my experience, Days 1-4 have been much better than I had hoped. FYI--To help with others who are trying to relate to this experience...I'm a nearly 57 year old female. I don't think I'd mentioned that.

A few things that I'm noticing (and would appreciate experienced members to comment on):



1. Lung Issues

As I've shared, I have asthma issues, so my lungs are more problematic than in other cases. Do other (non asthmatic) recovering patients experience mucous in their lungs as well?

I made the mistake of trying the Unisom Melts, and they worked great in getting me to drift off to sleep again, but I ended up paying for a few extra hours of sleep with dried out mucous in my lungs, and a wheeze that won't quit. So--to anyone reading this who has asthma, I would recommend against the Unisom. (They're just Benadryl--which is an antihistimine/drying agent, that makes you sleepy) Lucky non-asthmatics, it works great for snoozing, and is definitely non habit forming.

I've been coughing way too much today, which hurts and worries me a bit. I'm also tapering off prednosone, so that could be part of the problem as well. I've emailed my doctor for advice. I'm sure this too will pass. Just one of those little bumps in the road.



2. Burps.

My surgeon told me that I wouldn't be able to burp, but burps are slipping out here and there. I'm not purposely burping, but every so often a burp is allowed--which is actually very nice, since it allows the bloating to dissipate.

The surgeon (another in the practice) who discharged me, said that I MAY be able to burp. I guess he was right!

Do I need to worry that because I can burp it will mean that reflux will also be allowed to pass out of the stomach? The resident said that the flap can allow a bit of air to escape without letting stomach contents out.

What has been the experience of others who've been through this? Are burps okay?


3. Wrap swelling over the first two weeks.

I noticed today that "lump" feeling--the feeling that I'm swallowing a big gulp of air--when I swallow food. I figure it's the beginning of the swelling, and expect that it will probably become progressively more challenging to get things swallowed, until the swelling begins to subside. So far, though, swallowing has been fairly easy. Better than I had hoped. Very "do-able", and much less scary than I expected.

Is it common to have this experience? Do the wraps always swell?

I'm determined to go with the flow of the recovery process. I wish my lungs weren't giving me fits, but oh well...that's why I'm here to begin with. The surgery isn't a magic wand! It's so important to maintain a positive attitude, and be patient, patient, patient!

Anyway...in case it helps anyone, I'm sharing my experience. If anyone has anything to add, or can help me through some of these issues, I'd appreciate it! Best wishes to all!

Hi Denise

I have also noticed more swelling for me this week...I am on day 13 of my recovery - I guess they are right when they say it gets a bit worse before it gets better? Sometimes it feels like the food gets stuck just before passing through the wrap - this has happened to my 3 times, it takes about 4 minutes to pass and then everything is fine. I am still on soft mushy foods - mushy pasta, mashed potatoes etc. I can also burp a little bit - hopefully that isn't an indication of acid being able to come up?

Overall though everything is going good - I do lose my energy fast but really thats all. I have to go back to work on Monday so hopefully I will be up to it!

Sarah

Carol,
I'm glad I can provide you with some more information to help you in your decision. It took me four years to get the courage to move forward. This forum really helped me make the choice to go ahead with the surgery.
I wish you lots of luck!
Denise

I just noticed your day 5 post...thats good to know that swelling is normal for the first 2 weeks...did he say anything about burping? I also get mucus when I eat - I think it must be a normal part of recovery.

Thanks, Janice! I appreciate the update and advice. Actually, my lung problems are more a factor of the surgery (fluid), my lung issues, and the fact that I probably had an unresolved infection going on.

It did dry me out, though, and I wasn't drinking as much at the time, because my stomach was just not feeling great.

I'm back to drinking, and am moving some mucous out of my lungs. It does HURT HURT HURT to cough, though!
Thanks again!
Denise