HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Part 2 of Day 4 post Nissen Revision

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 2 3 45 6
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/31/2009 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Bill-

Haven't heard from you.... how is it going? Tell me you're not on the PDA ..........

Rick

Posted 5/31/2009 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
Rick -
I got the laptop brought up to me. I am still in the hospital trying to get clear liquids to stay down. The hole in my stomach is taking longer than expected to heal. I tried clear liquids again on the 27th and the pains returned along with high white cell count and high heart rate. This time I had the chills followed by sweating also. I haven't had a fever as of yet. They can't find the leak on the barium swallow, but can see the fluid and air around my stomach with a ct scan. The area got a little larger this time also. This morning he told me we will try clear liquids again Monday. He also believes the leak is in the wrap itself because the contrast for the barium swallow can't get to the hole. When I drink something it forces air and any liquid that's in the fundus area out the hole. I really thought he was going to go in and drain that stuff and put a drain in place for a while. The 2 other surgeons talked him out of it since I wasn't septic I am pretty sure if it happens again he is going to go back in. He told me he is getting anxious to get this healed and it is taking to long by itself. I guess two weeks should be enough time if it is going to heal on it's own. I can't believe I am already rolling up on 2 weeks post surgery. I haven't had any real food since evening of the 17th either.
So have you gotten your results back yet? This PICC line they put in is a life saver. Most of the time I forget it's even there. Until I get it hooked on something anyways. The only time I get stuck now is for a blood thinner. Guess they don't want me getting any blood clots.
It's still about the same here. Do a test, wait for the results. Do another one, wait for the results. I have gotten to know the staff very well. They argue over who gets my part of the wing. I guess they think I am a good patient. They say My wife and I don't hardly bug them at all. Sometimes they stop in just to talk and see what jokes I have been sent to me.
I hope things are getting better for you again.
Take care,
Bill
Posted 5/31/2009 2:08 PM (GMT 0)

Bill-

Good to hear you have good care and that the insurance is there.....I would be broke tongue  . You obviously have adapted well if they're competing to have you as a patient- tha'ts a good sign. No food since the 17th- you're completely on hold. That PICC was good for me too- and I thought 2 days was a long time. One thing about this- you must be pretty rested and getting stronger. Hopefully you're walking a lot. You better get this resolved pretty soon before that taste buds completely forget their function !

Good on you to wrench the laptop away... my son is very good on PDA's- he gets plenty of practice texting every 12 seconds.

about me- things are much better sleep-wise. I have a routine that seems to work- and I'm not changing it for anything. Tums Zantac, sleeping pill at bedtime- sleep like a baby. Every time I've done it it has worked. After the last 5 days- I'm feeling much better, more energy but better yet- relieved that things aren't going downhill again. No results yet- haven't asked- too busy. WIll probably find out June 12th at consult with surgeon on where we stand.

One thing I'm very concious of is that I NEED my sleep. It's priority. For years, laying down meant pain- so I procrastinated and only went to bed when I was dead tired. Now that I have a recipe- I look forward to it. Sure puts a whole new perspective on things. Also- I'm eating without fear and that is huge. I'm keeping my fingers crossed- stomach never has acid during the day or evening this last while. Whatever was raw seems to have healed.

Well- good to hear from you. Let's hope that they can stitch you up soon if it doesn't heal over. Keep up the good spirits- that's the only way to get through these periods. Tough times don't last, tough people do. Let me know how things go this week.

Rick

Posted 5/31/2009 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rick,
I join you in your good wishes for Bill's recovery! Yes, insurance is HUGE with situations like we have. I'm so sorry that you have to struggle without being covered. Hopefully something happens that allows you to get insurance, so you can rest easier.

I just wanted to speak to your heartburn sensations after surgery. I had my lap nissen on February 27th, and did experience some heartburn sensations after the surgery--especially when I had challenged my wrap in any way. I was so scared when it happened, because I thought it meant that my wrap was a failure.

This wasn't the case, though. The heartburn only occurred intermittently and when I discussed it with my surgeon, he said that it could be a pain sensation that was being interpreted as heartburn. He also said that at early stages of healing, pretty much anything could happen. I could be experiencing some reflux--the wrap was swollen, and things were not settled into place yet.

Bottom line is that my wrap IS working just fine, and things have healed well. Although I still get wrap irritation when I eat something that is too challenging, or forget to chew my food and eat slowly, but I totally trust my wrap at this point. I am heartburn free even when I eat late and lay down. My fears were not necessary...it all worked out.

Of course I realize that my future may include a wrap redo...that's part of the reality of the surgery. I have asthma, and during allergy season or a virus, have to cough more than the average bear, so it's a stress on my hernia repair. Hopefully things will hold for a good long time, though.

I just wanted you to know that others have experienced heartburn sensations during the healing process, and things have worked out fine.
Good luck with your healing, and keep sleeping well!
Denise
Posted 5/31/2009 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Denise- Thanks for that. I know what you mean and I now suspect the wrap is good as well- it was 'perfect' for 3 months for a while though. It seems to be getting back that way. Lack of sleeps puts a tremendous stress on the body and stomach. For me- I think this is key to recovery. I cannot afford less than 7 hour "good sleep" nights because the resulting stress exacerbates everything. At the moment I can get it with medication- maybe someday- like you, I won't need it again. Glad to see you're able to eat well and sleep- that's the ultimate test. I'm very happy this was such a great decision for you !

Rick
Posted 5/31/2009 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
As I said, Rick, your posts helped give me the courage to move forward with the surgery. I'm sure you've seen all the horrific tales that are all over the internet--enough to scare anyone away from the surgery. Thanks for providing information and support--and most of all, a positive attitude!
Sleep well!
Denise
Posted 6/5/2009 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
Rick -
Good news, The holes are finally healing up and the fluid and air around my stomach is going away. I tried clear liquids without to much pain. I only drank a tiny cup of apple juice, half a cup of tea and a couple bites of lemon ice thingy. Started to get pains again so I stopped there. He said I will still get pains until it is completely healed and all the fluid is absorbed. I have to stay a couple more days just in case something happens. It will be right at 3 weeks when I get to go home if nothing changes.
My surgeon wasn't very cheerful this morning when I told him I was having pains there again. But he sure was all smiles when he told me the results of the CT scan.
I hope things are improving for you.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 6/6/2009 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Bill-

You make my situation feel like tiddlywinks. I feel bad because I get heatburn after spaghetti- what a wuss I am. Glad to hear it's healing and that after 3 weeks you might go home. I'd be stir crazy- you are to be commended for sure.

Not to complain- but I haven't eaten since morning just so I can get a normal night's sleep tonight hopefully with an empty stomach and no drugs or antacids. I sure hope this new Dr. I see on Friday has some answers because I'm afraid I'm not as optimistic as I was. Hopefully he'll have the results back from the PH and motility tests and can suggest a remedy.

Also, I'm going to see a nutritionist- try to see if I'm acidic or what. I can feel my energy going down and I'm trying to find an answer. I have taxes due next week and it's going to take all I've got to concentrate long enough to do it. Hopefully we're going through a phase huh? Keep up the spirits- I was glad to see your email. I'm hoping for good sleep and breakfast and I feel guilty telling you that. Your stomach should be just like a brand new one after not seeing anything much all that time. Good luck when you get to try it out : ).
Posted 6/6/2009 2:17 AM (GMT 0)

Hey rick

How r ya buddy!!!

Bea

Posted 6/6/2009 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone, I'd like to add something that I've learned recently. My surgery was July 16th, 2008 and after some setbacks I was recovering wonderfully. Then, the stomach flu, first time in 26 years and 10 days before my sons graduation in AZ.

After that, I became symptomatic, heartburn, pain, spasms, oh the spasms...on and on. The first barium swallow showed what looked liked achalasia or, perhaps the wrap was damaged. I ended up back at Cleveland for a complete work up; the motility specialist said that the tests suggested that the wrap was too tight and I needed surgery, my surgeon said absolutely not.

What he told me was two fold, one is that the protonix, my long time best friend, may now be causing the heartburn and pain and secondly, the surgery changes how your body heals, acts, feels, works...let's give it time he said, I think you are taking a long to recover and heal.

Okay, by now we're talking 4 months to get over the flu!??! You're kidding right??? No. Another month out (okay 1 1/2 but who's counting!), and I am finally feeling better. I did develop these god-awful squawking hiccups about two months ago, but over all I am finally better. I still have problems that are more related to the gall bladder removal (dumping, etc) and sometimes burning, but that is more apt to be from nerves than from acid.

My scope, and every other test showed all is good. Rick, Denise, my point and my hope for you, is that this is what is going on; you are taking an extraordinarily long time to heal, like me and that you will get better!!!

Janice

Post Edited (LdyJane) : 6/5/2009 9:09:00 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/6/2009 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Janiice,

Wow, Im glad your better!!  : ) : ) : ) yeah

That was the hurrah!!

Bea

Posted 6/6/2009 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
With Bill and Beaker and me and squawker...well, you can just imagine!!!
Posted 6/6/2009 3:13 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks, Jainice,

I'm so glad to hear that you are healing and beginning to recover from your setback.  Are you now off Protonix completely?  If so, how and when did you get off?  I have a very reactive stomach, and I've hung on to the Protonix 40mg at dinnertime.  My GI doc said that when things settle down (I have had several bouts with lung infection needing antibiotic, and one round of prednosone to get my lungs straightened around--they're good now)--anyway, he said that I should take the Protonix every other day for about a month, then stop it.  He is betting that I have a reactive stomach, rather than gastritis, so things I'll be fine without it.  He said that if i start having problems, then he'll reconsider the diagnosis and see it as gastritis instead.

My other question...you mentioned dumping.  I have my gall bladder, but do have some bouts of what i think are probably dumping.  It only happens when I do something to irritate my healing wrap.  (Actually, pre-surgery, when used to get GERD and gastritis (or reactive stomach), I would react to it with diarrhea, so this is really the same basic reaction.)  Anyway, whenever my wrap feels uncomfortable, it's like clockwork...gurgling (loud enough to hear across the room) and diarrhea.  It's not consistent, though...I go through the gambit of consistency.  I always go back to solid within a couple days, but can go back and forth.

Any ideas?  I'm not really worried, because as I said, my stomach has always reacted that way--even when I had my last endoscopy I got diarrhea from it.  I just wondered if you have any experiences like this (or anyone participating in the forum).  Hope you hiccups go away soon!  Take care, Janice. 

Denise

Posted 6/6/2009 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Denise -
It s common to have dumping after a nissen. It usually will go away after things are healed all the way and your body figures out how the new anatomy is.I can't remember when it stopped the first go round, but I remember having it and then I didn't.
Rick, I sure hope this new doc gets t figured out. I wonder if they confirmed it is acid or bile. I hear bile can feel like acid reflux, but doesn't respond to the PPIs and such.
Actually I haven't had any appetite since surgery and I still don't. I would rather just have some water to drink. My room turned into the "lunch" room. We got along really well with the staff here. They always are apologizing for eating in front of me. I told them don't worry, I'm not hungry. I sure would have killed for the milk shake though!
Janice, speaking of beaker...He is overly vocal tonight for some reason. I am hearing a whole new vocabulary from him. Michelle thinks I am nuts because I hear words coming from him. Oh well what can you do.

Goodnight everyone,
Bill
Posted 6/6/2009 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Janice - First let me apologize if I'm not up to speed with what is going on.

You are having surgery ????? Good lord what have I missed here. Plz fill me in and I'm so sorry to hear that.((( Janice )))

Rick ! - I have been only looking at posts that I get an email from stating a new post was made so I haven't even been looking on this topic. It's good to hear from u but your news doesn't sound so good. Darn it. It seemed you were doing so well for months and now things are acting up ? ((((( Rick ))))

I'm still healing and need to go back in to be checked as the pain on my left side and shoulder are still present along with struggling to swallow. Such a drag but I just kind of have gotten use to the pain and coup with it. I tend to put everthing else first and deal with my issues last.

Bill is such a tuff guy going through everything he has been dealt. My hat is off to him for sure.

Everyone has my best wishes. Take care, Teala

Posted 6/7/2009 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Janice,

Glad you're finally healing.  Yay!  I can identify with months of recovery...pre-Nissen I would get horrible GERD/gastritis bouts that burned my esophagus and gave me that lump feeling behind the breastbone.  I'd also not be able to eat more than a tiny amount of food.  I'd have to baby my stomach for months...If I tried any challenging foods or beverages, I'd be right back to where I was.  The esophagus and stomach are very slow healing, I think.  At least that was my experience.  Anyway, glad you're finally feeling better!

 

Bill,

Thanks for the information on dumping.  I always notice it's after I've eaten too much or something that irritated my wrap.  Otherwise I'm fine.  Again, it takes time for things to calm down, and get back to normal.  I appreciate the reassurance.

 

I'm so sorry you're still dealing with all that pain and difficulty eating.  All your friends here want so much to help you!  I'm sure this whole thing is getting to you.  You're tough, you have a great attitude, but enough is enough.  Hospital life is not fun, and it definitely gets old.  We're all pulling for you, Bill.  Another weekend to make it through...This too will pass...you will heal and get back to eating better than before, with that shiny new wrap of yours.  Although it probably seems like it will never happen, your stomach will heal, and you will get your life back.  It's a waiting game, and a painful one at that, but if you can somehow find it in yourself to relax and surrender into the recovery it'll go so much better for you.  It is as it is.  It sounds like you're doing just that.

Tell Beaker to zip it tonight, so you can get some rest! nono I hope you have a good night.  One of these days you're going to eat, and feel just fine. 

As always, we're rooting, and cheering, and praying for you!

Take care,

Denise

Posted 6/7/2009 6:34 AM (GMT 0)
Denise,
You're welcome. I almost had forgotten about that problem and was reminded while I am here and being plagued by the bile in me with no food.

Bill
Posted 6/7/2009 1:18 PM (GMT 0)

Rick,

Just popping in to let you know I am here and I am following your thread.................I am still in awe of how much grit you have and everyone that has had the surgery is a survivor.  Each of you share your stories willing and support each other.  To me that speaks volumes about the kindness and caring that goes on in this forum.

Your on my mind and in my prayers.

Kitt

Posted 6/7/2009 3:35 PM (GMT 0)

Kitt...

Thanks for the positive comments about those of us who try to share our experience with others!  Of course, I hope you remember that you're the caring backbone of this forum.  I would guess that any forum you moderate is very active and helpful. 

Posting a question or problem is a big risk, and if nobody responds, the forum dies.  I've looked at so many forums without moderators like you, and  they just aren't as active and helpful. 

Also, your tactful way of keeping things positive helps so much.  We don't want a forum filled with negativity and complaints...how helpful would that be?  It's exactly that type of post that kept me from getting the help I so desperately needed.  Thank you again for all that you do!

Bill,

It's easy to forget the early recovery period.  I'm just 3 and a half months out and I'm already starting to forget it...that's the value of posting the recovery day by day, I guess.  People just have to take the time to go back over old posts and find what they're looking for.  Thanks again for the information about dumping.  I figured as much, but it helps to hear it from someone who's gone through it.

Hope this day is a good one for your recovery.

Denise

Posted 6/7/2009 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt -
I second what Denise said. Without you here it just wouldn't work as well. You keep are the one who keeps it going smoothly. Thank you Kitt!

Today is a bit better. I didn't try anything to crazy even if they did bring it for breakfast. Like french toast without syrup. Not even gonna try it! I did eat about 5 spoons of oatmeal and a piece of crunchy bacon. I cheated and hit the PCA before eating though. I wasn't taking any chances this time.
The resident stopped by and asked how things went yesterday. I told him about the severe pain and he knew nothing of it. Seems the on call didn't bother to let him know. Which doesn't surprise me because she didn't even bother to check on me even though she was on the floor. I don't think he was real happy about it.
Anyhow, They are going to do the Protonix twice a day again since I had so much pain with solid foods. I got to pick my menu for tomorrow and made sure it doesn't have things that are difficult to eat. Stuck with oatmeal, cottage cheese, and fruits. They are also going to order the TPN for another day too since I am not taking n much.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 6/7/2009 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Bill - Good morning. You at least got a few bites of stick to your ribs oatmeal in, and bacon ??? That's funny to me. I love me some bacon. I can't believe they brought you in french toast !!! Good Lord bread is a long ways off for you ! Thank goodness your a rewrap and know not to try that. I don't care for the lack of knowledge when it comes to the food coming into the patients room that should never be there.

Geeze, your hungry and want to eat and then they say here eat this food you have to eat to get out of here and you know in your heart you can't. What a big tease. I remember them bringing in meat and stuff like the following day after my surgery and then they would pick up the tray and say your not going to eat this, you didn't even touch it ??? LOL

Bill, TPN = liquids through IV? Sorry I know, probably another dumb question. Let me know if my questions are bothersome and I will just wing it... LOL

Bill, I'm wondering if there will be a book written on your experiences in there ? I think there should be cause you have gone through it all and then some.

The stay in the hospital is drawing near though buddy I'm so happy for you and your family .

Kitt - I wish I would have had you as a nurse when I was in the hospital! I can just tell your the one that all the patients ask for because you are so caring and giving! I bet all your patients talk about the super nice nurse they had while in the hospital which I'm sure you help make a unpleasant thing so much better to stomach. ( haha did you get that little joke there bill, better to stomach.. hehe ) Your much needed and loved Kitt.

Janice,Denise, Rick, Bea and everyone else I hope your all well and have a fantastic day.

Teala

Posted 6/7/2009 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Teala-
Yep, Got it! Yes TPN is nutrients thru IV. I never mind answering questions. I am a firm believer in the only dumb question is one not asked. Every meal they have brought me, besides liquids, has had bread in it. Dinner rolls, french toast, open faced beef sandwich, etc. I did have to deal with my first "hair ball" just a little while ago. I got frisky and tried salad. I am not sure which it was though, the salad or the sweet tater. Either way I did manage to get it through with water. But it sure does hurt now. I used the PCA before again and right after the "hair ball" incident. I am sure it would be hurting a lot worse if I hadn't used it.
Mt nurse is concerned I am not taking in enough. She was here yesterday when the 9.5 hit me and has been checking on me after every meal and asking what I got down and what it feels like. I don't think she believes I am taking in enough right now. She told me it is a good thing they ordered another TPN for tonight. Between the 2 hours of sleep total last night and all the pain the last 2 days I am wiped out. I did make sure to get my walk in for the morning, but I don't know if I will this evening or not yet. I am melting into this bed and covers pretty well right now.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 6/7/2009 8:34 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Bill,

It's great that your nurse is watching over you and is concerned about your intake, but you're the only one who knows how much you can take.  Geepers!  I never had holes healing in my stomach, but just bouts of GERD/gastritis would put me off food.  I could only tolerate maybe a quarter of a cup at a sitting, if that.  If I had anything like mashed potatoes, even, my stomach would react terribly.  It was egg custard all the way.  Nobody but you knows what your stomach can tolerate.  When I was in the hospital for uncontrolled GERD/gastritis/asthma, the kitchen continued sending things like spaghetti and meat sauce!  YIKES!

So take your eating as slow as you like.  You're the one in charge.  Relax, and give yourself permission to eat the way ONLY YOU decides.  You know better what you can handle.

Hope things go well today. 

Thinking of you.

Denise

Hi Teala--hope you're feeling well today.  Hi Janice...your surgery is coming up soon...we'll all be cheering for a good outcome.  Hi Bea...enjoy your dinner!  Hi Kitt...hope all is well.

Posted 6/7/2009 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Denise,
Honestly, when I stopped the Protonix, I just stopped it; I may have had some issues with doing it that way, but I don't remember what they were. I know that I had some burning, but I don't know if it was "heartburn", but I was having that anyway; slowly, the heartburn started going away, to the point that it's just not that common anymore.

The problem I have is the hiccups; they started at the time I had the flu in December and have gotten steadily worse. Now anytime I ingest anything I hiccup, but they're these hard, squawking ones that border on painful, especially by the end of the day. I generally do it 3 times in a row, although there are times when it is 4 or 6. I don't know why, I don't know how, I can't figure this out at all. Considering the alternative (sorry Bill, I'm thinking of you..) this is pretty picayune.

I go in cycles of this dumping/diarrhea thing too; this time it's been going on for about 3 weeks. I had my gallbladder out when they did my Nissen so it may be associated with that. I had hoped, when I was back at Cleveland seeing the motility specialist, that he could shed some light on this, but he did not...he simply reported to Dr. Rice that the wrap was too tight and I needed additional surgery; I was not impressed.

I see my GI here in Lansing next week, I'll talk to him to see what he thinks and suggests.

Thanks for the well wishes too Denise; what a wonderful group of friends we have here! Teala, I'll post something on the breast cancer site, it's not appropriate for here.
Posted 6/8/2009 9:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Janice,
Those hiccups sound painful. Hopefully they'll resolve soon...I've hear that they can be a problem after the surgery, and you've got them good. It's a good sign that you've had so much healing after the stomach bug that put you back. All of your/and others warnings about getting nausea meds really helped me. None of my doctors recommended that. I don't know why. Anyway, they were fine with giving me the meds, and I take them wherever I go.

Thanks for the info about dumping. I think it's something that is common while the GI tract heals and gets adjusted to it's new formation. Mine is very tied to what I eat and how comfortable my wrap is. Whenever I get an irritation of wrap or stomach, it comes on. Wow, though, those gurgling sounds can be LOUD!

Good luck getting to the bottom of your hiccups. Hopefully they'll resolve soon.
Have a great day. I'll check the breast cancer site to see how things are going.
Thanks again for all your help and support!
Denise
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
123456