Day 6 Post Nissen

Just a quick update:

1. VISIT TO SURGEON
All was well with incisions. He assured me that I don't have to worry about healing on prednosone. I'll heal. He's not worried that the tissue/sutures won't hold through coughing. He put extra sutures in the hernia repair (it was a small hernia). He's confident that all is fine with the repairs.

BURPS--he thinks I'm fortunate that burps are escaping, and that it's very normal, and a bonus for me. Burping does not mean reflux.
From my perspective, burps have been a lifesaver. When my stomach starts feeling bloated (after drinking or eating), the pressure shifts around, until a little bit of air escapes. This may repeat several times. I don't "belch"...the burps just happen on their own.

SWELLING OF WRAP--My surgeon reinforced the fact that the wrap will continue to swell over the next two weeks. He said I could eat anything I can manage--things that can be chewed thoroughly. He said that if the wrap makes it hard to get food through, (being sure to take small bites), just sip water/tea until it goes down. It will get through.

Surrender to the recovery process...it makes it lots easier.

I'll be going back for a follow up with him in a month.


2. LUNGS
I do have some fluid in my lungs. Hopefully the antibiotic I'm taking will take care of any residual infection from my pre-surgery lung issue.
Patience is a virtue!

I did have a bout of loose stool/diarrhea...I have a tendency to react to GI issues (even my endoscopy) with that problem. Also, being on the antibiotic...

3. OUT TO DINNER
Before coming home, we stopped at Friendly's for supper. I ordered a cup of decaf tea and a bowl of clam chowder. I just worked around the clams and enjoyed the broth, potatoes, and vegetables. Of course I didn't eat a whole bowl. I get stuffed before I eat much. I was also able to eat saltines...they chew up to total mush. YUM. It was a treat to have crackers and soup ! I brought the rest of my soup home to enjoy later.

All in All...
I'm keeping active...walk daily on my treadmill--10-15 minutes at a time...no incline...1.9mph. SLOW. It feels great, though.
Things going as well as to be expected...I was prepared for pretty much anything.
Heal well!

Thanks, Bill. I appreciate your good wishes. I was totally surprised when the little burps started popping out, but it has kept a lot of discomfort at bay. I'm pleasantly surprised. I'm wondering if the prednosone I'm on has kept the wrap from swelling as much. My Day 4 and 5 were when the wrap started swelling and I got some spasmy swallowing issues. I also had tons of thick mucous forming in my mouth from the spasms (I assume). That got better by Day 7, though.

I'm sure I'm in for lots of ups and downs. I'm not going to challenge the wrap with anything I can't chew to a total pulp!

I'm afraid to even think it, but it seems like my lungs are getting a little better. That would be a big hurtle for me.

Again, thanks a lot for your encouraging words. I hope you're doing better.
Denise