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Posted 6/23/2011 11:33 AM (GMT 0)
DAY 1 Post-op: My uncle died yesterday 8 a.m. So please keep our family in your prayers. My uncles furneral is tomorrow night. I am hoping I will feel like I can make it there. Everyone knows that I had this done and I will not be able to most likely.

I arrived at the surgical center about 10 a.m. and waited a little while to get taken back to pre-op. Once I was dress and settle into my bed, they let my hubby come back and sit with me until time to take me in to the OR. They wheeled me my relaxation meds then took me into the OR.

The next thing I remember is waking up. The gas they used to expand the stomach area was the worst. I woke up and couldn't take in deep breaths because of the pain in my entire chest and should blades. I didn't feel and having had much pain in my stomach.

I although I can't take deep breaths, I think the gas is starting to go away. Not nearly as painful this a.m. Which is a relief. The surgeon said that I could east and drink anything that pours. I asked him about. But was pretty vague. He even said he didn't have a problem with milk etc. So I am going to keep reviewing the diet lists links you guys have recommended.

Right now the stomach pain is when I turn over and getting out of bed. I have been burping small burps from time to time. Had a little bubbling too, but nothing patient. I have been getting up and walking around as much as I can to get the gas and shoulder pain out of me.


I've been taking my pain meds every 4 hrs at this point in time. It is the liquid pain med and nausea suppository.

I didn't have Acid Reflux symptoms at all (knock on word). I have been eating popcicles, beef broth and drinking Cran-grape and grape just along with WATER. I also had my husband cut up for small watermelon pieces and let them dissolve before swallowing. That was pretty good and went down like liquid.

Anyway I have been up about 30 minutes (7 am eastern time). I took my meds and have been walking around some more. But know I think I need to go back to bed.

Well that's where I am at. Hope to hear from everyone soon.

*Samm*
Posted 6/23/2011 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
Its great to hear that your acid reflux has gone! I hope it stays that way for ever!

I havent had any type of surgery...yet, but from what Ive read on this forum full recovery takes its time, it can take up to a year.

So take it easy and relax!
Posted 6/23/2011 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
yeah   yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Welcome to the Wrapped Club!

Take it easy. The first week is the hardest. Make sure to rest and listen to your body.

I'm sorry to hear about your uncle. I know you'll miss him, but he's in a better place now. ((((((((hug))))))))))))

Posted 6/24/2011 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.. my prayers are with you and your family....

I can barely remember my 1st week any more.. I do know that I was on liquids for 2 full weeks..
Just listen to your body it will let you know if you are moving too quickly or you are doing ok. Sleep whenever you feel the notion. I slept in my recliner the first week home because I could get out of it without my side and upper stomach hurting too bad... ah those days will pass quickly...
Take care of your self and do not over do...
Have a good evening and a better day tomorrow, and as Joy said... Welcome to the Wrapped Club....
Sandi
Posted 6/24/2011 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sammi,

Welcome to the GERD/Heartburn Forum yeah yeah yeahWrapped Club! yeah yeah yeah You're now an official member. Thanks for your great post entry. As you know, many people are looking for answers regarding the Nissen surgery, and it's great to provide a matter-of-fact, realistic view of what the recovery is like for you.

I loved finding this forum when I was trying to find out about the Nissen. The people here offered great information, and were very realistic, yet positive about the surgery. There are some scary posts on the internet, and it's great to have a place to go to talk to other people who have been through it.

That's why I stuck around...to try to help others the way I was helped!

Please be sure to ask any questions that pop into your head regarding the recovery. We'll do our best to answer them, and you know we'll offer you lots of support and encouragement!
yeah

I join those who have offered sympathy for your loss. It's a sad fact of life, but a hard thing to accept.

Hope your gas pains subside soon. Keep walking!
Denise
Posted 6/24/2011 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Sammi

sorry for your loss....congratulations on your successful surgery, best wishes...mock turtle
Posted 6/24/2011 11:12 AM (GMT 0)
Congratulations on your surgery. Glad everything went well. Thanks for sharing your Day 1 experience.

I will be keeping your family in my prayers.

Sewfun
Posted 6/24/2011 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
The first day home from the hospital and all day yesterday the gas pain in my chest and shoulder pain was unbearable. The pain meds didn't even work on that aspect. Yesterday, I started feeling the actual stomach pain getting in and out of bed. I tried to move around a lot to get rid of the gas pain. Although I am breathing better without so much pain, when I do draw a deep breath it still hurts (that's improving though)

My throat is sore like they stretch my esophagus as well. My diet has consisted of Beef Broth, Popcicles, Jello, water and grape juice. I have had NO acid reflux! Yay!

Some of my regular meds I take I cannot crush up so I have been avoiding them. Nothing major though. I think I would feel much better once I can take those deep relaxing breaths.

I can burb, but I now realize what "bubbling" is you all have been talking about.

Anyway that's about it. I am going to rest all day and hopefully be able to make it to my uncle's funeral tonight. (We shall see)

*Sammi*
Posted 6/24/2011 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I have slept more today than any other day so far. I think the gas they blow you up with is subsiding, thank goodness. I am having difficulty swallowing which I assume is the norm. When the doctor told my husband about what he'd done and that all went well, my husband relays "all went well" to me. That's about as detailed as he got.

I get the urge to burp and let small burps out. Is this ok? I know some people can't burp after the surgery. I have to say I have had NO GERD symptoms so far.

I had a monster appetite yesterday (I believe because I know I can't eat). But today I haven't felt like eating much. I've been eating popcicles most of the day and did have a cut of beef broth.

I haven't had a "BM" either. So I mixed Miralax in my broth. Hopefully that will help. I have a headache believe it or not even on pain meds. So I've been putting ice on my head for some relief.

I don't know what positions they put you in during the surgery but I feel like I have had a whole body work out. I'm going to get into a shower in a bit to see if this doesn't relax me more.

*Sammi*
Posted 6/24/2011 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Burping is fine.
The pain meds slow down the bowels.
Posted 6/25/2011 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
Sammi
A shower helped me a lot. It helped relax and that helped everything else. Don't push yourself.. just know that walking will help relieve the gas. You probably won't be on the pain meds for long (I wasn't) and your bowels will be back to "normal". You may find that you will go between ok and very soft almost watery, for a while.
I am 12 weeks today and the time has flown. I am enjoying the normalcy after 8 years+ of reflux induced illness...
I am sending ((((((gentle hugs))))))) as Kitt says.... and I hope you are feeling better tomorrow than you felt today.
Sandi
Posted 6/25/2011 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sammi,

I really think a lot of the shoulder and chest pain you're experiencing is from when they heave you from the operating table onto the gurney. You're dead weight, and it pulls pretty hard.

I say this because I've had it after several surgeries, including foot surgery. When you're out cold and can't help with the move, I think they can really stretch and pull at muscles you're not accustomed to pulling on.

It's definitely normal to experiencing some difficulty swallowing at these early stages. I remember at about Day 3 or 4 I was getting lots of spasms/saliva production, and trouble swallowing. In the early stages of recovery, you'll experience some discomfort. It's totally to be expected.

Keep in mind that during the first two weeks your wrap will become increasingly swollen...peaking at the two week mark. Your swallowing is likely to get worse before it gets better. It's totally normal.

I hope your pain is subsiding tonight.
Take care,
Denise
Posted 6/25/2011 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
Sammi,
I had my surgery one day before you on the 22nd. I am experiencing the same pains. The shoulder is the worst for me. I finally put ice on it last night and the heating pad this morning. It does seem just a tiny bit better this morning. Maybe it just one of those hurts that take time to heal. My incisions look good and I have NO reflux. I do not have much of an appetite either. I think I am very hungry and then only have about 3 spoonfuls of broth or jello. I did try some yogurt last night but could not finish it.
So sorry about your uncle. It is harder for us to let go than for him.

I hope you have a good day today, guess what I am planning to do? NOTHING!
Crabby Gail
Posted 6/25/2011 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sammi and CRABBYGAIL,

I would emphasize the power of walking in helping the gas/shoulder pain. I know there are reasons other than gas than can cause the shoulder to react, but in my experience post-op the more I walked, the less my shoulder hurt. It worked great for me...worth a try!

Denise
Posted 6/25/2011 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Today has been better resting wise. I have NO REFLUX! So great to say that. I am starting to feel where they pushed shoved and sowed my insides though. Really uncomfortable but I expected it. Muscles and everything get moved around.

My husband just heated me up my "Liquid Filet" (aka beef broth) and I drank a cup. I have been eating popcicles mostly but today have noticed I really don't have an appetite.

I think most the gas pains are gone thank goodness. When I woke up in recovery I was so freakin' scared and that pain was relentless. Now that everything has settled down I feel better.

I've been up walking. My mother came by after my uncle's burial today and brought me some beautiful plants. My cousins are still staying with us but they have been out with some other cousins today so I've rested a lot.

Crabbygail, I guess we will be about on the same page with our recovery. I hope yours goes well. I feel a little queezing sitting up too long so I am going to lie back down.

*Sammi*
Posted 6/26/2011 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Don't forget your antinausea med if your queasy.
Posted 6/27/2011 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Ok, now I feel like I am starving to death. How long before you can start introducing food again? It seems like everything is about food on TV now and every time I turn around people are eating around me. How dare them? LOL But, I am so hungry. The clear liquids seem to be making me more hungry I believe. HELP!

*Starving Sammi*
Posted 6/27/2011 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Poor Dear Starving Sammi
I think we have all been there.. my favorite indulgence on liquids was consomme from Campbells soup. only use 1/2-3/4 can of water in it and it is very rich and comforting, also, have you tried the cream of wheat yet? I was able to eat that my 2nd day & on. I had to make sure that it was a bit thinner than normal but it did take the edge off of the hunger for something more solid. I also tried some mashed potatoes with mild gravy also with a lot of liquid to follow it down. I also like Campbells Beef Vegetable soup. I put it in my blender and it was an amazing flavor and a thicker liquid and very satisfying. I was well into the 2nd week before I tried a soft boiled egg. If you try that remember to mash and smash it well before eating and have water or milk(if you can tolerate it, I couldn't at first) or some liquid to drink with it.
Early in my 3rd week I was able to eat baked/broiled fish
If your recovery goes as well as mine did you will be right as rain soon.. I have an issue occasionally but I feel blessed.. no reflux...

As everyone has said and I will repeat.. whatever you eat when you start semi-solids and solids... chew chew chew.. and take small bites. Don't be surprised if you have a bit of ..ahem...loose bowels... once you introduce semi-solids into your diet.
Keep in touch and Good Healing....
Sandi
Posted 6/27/2011 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
You're lucky you didn't have the surgery the week I had mine 4 days before Christmas!
I thought I would go nuts the day my parents did the family Christmas party in our house! I was into day four of liquids and I was drooling over all my favorite foods being served. :((
I did manage to grab a cookie and took 20 minutes to nibble it to death. ;) It was pure heaven!
Then I went off to sip my broth and sulk. :((
Posted 6/27/2011 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Joy, I can't believe you did this 4 days before Christmas! No way could I have taken it.

Since, my family had cleared out and I was home alone for the first time since my surgery I thought I'd try to eat a little cheese sandwich. Just one piece of bread, cheese and a tiny bit of mayo. It took me an about a half an hour, but I chewed and chewed it and washed it down with milk. I thought just after I ate it uh oh, but, it all stayed down. I confessed this to my hubby when he called in to check on me and boy am I in trouble. It filled me up so much and really hasn't hurt me at all. But, I will not do it again until a few more weeks have passed. I don't want to screw things up.

I am having some terrible pain up under my left ribcage and around to my back. Feels more like muscles than anything, but I can't get comfortable. I woke up with a fever 99.6 this a.m. but it went away although I do feel a little feverish again. The doctor's office called to check on me and I told them about it. They said if it is still around in a few days I need to let them know. I finally was able to go #2 today first time since the surgery, not very fun but so necessary. I think the cheese sandwich helped me along there.

Anyway, besides that I can't complain. NO REFLUX AT ALL!! Oh happy days!
Posted 6/28/2011 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Shaaaaaammmme! Didn't we tell you bread was a no-no for at least eight weeks? It swells up too much. Tsk-tsk! ;)

Watch that fever careful.
Posted 6/28/2011 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
I don't remember the bread part apparently. That may explain why I feel like my left side is about to explode at the moment. I thought I'd gotten away with it. I will NOT try that again. I thought if I chewed, chewed, chewed, I'd be ok. I hope I haven't hurt myself. A little concerned at the moment. Now my husband says he doesn't want to hear it. If I had a tail I would tuck it in shame.

*Sammi*
Posted 6/28/2011 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
You hadn't hurt yourself, just made yourself very uncomfortable.
It will fade by tomorrow. Lesson learned....

I tried Zaxby's strips and potatoes too early and thought I was going to explode! :)
That was my lesson.
Posted 6/28/2011 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sammi,

Although my surgeon allowed me to be a responsible patient and choose my food carefully from Day 6 on, he expressly outlawed bread, steak, and sandwiches for 6-8 weeks. (Well, I guess "outlawed" is extreme...he strongly suggested would be better.)

Hey, if it went through your wrap and you didn't feel it was stuck, don't worry about it now. It's extremely unlikely that your rib pain is caused by eating the sandwich. That said, don't do it again for a few weeks! nono

My left rib area was the most painful incision/port. When i questioned my surgeon's resident, he said that it was where most of the manipulation of the laproscopic tools occured. My left rib area was the most painful incision...really none of the others hurt. If you're getting pain there, try ice. I found it to be very helpful.

Could it be gas pain, and your sad little stomach complaining? Possibly. Try Gas-X cherry chewable tablets and see if they help.

Can you take some pain meds? That would be a good idea...don't try to be a hero!
Hope you feel better very soon.
Hey...everybody makes mistakes...don't worry about it.
Take care,
Denise
Do watch the fever.
Posted 6/28/2011 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
DENISE and JOY

Glad to hear that you had the left rib area pain as well. I was really starting to worry. It is near my largest incision as well. I have tried to lay off the pain meds unless I absolutely had to have them. I have taken them a couple times a day, but was hoping to be off of them by now. But, I guess when you need them that's what they are there for. The liquid is totally awful to swallow. I usually have my banana pop when I take it. Lesson learned. I was just so hungry.

I haven't had my fever back so far today. I just took my pain med and a heating pad seems to be helping some now. I may try some lightly scrambled eggs in the a.m. I think if I could eat one thing a day and liquids the rest of the time, I can make it work. I have some grits, but do not know if that would be wise. Grits or eggs? Which would you recommend.

You don't know how glad I am to have found this place! You all are a God send.

*Sammi*
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