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Heartburn Sensations after Nissen Surgery Part 1 of 2

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Posted 4/16/2009 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hmmm this must be the day for that dragging feeling. I went to the store this am for a few items with my husband and my nephew. I had my husband help me by checking the blind spots so I didn't have to twist to look. That seemed to help with the driving thing. My nephew put my husband in and out as i can't pull down the ramp or push it up yet. When I got home I was just wiped out and layed in my chair all after noon. I went for a walk at 3pm and then back to my chair. I have been dealing with my draining sinus all day. I hate that feeling of that junk going down my throat. I am going to try Zertec tonight at bedtime and see if that helps.

The antibiotic my doc gives me is called the Z pac. You only take it for I think 3-5 days. If the first round doesn't help he puts me on a second one and that takes care of my problems. I hope you find something to help your alergies and possible infection. I know exactly what you are going through when a med to help one thing upsets another health problem. It's a vicious cycle I have been through many times myself. I'll keep you in my prayers. Barb 

Posted 4/16/2009 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
Make sure you go with your body's request for rest. I think I've been pushing it too much since Easter, and I've stayed sicker because of it. I slept/rested all afternoon yesterday, then slept ten hours at night as well. Hopefully it will help.

I notice my appetite isn't good, which is probably to be expected. My husband is so frustrated with me and my lungs. He has watched me suffer with them for years, and now after surgery and all, I'm still suffering. He does postural drainage on my lungs (hits my back to get the phlegm moving), and I know it is very frustrating. He wants me to see a pulmonologist, but my family doctor thinks it'll be "too many cooks spoiling the broth", and doesn't think it's necessary. I'm going to talk to him about it again today when I see him.

Thanks for the info about the z-pac. Oh, and I spelled the antihistimine I'm going to try wrong--it's Xyzal. Haven't used it yet. Hate to waste it when I'm inside all day. Oh if it works, I will be so grateful!

Well get lots of rest and I'll talk to you soon. It's not surprising that after an outing your body wants to take it easy!
Denise
Posted 4/16/2009 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
I have been napping alot. I feel really lathargic. I feel a little better today as the Zertec seems to have kicked in. It really zonked me out last night after taking that. I don't usually sleep well any way because of the reflux and waking to go to the bathroom. Have you ever used Nasonex? That seems to work really well for me if the antihistamine doesn't work by itself. I can see your doctor and your husbands point of view. I think now days doctors are too willing to hand you off to another doctor rather than stick it out. I can see sending you to a specialist and getting their opinion but what I hate is then they want you to keep coming back at least once a year and if you have any problems. When you have so many problems like we do I think one doc should be incharge of all the meds so they aren't giving you stuff that will make your other problems worse. I know because i have run into that problem and then I am left argueing with the doctor over what I can and can't take and they then send you to the other doctor to fix the problems their meds will cause so you can take the stuff they want you too take to fix the problem you came to them for in the first place. smhair It can be quite maddening. I do see your husbands point though as your doc has not been able to help and since you are so bad maybe it is time to see a lung specialist. Mine has been awesome. Talk to your doctor about going to one that is willing to consult with your Primary Care doctor to solve your problem. I think that is the best way to do it. I hope that all works out for you. You'll have to let me know how it goes. 

Well I am going to go walk my dogs with my hubby. It is 64 out and sunny. So welcome after the long winter we have had. I will probably have to do a rinse after my walk though as I was out for a little bit earlier when my daughter stopped by on her lunch and the draining started up again some. Not as bad as before i took the Zertec before bed last night though. It's so awful when I can't go out side when my asthma is so bad. I know how you feel. Take care and I'll talk to you later. Barb 

Posted 4/17/2009 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
My doctor said it's normal for me to feel dragged out for a few weeks after the flu. He still doesn't think I need a pulmonologist. He thinks my asthma doctor is doing as good a job as anyone could, and they work well together. He feels that the pulmonologist is more for looking at other lung problems, and since I've had asthma all my life, there's no doubt that it's what I suffer from.

I think he and my asthma doc are waiting for me to catch a break and stop getting lung infections and the flu, so I can stop coughing. I keep getting real reasons for my problems. I got the lung infection pre surgery, which explains that lung problem. Then when I had that about cleared up, I ended up with a case of the flu. (My doctor jokingly said he's going to keep me out of school during the flu season next year!) I just can't catch a break.

I am so, so tired, but he thinks it's also from just getting over the stress of surgery as well.

Does the Zertec make you sleepy? The new med i'm going to try is a Zertec related drug...Xyzal...it's supposed to be less sleepy, but I've read online that tiredness is a big problem. I might try it tomorrow, and actually go outside and test it out.

I use two sprays in my nose after I do my morning/night nasal washings. One is Astelin (antihistimine) and the other is Flonase (steroid/anti inflamatory). They do help a lot--but not the last couple of springs...the tree pollen is getting me! If the antihistimine works, I'll be so grateful. I probably will save it for spring allergies, and use allegra for the fall. It worked fine last year.

Do you take the Zertec at night to avoid the sleepiness? I wonder if took the Xyzal in the morning and took a sudafed too, if the sudafed would wake me up. Just a thought.
Hope you're feeling well! Keep resting!
Denise
Posted 4/17/2009 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Boy you can't seem to catch a break. I hope the new drug helps you out. The Zertec really seems to be working for me at this point. Too bad it is so expensive. My doc told me to take it at bedtime to avoid the sleepiness side effect. It makes me very tired but I am ok by morning and it helps me sleep so much better that it's not a bad side effect in my case. I was much more awake today after a good nights sleep. Even after a walk I didn't feel so drained as I did earlier this week. I still move slower than usual though but that will take time. I can totaly see why the doc said 6 weeks off of work. I have no intention of arguing with him over that. This is one time to listen to my doctor. Time to go get ready for bed. Talk to you later. Barb
Posted 4/17/2009 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
Glad you're feeling better. Make sure you get lots of rest. If your body tells you to rest...do it!

It would be HUGE if I could get relief from this antihistamine. I'm going to try it this morning. If it knocks me out, I'll take it at night. From what I've read, it will, but my allergist said I could take it in the morning, so I guess I'll give it a shot. Some of the older antihistamines knocked me out...hopefully this one won't. I may take sudafed decongestant, just to see if that helps.

I'm taking my nebulizer again. My lungs are better, but what's left is closing up, and I don't want it to get infected.

Have a great day!
Talk to you soon.
Denise
Posted 4/17/2009 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise, I sure hope those work for you. I think I will have to use the nasonex along with the Zertec as I am still having some draining today. The Zertec and Elavil really knocked me out last night. I took a nap late morning too. I had one of those sharp pains again this am by my belly button. That was a surprize since I didn't have any yesterday. I will have my PC look at it next week when I go for my physical. I've only had him for a PC since last September when the one I had for 2 years retired. I hate breaking in new docs. Oh well so far he seems pretty good. Take care and let me know how that alergy med works for you. Barb

Posted 4/17/2009 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
I think the bellybutton is a very sensitive spot, and it's probably very common to hurt. In fact, my surgeon assumed my incision pain was the one above the belly button, but it wasn't.

I just wish I'd get feeling better from this flu. I'm still really dragging, and have absolutely no appetite. I make myself eat, because I know I need nutrition, but am just not hungry. It's probably common after being sick. I am 56...so things take longer.

I've still got lots of junk in my lungs. Wish that would clear out. Hopefully my allergies won't make it worse. I didn't dare take the Xyzal in the morning. I just think it'll make me too tired. I'll try it at night first. I've read that it's no more effective than Zyrtec, and lots more expensive, so I'll have to look into how much the Zyrtec is OTC. If it's lots cheaper than my copay, (which is $25 for fancy drugs/30 day prescription), I'll give Zyrtec a try. I just know the Allegra is doing NOTHING for me.

Get some rest, and enjoy your evening.
Denise
Posted 4/18/2009 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I think you are right because I think I had more pain there when I had my other surgeries. I 'm havning problems with my throat tonight being scratchy. I don't know if it is from the drainage or the reflux. I thought it felt more like the reflux. I forgot to take my pepcid the last 2 days in the morning and it has made a difference the last 2 nights. The coughing sure hurts my stomach. That must be terrible for you still healing from surgery too. It helps some to hold my stomach right in the middle when I cough. I'm going to try using my colloidal silver throat and nose spray in case it is the start of a cold. I got that from the health food store and it works wonderful in heading off sickness along with the nasal rinses. I'm going to try a cup of herbal tea to soothe my throat. I feel so sorry for you being sick like that while your still trying to recover. As soon as my husband and my nephews leave I am going to go take a nap in my chair. I don't dare lay down this soon after eating dinner or I'll have stuff coming up for sure and burning my throat even more. I used to take alegra but I had horrible low back pain from it. It was a known side effect of it but I didn't connect the 2 until I saw a commercial on it. Other wise it worked pretty well for me.

You probably already know this but just in case. Did you know that people with asthma have to drink 2x as much water to thin out the mucas so it can be expelled. I learned that among other things at the asthma education class I had to take.

I know what you mean about being older and things taking longer to heal. I'm 46 and that's probably why I'm not healing as fast either. I was in my 30's when I had my other surgery. Well I think the boys are leaving so I'm going to go take a nap in my chair. Barb

Posted 4/19/2009 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
Hope you got a better rest last night. I woke up two or three times last night with a tickle in my throat. I used a cough drop to soothe it. I'm worried I'll accidentally swallow it, and it'll be stuck in my wrap! I'm trying to remember to lay on my side when I suck on it.

Weirdly, I took the Xyzal last night to avoid the sleepiness, and I didn't sleep well at all. Now, I do also take Singular at night for asthma, so maybe they reacted together. I was very restless, and had lots of strange dreams. Needless to say, I'm not taking it tonight. I'll try it in the morning and see what happens. If it didn't knock me out, so maybe it won't make me sleepy tomorrow. I'll let you know! I'm still using samples--I want to make sure it works for me before spending money on it.

I hope you're not coming down with a cold. I'll bet it's allergies. They still make you feel miserable, but definitely are better than a cold.

I always drink lots and lots of water. My friends call me "liquid". I never go anywhere without water. I'm glad I love water--especially since it helps with asthma issues.

Keep taking it easy, Barb!
Hope your incision is feeling better today.
Talk to you soon,
Denise
Posted 4/19/2009 6:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise, I slept terrible last night. I kept coughing and having to drink stuff and then to the bathroom. This morning my incision hurt from all the coughing and I felt like I had a sinus infection that was migrating down into my lungs. I checked my peak flow and it was half of what if usually is so I went to the walk in clinic. I've been having problems with my sinus the last few weeks but I just kept rinsing and the green junk and blood would come out and I didn't feel too bad until the last few days. The doc decided it was a sinus infection, but it had not affected my lungs yet as far as he could hear. I did alot of coughing while there and he gave me real good cough syrup along with an antibiotic. The cough syrup works really well. I even got some of the green junk that was in my throat to come up so I feel a little better tonight. Drinking lots of hot tea and water. I just hope the cough syrup doesn't affect my stomach. It kind of burns going down. The nurse asked me how I was doing since my surgery and I told her that I still tire easy and she said that is normal and alot of people are surprized how long it takes to heal after a hysterectomy, so I will continue to take it easy and rest so I can heal and get over this infection.

Some times stuff that is supposed to make you sleepy does the opposite on some people. Tomorrow I'll let you know the exact name of the antibiotic in the Z pac. I can't see well in here tonight and can't turn the light on as my nephew is sleeping. I better get to bed as my other nephew might be over in the morning for breakfast. His parents are out of the country right now so he is on his own and only lives 9 blocks from us so I told him to come over to eat with us. This morning I wasn't here to cook as I was at the clinic. Take care and I'll talk to you later. Barb

Posted 4/19/2009 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
Sorry you've had a complication to your recovery. Anything that makes you cough will definitely hurt those healing incisions. Been there. Do you think those tree pollens have affected your sinuses? They sure do make mine bad. I've started on Flonase twice a day instead of once, on the advice of my allergy/asthma doc. I haven't really been out since the pollen started. I'm afraid to complicate the problems I already have. Tomorrow, when I go to school (unless it rains), I won't be able to avoid them, since everyone else will be keeping their windows open. I sure hope the Xyzal works for me.

Hopefully your sinuses get better quickly. Whenever I have sinus troubles, my asthma kicks up big time. Good luck with that. Often the doctors can't hear the tightness that I'm experiencing.

I'm still using my nebulizer and my husband is doing postural drainage on me. He is very frustrated that my lungs are still bad. It has been years, and he still isn't seeing improvement. it's just that I've hit some things along the way...infection, flu, and not allergies. I truly think I'm better after the surgery...just still having asthma for other reasons.

Hope you feel better today. Enjoy your nephew, and get some rest!
Denise
Posted 4/19/2009 4:51 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Denise, I slept pretty good last night. Not much coughing with the cough syrup so that helped. I was up a few times to the bathroom because of all the liquids I am drinking. I think my allergies weakened my system enough to let in an infection. It doesn't take much for me since my system has been affected by all the years of long term prednizone when my ulcertive colitis was so bad. I would be on it for months at a time. I got kind of lazy with my sinus rinse too and some days only did it once instead of the 2x or more. I can't remember what pollens I am allergic too other than Rag weed. I am also allergic to mold, dust and milk. I have been poking around organinzing my scrapbook room for weeks too so the dust in there didn't help either. 

If I would have waited until Tuesday when I see my regular doctor he would have been able to hear the weezing by then and I would have had to take prednizone. My sinus infection left untreated turns into bronchitis and pneumonia very quickly. My chest already felt tight along with my throat yesterday. Taking my rescue inhaler helps open my lungs and gets that junk to loosen up so I can cough it up. So when ever I get sick they tell me to use it every 4 hours.

My husband gets really frustrated with my stomach problems and my doctors that don't listen because he is the one that has to see me suffer. He has also had to see me suffer with my asthma and other problems. So your poor husband is in the same boat as mine. My lung doctor stresses that acid reflux makes a huge difference in asthma so it should help down the road when you get these other things under control.

Here is the name of the medicine that they give me for infections Azithromycin 250mg (Z pac). You take 2 tablets the first day and then one each day for the next 4 days. It stays in your system for 10 days working on the infection. Hope you are feeling better soon. Barb

Posted 4/20/2009 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb...fellow lung sufferer!
I can't believe it. I went to both my asthma and my family doctor last week, and neither of them suggested an antibiotic. So I emailed my family doctor and told him the lung problems I'm having (I thought I'd already told him, but I guess I wasn't graphic enough when I saw him last week. Also, my lungs sounded good. They'd probably sound good right now.)

Anyway, he wants to try Z-pac. I told him about you. He said he'd been thinking about that option as he read my email. So now he's telling to stay out of work this week. I can't. I've missed way too much school. I'm just going to have to try to take it easy. Now it's all panicky--he wanted to know if I wanted to go to a 24 hour pharmacy. My husband is fit to be tied. I was off all last week, and now all of a sudden we've got a panic situation Sunday night.

Oh well...My doctor is just nice to email and take care of things for me that way. I just must not have expressed myself strongly enough to either of them, and as you know, lungs sometimes sound just fine when they definitely aren't.

Well got to get to bed...early morning, and I need to take it easy!
Glad you slept better. Hope your lungs and sinuses are getting better!
Take care.
Denise
Posted 4/20/2009 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
I took the first dose of the Z-pac, and so far so good I cut the tablets in half, because I didn't know if I could get them through my wrap. Hopefully they'll help my lungs get better. I'm totally sick of coughing. I don't cough all the time, but when I'm getting my lung PT, I cough and cough.

I made it through school just fine. I've been lots sicker than this and worked through it. I just wish my kids would get healthy. I have a student who was out with pneumonia--my TA thinks he was the one who gave me the flu (I think she was the one). Anyway, he coughed all day, and I couldn't get him to cover it. It's like that all day long with second graders.

I hope you're feeling better. Let me know how you're doing.
Denise
Posted 4/21/2009 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise, I'm glad your doctor decided to try out the

Z-pac on you. I think it works wonderful. I think it helps that you only take it for 5 days instead of 10 so it's not so much going through your stomach. The less meds going through our touchy stomachs the better. I'm still feeling pretty crummy, but not coughing as much as I was and when I do I get junk to come up. Every time I rinse I get a bunch of yellow junk out of my nose. At least it isn't that icky green any more. I hope the Z-pac works for you. I had to go to the store to get more lotion kleenex this afternoon. It was nice to get out of the house. I got my grand daughter a new shirt with a dog on it. I'll bring it when we go to see the new baby in July or August. Now I have to find something for her new little brother as well as the baby. I talked to my new daughter in law last night for over an hour. As soon as she finds out what they are having she's going to let us know. I can't wait to start getting stuff for the baby and making it's blanket.

Glad you made it through school. I know what you mean about working sick. I've been half dead and dragged myself to work before. I know what you mean about the coughing too. I work at a senior center full time and the seniors come in even when they are sick and cough all over with out covering their mouths. The people at the group home I work part time at are just as bad. When ever I go in and find out some one has been sick I was every thing down with anticeptic wipes as they do not wash their hands at all. They are just as bad as second graders. Lol. Talk to you later. Barb

Posted 4/21/2009 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
How nice you've got so many sweet grandchildren--and another one on the way! I'm looking forward to hour first--none in sight, though. My son and his wife are talking kids, but I haven't heard any news yet, so I'm still waiting!

Sorry you're going through so much with your sinuses. I think it's likely the pollen. So far so good with the Xyzal antihistimine. It doesn't make me sleepy, and I take it in the morning. We'll see it's true colors on Friday and Saturday, when it's going to be about 70 each day. I'm sure the pollen will be an inch thick on everything after that. I sure hope it works for me. What a difference it would mean in my life. Otherwise I'll be locked in the house with windows closed for 3 months! No fun!

Well, I've got to get my schoolwork done so I can get to bed at a decent hour.
Keep doing those nasal washings...they'll work!
I do hope the Z-pac helps me. I'll let you know!
Feel better and get a good night's sleep!
Denise
Posted 4/21/2009 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
I know I am very blessed to have grand children. I hope you are blessed soon with one. There is nothing else like it in the world. I don't think there is any pollen out today. It is in the 30's and rain/sleet mix. Saturday we were at 71. That's Wisconsin for you. They say if you don't like the weather wait a day. The other saying around here is there are 2 seasons Winter and road contruction. Both sayings are very true. Lol.

Well I am off to rinse my sinus for the 4th time today and then take a nap in my chair. Talk to you later. Barb

Posted 4/21/2009 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Denise and Barb,
I just decided to read through this posting. Wow, you 2 have been through the ringer with these sinus and lung problems. My wife has asthma and allergies. I feel so bad for her this time of year when the plants start in. You 2 take car of yourselves.

Barb, what part of Wisconsin are you in? I have a very good friend who lives in DeForest. about 20 minutes from Madison. I worked a couple summers up there with him on the farm.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 4/21/2009 10:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill,
Yes, we do struggle with stomachs and lungs! Hopefully they'll settle down soon. I'm really worried because some summer-like weather is headed this way for Friday and the weekend. This time of year that kind of weather means that the tree pollens will be out with a vengeance. I am hoping that the new antihistamine, Xyzal, will make a difference. I hate having to stay inside for the months of April through June, for the trees and grass pollen.
We shall see. Wish me luck!
Hope your wife's allergies are better this year.
Take care--good luck with your upcoming surgery!
Denise
Posted 4/21/2009 10:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
Hope your sinuses are better today! Keep those nasal washings going.
I'm dreading the warm weekend weather! Only an allergy sufferer doesn't like it when the weather warms up like that! Everyone else is celebrating!
Oh, I hope I can go outside this year. We like to go to outdoor festivals in the spring and early summer,and last year I had to pass on all of them.
We shall see. It is as it is. I can't control it.
Well, gotta run and get ready for school. Have a great day and feel better!
Denise
Posted 4/21/2009 10:44 AM (GMT 0)
Denise,
Our new family doctor told my wife to start using Zertec for her allergies. She actually stated using the end of summer. It made a difference for her. She had gotten to were she would have a sinus/lung infection for about 3 months and he told us to start treating the nose/sinuses or the lung part wouldn't clear up. It made sense and she had suffered about 4 months before we switched to him as a family doctor. He had her better in about 3 or 4 weeks. Our old doctor was just prescribing low dose antibiotics and told us he didn't know what else to do. Sometimes I think the doctors get to a point they are waiting to retire or something. Our new doctor is relatively young and hates insurance companies. He also loves to give out the samples they bring to him. Anyway, I hope you get control of the allergies and are able to enjoy the nice weather.

Bill
Posted 4/22/2009 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise and Bill, my sinus just keeps draining. I don't think the Zertec is working at all. I am so tired too. I got already today to go to the doctor and got there to find out my appointment isn't until tomorrow. Oh well that gives me more time to come up with more questions. It was rainy and cold out today. Yuck. I love the warm weather. I love to be out side. I hope this year isn't going to be bad for my allergies but it seems like it is going to be. I live in north east Wisconsin. I love to camp, hike, swim and bike. I can't wait to be able to ride my bike again. This last weekend when it was in 70's it about killed me not to be out on the trails riding my bike. My hubby rides on his electric scooter and I stop every so often for him to catch up. I've had a few summers where I was house bound other than work because of allergies and asthma. It's not fun. Well it's time for me to go to bed. Barb 
Posted 4/22/2009 9:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb and Bill,
Barb, sorry you're having so much trouble with your sinuses. Hopefully they'll turn around soon. Is your asthma kicking up?

Believe me, I know the feeling of wanting to be outside and being locked in with windows shut! I'm hoping that this year will be different with Xyzal, (a twin to Zertec--supposedly minus the sleepiness--I've been taking it in the morning without trouble). It doesn't sound too hopeful after hearing your problems, Barb. We'll see...this weekend will be the test, with temperatures in the 80's. The tree pollen will be HIGH!

Hope you both have a good day...get lots of rest, Barb. Good luck with your doctor appointment. I had a hard time explaining just how bad my spring allergies were last year when I talked to my allergist. Nobody in his office has said they've heard of other people who had a similar experience. Hopefullwith the addition of Flonase in the morning, Optivar eye drops, and the antihistimine, I'll have better coverage. I'll let you know.

Have a good day! Got to get ready for school.
Denise
Posted 4/23/2009 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise, nope my sinus problem isn't any better today. It is driving me crazy. This sucks I finaly have my stomach under complete control for the first time in 8 years and then this with my sinus problem instead. My PC was great today. I had a big list of questions for him. It took like 2 hours. This is the first Physical I have had with him. He is keeping me on my stomach meds since they are working for now. I am going to try something different for my allergies tonight since Zertec did nothing. The only thing that seems to help right now is rinseing and then after a few hours they start to drain again. Well am going to go rinse and then sit out by the fire for a little bit and come in and rinse again. It is starting to bother my asthma too. I've had to take my rescue inhaler which I am not happy about. If it keeps up I will have to go see the asthma doc. They did a peak flow today and it was up to 360 but that was only 2 hours after taking my rescue inhaler. I'll have to keep an eye on it and if it gets too bad will have to see the asthma doc. Let me know if that allergy med works for you, because I might have to try it. Barb
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