Having the Nissen Fundoplication this Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Part 1 of 2

I'm glad to hear that things are settling down for you.  I'm quite certain that your wrap is more sore because it's getting more work swallowing.  Even swallowing soft food is an effort for it during early stages of healing.  This too, will pass.  Your attitude sounds great, and it will go a long way toward making your recovery easier.

Is the incision that hurts the one at the left rib area?  That was the one that hurt me the longest.  When I questioned the surgeon he said that it is the port where most of the manipulation occurs, so it takes a bigger beating.  I found ice very helpful in making it more comfortable.  Mine was especially painful because I coughed so much. 

Keep up the great work!

Denise

Very sage advice.  Thanks for sharing.

Have a great day.

Denise

How far out from surgery are you?  I assume if your surgeon is willing to do an endoscopy (he's correct that it's the best way to view the wrap), I'm sure he'll be more than careful to do it without harming anything.  That was always my concern.

I had one done about two and a half years out on the request of my asthma doc, who wanted to be sure my lung issues were a result of my allergies, not a failed wrap.  I went to a surgeon in our new city, he checked it out and said all is fine.  I actually had the works--barium swallow, manometry, endoscopy, and 24 hr PH monitor.  I guess he wanted to be sure to have a complete picture.  It's good, though.  Now I'll have a surgeon up here, in case I should ever need one.

I do agree with your assumption that the esophageal irritation could be from food sitting at the wrap site.  I suggest you discuss the pros and cons of dilation before your endoscopy.  You'll want to have thoroughly discussed the ramifications before you're out cold, he goes in, and decides to dilate you.  I would expect a good explanation of why and possible consequences. 

Now, I'm just assuming that is a possibility because if your irritation is caused by food at the wrap site, he'll want to help move things through. 

I would ask how likely he thinks it is that your wrap will loosen on its own.

I may be jumping the gun and assuming a possibility that won't occur, but just in case, you might want to think about it.

I'm sure you'll be glad to find out what's going on.  One of the toughest things about recovery is the not knowing.

Good luck!

Denise

I'm sure your GI doc is doing the endoscopy because you're having problems.  Mine would not touch me unless there was a good reason.  I'm sure your doc is very competent.  I don't think he would dilate you without permission, but he might discuss the option before doing your endoscopy.  He may not even mention the possibility, but I thought I'd mention it so you'd be prepared, just in case. 

Good luck!

Denise

Dave234 said...
Denise,
It'll just be having an endoscopy with my G.I. doc, not my surgeon. I should hope he doesn't dilate my esophagus without telling me! Could that happen unintentionally? Is that a real risk?

I have a feeling I'll be getting better and better. I had some Chef Boyardee lasagna in one of those tiny cups today; couldn't finish it, and was overly full afterwards. That lung-suffocating acid vapor came back with a vengeance almost immediately.

Then, after a little while, it settled and was gone.

Nancy,
I'm doing better. I get the reflux, but I have a strong feeling it's residual and that I'll be getting better and better as time goes by.

This forum is awesome because, without it, I would have lost ALL hope weeks ago. I'm slowly realizing this will get better. ha ha it would SUCK if the endoscopy shows I still have reflux. But I don't feel concerned about it, because I don't feel like I have it.

My guess is that it's still post-op irritation, and will resolve as time goes on.  You could have some food sitting at the wrap, so be sure to continue sipping water after you finish eating to keep the swallowing going for a bit.  Glad to hear everything is behaving as it should.

Denise