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Heartburn Sensations after Nissen Surgery Part 1 of 2

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Posted 4/4/2009 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
Hope you had a good night's rest! It is hard to work with doctors/prescriptions etc. when you can't take anything without getting gastritis. Oh well...just have to do the best we can! No kidding about IV drugs. Wish we could have them at home when we need them!

It's nice that your daughter lives close by and can help you with things. That must mean a lot.

Actually, you'd be surprised at how well the nasal washings I do work. I seriously SNIFF the water up my nose COMPLETELY...at least half of it drains back out of my mouth. It's not just a little sniff. It definitely gets to the source. Afterward, I can blow out gallons of mucous. My old allergy/asthma doctor told me how to do it. (The father of the doc I have now.)

My stomach is starting to heal, and is feeling better. The wrap seems to be reacting better, too. I haven't been awakened with pain from it for a long time. (Knock on wood.) Hopefully all my coughing won't undo my hernia repair.

My asthma has gotten worse, because the tree pollen was released big-time on Thursday, when the temperature went up to 67. Thankfully, today it's snowing, so although my allergy symptoms haven't gone away completely (once I get sinus and lung problems, they take a long time to resolve). I even had mucous coming out of my eyes from the pollen. It's really annoying. I need to have a talk with my allergist, and see if he can change my serum. Until then, I'll just have to deal with it.

Feel better Barb, and good luck with those trips to the torture chamber! This too will pass. Each day is a day closer to less pain.
Well, I've got to go back to working on my report cards. I know what you mean about those homemade cards! The kids made me some really cute ones when I was out.
I'm sure your seniors miss you!
Take care and ffeel better!
Denise
Posted 4/5/2009 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah it'd be great if nothing had to pass through our touchy tummies. I'm glad your wrap is working better now. I don't have any water come out my mouth. I lean over the sink with my mouth open and shoot it up one nostril and it comes out the other. That's what the instructions with the kit told me to do. If I am starting to get sick there will be green junk that comes out sometimes with blood. I can't believe what a huge difference that makes. So far I have been able to ward off any sickness and it makes a huge difference with my alergies too. It warmed up today to the 40s and my nose started to leak when I went out side and my eyes itched. I did the sinus rinse and that helped my nose leaking. I know what you mean about once those things start acting up it takes forever to get rid of it. Tonight I had to take my asthma rescue in haler. It may have been from sitting by the camp fire in our yard. My 15 year old nephew came over tonight with his girlfriend and put my laundry in the dryer for me and put the dirty clothes up where I could reach them to start another load. When my daughter comes on her break tomorrow she will put it in the dryer. This drives me crazy to have to beg people for help with such a simple thing. That was really sweet of Adam to come over and help me out like that. He has helped us a lot over the years. The bathroom thing is going a bit better now, but I leaned to one side today to pick up my little dog and I've had belly button pain ever since. Hope I didn't mess any thing up. I also found 2 painful lumps on my leg. If memory serves me right it's blood clots. I will apply heat tonight, pray they go away and see what tomorrow brings. I don't want my daughter to have to drive into town to bring me to the hospital when they are probably superficial and they would just tell me to do the heat thing and elevate like the other 2 times I had them. Well better go get my legs up. Barb
Posted 4/5/2009 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
I'll check with my allergy/asthma doc about the pros and cons of my version and your version of nasal washing. I'm not wedded to anything. It has worked well, though. I also get tons of gunk out when I'm having a problem...either a cold or allergies.

Beginning last year, the spring/tree pollen has exploded my allergic reaction. One day, and my sinuses are filled with thick mucous...some of it green. The sinuses trigger more mucous in my lungs, making them much worse.

As far as your legs...
My impression is that it is more likely to be caused by inactivity rather than activity. I got a DVT when I was not able to walk because of foot surgery. The cure was to get MORE activity...walk MORE.

You should definitely check on it, because it's not something to fool around with, but your activity certainly wouldn't be the cause. Of course my stomach was part of the problem, because I couldn't take asprin after the surgery because I had gastritis. Figures, huh?

I'm glad you've got help, and that you're starting to get some relief.
Take care and have a great day!
Denise
Posted 4/5/2009 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Was it the alergy/asthma doc that showed you how to do the rinse you do? I will be interested to hear what he has to say. My regular doc started me on mine when I asked for suggestions of avoiding getting sick every time I went to see my son and grand daughter in North Carolina which by the way worked thank good ness. But when I saw an asthma doc for the first time ever last August he insisted on me doing it and then I explained I already did and he was happy with that. He worries about the acid reflux affecting my asthma though. I took an asthma class too that he insisted on and I really learned a lot. It scared me into staying away from food triggers most of the time for my acid reflux since it has such a profound effect on your asthma and eventually can cause permanent lung damage. It is scary all the things that the acid reflux can cause.

The lumps on my leg are better today but when I sit or walk around there is terrible throbbing pain from the top all the way to my ankle. Heat seems to help, but if it is still sore tomorrow I will call the doc. I also forgot to take my plavix 2 days in a row. I made sure I took it first thing this am. I don't sit all day but walk around the house and down the stairs as well as 2 walks around the block yesterday. I am used to swimming at the gym, walking the dogs and running around at work so this is not real easy for me to sit alot. Plus my broken tailbone acts up from sitting too much. I am afraid of gaining the 25 back that I lost over the last year from when I could hardly walk after my accident for 6 months until my wonderful chiropractor fixed my foot. So I am trying to stay as active as allowed for by the pain. I get exhausted really easy. I will be taking a trip down stairs today as my daughter will be over on lunch break to put more clothes in the washer and the dryer. It's frustrating to rely on others for simple things like that. I'm also going to have her move a few things that are 2 heavy for me to move back into my scrapbook room that I have been working on slowly organizing. This a perfect time to do it as I have the time too. My hubby went to the drug store and the movie store on his electric scooter since I still can't drive. He is handicapped and wheel chair bound but has been a great help to me. I don't know what I would do with out him. Well have to go make a list for my daughter to do when she gets here. Barb

Posted 4/6/2009 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
It's amazing how having surgery makes you forget to take meds. I did the same thing after my surgery. Glad you're back on the plavix. I went to an asthma class, too. It was very helpful. My asthma/allergy doc did get me started on nasal washings, but my family doc supports it totally, and considers it a key part of my self care.

I'm so glad you have help nearby. I'm sure your daughter is happy to help.
I've got to finish up some schoolwork (got those report cards done--yay!), and get ready for bed.
Take care, and I'll check in tomorrow. Hopefully your legs will feel much better by then.
Denise
Posted 4/6/2009 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
My leg is just throbbing. I tried taking my muscle relaxer in case it was just my muscles but that did nothing. I took a pain pill so I can sleep tonight and will have to get up and call the doctor in the am. I am also having sharp pains since this morning in my stomach since I picked something up with my grabber. I just wish all these problems would resolve them selves with out bugging my doctor again. I know they are going to make me come in again. That means the hassle of finding a ride again. Oh well will have to do what I have to. Barb

Posted 4/6/2009 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
Although I'm sure that everyone's symptoms can be different, I had no throbbing pain in my leg. Only heat and tenderness. They say that 50% of people with DVT's don't even realize they have one. I only knew the tenderness feeling because I'd had superficial phlebitis.
Here are a list of symptoms I found online. You've probably already looked, but, I'll paste them here anyway:
Signs and Symptoms of DVT

Half of all DVT cases cause no symptoms. If you do have any of the DVT symptoms below -- especially if they occur suddenly -- call your doctor right away:

* Swelling in one or both legs
* Pain or tenderness in one or both legs, which may occur only while standing or walking
* Warmth in the skin of the affected leg
* Red or discolored skin in the affected leg
* Visible surface veins
* Leg fatigue

If a blood clot breaks free and travels to your lungs it's called a pulmonary embolism, and it can be fatal. Pulmonary embolism may not cause symptoms, but if you ever suffer sudden coughing, which may bring up blood; sharp chest pain; rapid breathing or shortness of breath; or severe lightheadedness, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.

You probably pulled on one of your incisions when you reached with your grabber...in any case, it's always better to check on symptoms--especially right after surgery.
Good luck!
I've got to get ready for school...taking my nebulizer treatment now...
Have a good day!
Denise
Posted 4/6/2009 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
I do have a number of those symptoms. I called the doc today and he ordered a doppler test for clots this afternoon. My youngest sister is going to take me for the appointment. My daughter has to work. The doc didn't say any thing about the stomach pain so I guess he's not worried about that so I won't worry about it either unless it gets worse. I probably just strained myself a little bit. Well better go get ready for my appointment. Barb 
Posted 4/6/2009 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck with the test. Hopefully it's a false alarm, like mine was. It is definitely not something you can ignore. You did the right thing to contact your doctor. I'll be waiting to hear how you did.

I now have a virus...must have picked it up at school. I'm achy, my joints ache, my skin hurts, I have a headache...took some tylenol and got on the couch to rest. Hopefully I'll feel better when the tylenol kicks in. I was freezing in school, and I'm NEVER cold.

Hope your test came out negative.
Take care,
Denise
Posted 4/7/2009 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you are sick. I know this is the last thing you need right now. My test today was done 35 minutes past my appointment time as they had an ER person they had to take care of first. I like how they took and ER case before me but when I was laying in the ER on a back board with head in a brace in severe pain they waited 2.5 hours to take an exray of my neck. Sorry to vent but that really ticks me off. My sister and I had a nice visit though while waiting. It took almost an hour for the actual length of the test. Boy did that ever hurt when she pushed on my varicose veins and my artery in the top of my leg. My leg is much better tonight. After sitting all morning with heat on it, it was already feeling better. The lady that did the test couldn't believe all the stuff I have wrong with me and my two accidents I have been through. She asked how I do it and I told her with Gods help, positive outlook & a sense of humor. She called my doc after the test to give him the report and he told her to tell me if that he thought it was just part of the trauma from the surgery and not to hesitate to call his office if I have any more problems. The test was negative for  a clot. I was surprized to find out that the reports she had on her computer for 2005 & 2007 were both negative for a clot. I had been told by the doctors that I just had superficial clots. She said she was going to look into it further as I had made her curious. I am going to ask my doc to look into it too when I go for my physical. I am going to call at the end of the week to see if it is ok for me to go to the gym and just walk in the pool and go in the hot tub. I think that would help my back and all my aches and pains. I might be able to walk a little further in the pool too. I also want to know if I can drive yet. He had put on my release paper 2-4 weeks. This is week number 2. I have to go do a sinus rinse now as I have been sneezing and blowing my nose. I hope I'm not coming down with something. Hope you feel better. Barb
Posted 4/8/2009 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
I'm glad you didn't have a DVT! That's great news. The superficial phlebitis hurts a lot, too. I think that's what I had when they checked me after this surgery. The tenderness of phlebitis actually felt pretty similar to the DVT I had. That's how I knew what it was.

I definitely have the flu. I feel horrible. I won't be going to school tomorrow either. I don't know how long to expect it to last. Hopefully not too long!

I've got to go lay down...just wanted you to know I was thinking of you.
Take care and feel better.
Denise
Posted 4/8/2009 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
That really sucks you have the flu after just going back to work. I was out with my sister tonight at the grocery store and people were coughing all over. I will have to make sure I use my sinus rinse so I don't get sick. My stupid leg started hurting again after riding on the cart around the store. I hope it doesn't get as bad as it did last weekend. It must be a pinched nerve or something. I took my muscle relaxer just in case it is muscle related. I have 4 younger sisters and this was one of the middle ones. We had alot of fun. We never did make it to the other store to look at the shoes I wanted to get so she said we will go tomorrow night to shoe shop because she needs new tennies too. It's so nice to get out of the house for something other than the doctor or tests. Now I know how my hubby feels when we have so much bad weather and he can't get out. 

I am starting to have problems with heart burn again at night as I have been eating chocolate again. I don't know why I can't seem to stay away from that. I am able to stay away from every thing else even though I love tomatos and tomatoe products as well as citrus fruit. Have you had any more heart burn? Oh well better get to bed. I hope you get some rest and will feel better soon.  Barb

Posted 4/8/2009 1:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
I'm so glad you got to go out with your sister. Getting out is the best medicine. It's tough for your husband to be so limited in mobility. It sounds like he has a great attitude though.

I know what you mean about people coughing. I experienced that as well. I used to about hold my breath when I walked through a crowd!

Of course, I tend to cough a lot with asthma, and it sounds pretty contagious, even though it isn't. I feel like wearing an "It's asthma, and not catchy" sign around my neck sometimes.

Actually my wrap has felt MUCH better for the past few weeks, without any burning sensations. This morning, though, I'm struggling with it. First I tried Carafate, then later, Maalox, and finally, after thinking it might actually be a big gas bubble pushing on it, Gas-X. Believe it or not, I think the Gas-X helped it the most. I'm more likely to feel the burning sensation when I haven't eaten anything for a long time. My surgeon feels that the burning is most likely wrap irritation, and I'm tending to agree with him. Actually water probably makes it feel the best of anything.

I have been taking more meds with this virus...and not eating much. Oh well...it'll get better again once I stop assaulting it.

Gotta go get some breakfast...the cure that usually works the best. I'll let you know if it brings more relief!
Have fun shoe shopping today!
Denise
Posted 4/8/2009 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad to hear the surgery is working for you. Meds can really mess your stomach up as we both know. I actually have held my breath while walking past some one who is coughing. Even if some one just has a cold if I catch it, it becomes an infection that i have to take antibiotics and usually steroids and then of course my stomach is affected by it. I am so glad that the sinus rinse works so well for me. It has been my little miracle. I know what you mean about the asthma cough. I have a sister that is paranoid about getting sick and worries if any one has a cough or sniffle. She gets really sick like I do with a simple cold. I've tried to tell her to use the sinus rinse, but she just uses a saline spray which is not the same. I am so tired today. I tried to take a nap but the phone kept ringing. I think I will try again to take a nap and take the phone off the hook. I'm going to take the dogs for a walk first since it is so nice out today. My daughter brought our older dog back yesterday. She had taken her for a week and a half so she wouldn't jump on my stomach. Well I am off to take a walk. Barb
Posted 4/9/2009 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
I know what you mean about colds developing into months of sickness. People without asthma have no idea how bad it is to catch a respiratory infection. It is such an ordeal. That's one of the reasons I'm probably retiring from teaching after next year. A classroom is a bubbling pot of contageous germs. I love it, but when I get sick it puts me over the edge!

My hope is that the surgery will maintain a higher level of lung health. Before, my lungs were always inflamed and full of mucous. Anything on top of that made it unbearable. I'm happy to say that my lungs have improved greatly.

I am afraid, though, that I may have to stay on PPI's indefinitely, because of my darned sensitive stomach! Is that what you do? It's not to prevent the reflux, just the incredible burning of the stomach lining! Fortunately, once my stomach heals from a chemical/medication burn, it's not all that reactive to food. I'm lucky there. It's just that it's burned so often, that I don't get to enjoy that luxury much!

I know what you mean about phone calls after surgery. All well meaning friends and relatives, but it's tough to get a wink of sleep. Good idea to take the phone off the hook. You can talk to everyone later.

Good idea to take the dog out for a walk. My allergies will be keeping me housebound for the next 3 months, which is not fun. I'm going to see my allergist and hopefully communicate what is going on with me. I know he's going to tell me to take the new drug (0ut only about 5 years) Xolair. It is a shot taken monthly (you stop allergy shots), and it inhibits the production of histimine. I guess it's very effective. The only hitch (besides that it's incredibly expensive...thank God for insurance) in tests there were a numerically (not statistically) significant increase in cancers. I think I'll get him to adjust my serum first and try that. Now that my asthma is in better control, he may not go there.

Just one more question. Because of my sensitive stomach, (after taking me off all asprin, because of stomach trouble), tried putting me on one 81mg asprin every 5 days. The night before last was my asprin night. The next morning was when I woke up with stomach problems that were horrible all day--a bit better today, but not totally cured. Do you think the asprin is the culprit? It's not the first time I've suspected it. What else could I take to protect me from blood clots?

Enjoy the beautiful day! Lucky you to be able to venture forth into the tree pollen!
Take care,
Denise
Posted 4/10/2009 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
I went off my nexium and pepcid per my stomach docs instructions and with in a week I had pain bloating & gas from the gastritis. So I started taking them again and I need to talk to my regular doc about all this, because I obviously can not go with out it. I even tried some natural things. I also need to talk to him about treating my back pain when I am on vacation and have to sleep in a different bed. It was so bad last fall that the first night at my son's I couldn't hardly get up. I made sure I took my pain pills and muscle relaxer after that each night we were there. I also have pain patches, but I just read the stuff on them and it can cause heart problems which I already have. I am such a mess I feel sorry for my doctor. I want to keep this stomach thing under control though because now that alergy season is here if my stomach makes my asthma act up it will be out of control all summer. I remember the summer I took Crestor for a week. My asthma was so bad all summmer I had to stay in and 2 trips to the ER for it. My alergies are starting to act up. I have to come in and do a sinus rinse after being out side. Last summer wasn't so great either because my daughter was back home with her cat and dog and he peed all over my house along with my chihuahua. Never again.

As for aspirin I can not even take the 81mg much to my heart docs dismay. The only thing I can handle is the plavix, so that is all I take as a prescription for my heart. I need to start taking my supplements again. I was expirementing to see if they were causing problems with my stomach. I have no doubt that is the cause of your problems. Make sure you talk to your doctor about it and ask about Plavix. If my stomach can handle it as sensitive as it is maybe yours can too. My stomach is so sensitive that some meds I only have to take one or two and I'm doubled over with stomach pain. I had thought that after my surgery I would be able to eat or take any thing but that is not the case for me.

The last night and tonight I have had horrible pain and bloating around 10pm. I don't know if that is from the surgery still because I keep forgeting to take the gas x during the day now. I wish I would have knew that my doctor was going to call to today to check up on me. I didn't think to ask him about this problem. It hurts so much and would be bad enough by itself but it pulls on my stitches and that makes it all the worse. I asked him if I could drive though and he said he tells his patients that if they can lift one leg up and shake it with no pain then it's ok. I drove to the video store though and it hurt when I tried to turn to check traffic and when I would turn the wheel, so I'm not so sure driving is such a good idea yet. I'm thinking I might call tomorrow and ask what he thinks about that and about the gas thing at night. I thought that was pretty nice that he called me himself instead of having his nurse call to check up on me. You don't get that too often. Well I better get to bed. My tummy is starting to feel better after taking a pain pill and 2 Gas X pills. Talk to you tomorrow. Barb   

Posted 4/10/2009 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
Maybe you can get your pain meds in suppository form. That's a way to bypass your stomach without taking something you're not comfortable with. I am going to my GI doc in May. It'll be interesting to see how he treats me. My family doctor is the one who REALLY knows my stomach. I would tend to defer to his decisions over my GI doc. Maybe they will consult with each other. That's what I will suggest.

I always seem to be in a perfect storm situation. 1. I got a lung infection before surgery, which didn't respond to treatment. I was still getting my lungs in shape from that (residual asthma) when, 2. I get a case of the flu. But that's not enough...3.Tree pollen allergies are kicking in, and mucous galore is being produced.

I go see my allergy-asthma doc on Tuesday, and I'm going to lay it all out to him. I'm not happy with how my allergies have been responding to his treatment. My family doc thinks my allergist is doing a really good job with me. He is very careful and concerned, and listens to me. He takes lots of time, and considers things thoroughly before deciding on treatment. It's just frustrating.

I will discuss the asprin issue with my doc. He communicates via email with me--believe it or not, even on weekends and when he's on vacation. It is very helpful, when you have a problem. It's much easier than working through the bureaucracy of receptionists and nurses.

Good luck resolving your issues with your doc. Hopefully you'll be able to drive. That will help out a lot.
When do you go visit your son?
Hope you have a good day,
Denise
Posted 4/11/2009 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise, boy you have been through the wringer with all your health problems. I've been there and done that before my self. It's like a chain reaction with my health problems. I don't know if the suppository pain med would be any different as the pain patch I put directly on my back where it hurts. I don't know if that would cause as many problems as the nsaids you take by mouth. I t6hink I will get my heart doctors opinion on this too. I don't have a problem taking the hydrocodone on occasional trips for back pain. I am going on a scrapbooking retreat May 1 & 2nd with my hubby, sister and cousin. It is our first and we are very excited about it. I'll have to take something for those 2 nights. Then I probably won't need them again until September when we go out to my son's in North Carolina to see our new grand baby.

I never called my doc today. I decided on my own that driving is not a good idea yet as I had sharp pains in the bottom of my stomach now that I think was from my little driving venture. It is very annoying not being able to go to the store when you want. I'm lucky I've had so many people that have been willing to drive me or pick stuff up for me. My hubby goes alot on his electric scooter to go do errands. I think he just likes to get out of the house and away from me. Lol. I'm glad you have some doctors that are willing to work with each other. That is always a big help. I myself hate having so many different doctors. Mine don't seem to work together. At least my gynecologist finaly listened to my heart doctor about doing surgery and no HRT. When I talked to him yesterday he said that we did the best thing for me by doing surgery. He said it was a form of endometreosis in the muscle wall of the uterus and was causing all my problems. Well I better get to bed. I am going to have to stop staying up so late so I am able to get up early when I go back to work in 3.5 weeks. Barb

Posted 4/11/2009 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
I think your trips and going back to work with be good medicine for you. Just spend the next few weeks resting and taking care of yourself. I also suggest getting up and walking as much as possible. That will give you the stamina you'll need to make it through the day!

Good luck finding a pain med for your travels and stays on uncomfortable beds. Tomorrow we're going to my son's and daughter in law's house, and I'm going to leave my wedge home for the first time. I'll let you know how it goes. In the past, I've used lots of pillows and the wedge, and THAT'S hard on my back. I have a herniated disk. OUCH.

How lucky you have grandchildren. I'm still waiting. They've been making noises, so we'll see.

Take care and enjoy the weekend! Not that weekends are any different when you're home recuperating. My other son is coming home soon, and spending the night. Then we're all going to visit his brother. Better go shower and get ready!
Take care and feel better.
Denise
Posted 4/11/2009 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise, I got up at 8am today and cooked omlets and waffles for my hubby and nephew. Then I had my nephew help me by bring some things up from the basement. I go down the stairs for the exercise and then showed him what to bring up. I can't carry any thing over 10pounds for the 6 weeks, no bending over, twisting or straining of any kind so that makes it difficult to get things done with out help. I have found the bending over to be the most difficult thing to live with out. My reacher I got really helps alot but there are things it can't do either. I got my stinky little chihuahua his bath this morning with my nephews help. He picked him up and handed him to me so I could wash him by the kitchen sink. Have to have him all pretty for his pictures with my little nieces tomorrow. They kind of ease the pain of my grand kids not being here. I sure hope you get one soon. They are one of lifes greatest gifts. I love being a grandma so much. I'm going to have to take a nap this after noon. I am exhausted. I tend to push my self to the limit. I finaly sat down after my stomach started to hurt. I want to be rested up so when my husband and nephew get back from Walmart that I am ready to go for a walk. I try to get out for a walk every day and then do stuff around the house until I have to sit because of the pain. My heating pads are taking care of the pain for the most part. I sleep in my lazy boy chair. I started doing that when my reflux was so bad in January that I would wake up gasping if I leaned back at all. I can't lay flat at all or my back hurts so bad I can't sleep. My doctor doesn't like the wedges because he says it puts extra pressure one the stomach because you are bent. He suggests the risers to put under the head of the bed. I tried that and the pain in my back was horrible. I have a deteriorating disk in my lower back and then injuries from the accident. I think all the years on the wedge didn't help either. I can't wait until I can do my back stretches again after the six weeks are up. That and my pool exercises are going to feel so good. Oh well it won't be much longer before I can do all of that again. Well better go nap before the boys get back. Have a nice Easter. Barb

Posted 4/12/2009 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
I know the wedges are hard on the back. I had the head of the bed elevated, and even that wasn't enough. The wedge (with a thin pillow on top) raised me up more. I was always careful to keep myself up on it, so it didn't cause me to bend and put more pressure on my stomach. Without the wedge I got terrible heartburn, that woke me up all the time.

I can't believe how much better I sleep without the wedge. I was always waking myself up to get more comfortable and scoot myself up higher on it. Because our bed is raised, I have to have pillows under my legs/feet because of the blood clot I had that destroyed my vein valves. The blood just pools in my legs. I don't want to wear my stockings to bed, so I use the pillows. I have a very strange looking bed!

You're so luck you have grandchildren. I definitely look forward to having them.
I hope you enjoy Easter with your family!
Feel better! Keep healing.
Denise

PS--do you ever try ice for pain? That always works the best for me. It's not as soothing as heat, but it really kills the pain well. With my stomach problems, I use ice for everything. My chiropractor turned me on to using it. It's my all purpose pain killer. Works great on my back. I have four of those "refreeze-able" ice packs. I always put one behind me when I'm sitting.
Take care!
Posted 4/13/2009 11:49 PM (GMT 0)

I always sleep with a pillow on top of my wedge. If I slip down off the wedge I have really horrible heart burn that goes up into my sinus and burns that too. I sleep with pillows under my legs too. It helps my back and the swelling in my lower legs.

I have tried ice for pain and heat seems to work much better in my case unless there is swelling. In fact as part of my discharge instructions from the hospital the doctor said to put heat on my stomach and back like I had done in the hospital.

Did you have a nice time at your son's house? We had a nice Easter. I think I over did it though as my stomach hurts alot when I move around. The pain is very sharp by my belly button. I sure hope something isn't messed up in there. My husband wants me to call the doctor tomorrow about it. I just might do that. Barb 

Posted 4/14/2009 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
We have had a nice time with my sons. Actually, I'm still there this morning. We're going to meet my younger son for lunch in a while, then head back home. I know ice/heat is a very individual thing. I was always a heat person for a long time. Now Ice is my best friend!

I tried asprin again last night...I figured I should know for sure before I discuss it with my doc. It wasn't as bad on my stomach last night, but as I suspected, it flared up my asthma.

I will definitely have a talk about alternatives.

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit with your son! I wouldn't worry too much about your belly button pain. I was having discomfort in the incision above my bb for a long time. Actually it took over for the left rib pain. it is better now. It's always better to check with the doctor, though!

Have a great day...
Rest and feel well.
Denise
Posted 4/15/2009 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
That's nice you got to spend that much time with your son's. My stomach pain is much better today. One of my incisions is right in my BB but the pain is off to one side of it. The other 2 incisions are down lower one on each side. It's weird but I have found if I hold my stomach muscles in when I am up walking or get up from my chair it helps to keep it from hurting. I didn't call the doctor though. If it gets worse again I will. I haven't seen my son since Christmas time when he was up visiting us with his family. At least my daughter and her boy friend are close though. They have done so much for us. My sisters and nephews have been a big help too. Last week we had my youngest sisters son stay over 2 nights and then this week our other nephew is staying with us and helping us out. He is on Spring break and his girl friend is on a trip so he's kind of bored. He'd have to be to want to hang out with his old aunt and uncle. Lol. Before he got a girlfriend he used to hang out alot at our house. I hope you figure out something for your blood clots that doesn't affect your asthma and your stomach. Plavix seems to work for me. I am having an awful time wiht my alergies the last 2 days. I have constant draining down the back of my throat. I will have to try some different things to see what will work this time. Barb
Posted 4/15/2009 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
I'm still dragging with mucous in my lungs. My asthma doc wanted to put me on an antibiotic, but since I have so many problems, and I told him what my GI doc said ("try to avoid taking antibiotics, if you do have to, take amoxicillin, if that doesn't work, then you'll just have to deal with the gastritis.")

Did I ask you what antibiotic your stomach can tolerate? I'm going to see my family doc tomorrow. He wanted to see me after I emailed what was going on. We'll see what he has to say. He's always telling me to stay home from work. Good grief. I can't give up working!

I'm glad you've got family who can help you. It means so much.

I told you how horrible the tree pollen is now. When I talked to my allergy/asthma doc, he didn't really get it. I had to go into great detail, to let him know it wasn't just a normal reaction I'm getting. I guess in November, he'll retest me and hopefully make some changes in my serum. He also gave me a new antihitimine. Don't know if it'll work. It's brand new. He gave me five tablets, and I'm going to try them when I go back to school. That's where the open windows in the school give me fits. It's called Xzal. Don't have any idea how to say it. My family doctor always wonders where they get the crazy drug names. We'll see if it helps.

Take care, Barb. I'm glad your incisions are feeling better.
Talk to you later.
Denise
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