5 days post fundoplication surgery and crying

Welcome to our Healing Well Wrapped Club!   It never fails to amaze me that surgeons do not prepare their patients for the recovery they will experience.  I suspect that they really don't know what to expect themselves, because generally they do the surgery, have one follow up visit, and that's the last they see of their patient.  Your symptoms sound absolutely normal for Day 5 of your recovery.

I had my surgery in February, 2009, and YES you will feel normal again.  It will take time and patience, though.  Although you've had minor surgery on the outside with just five little slits, your insides have had major surgery and will take much longer to heal.

One more thing you should know.  During the first two weeks of recovery, your wrap will become increasingly swollen, peaking at around 14 days or so.  During that time your swallowing will become increasingly more difficult.

Here's a link to my recovery journal.  It will give you an idea of what my first 19 days of recovery were like.  I had a lung issue caused by GERD, so ignore the coughing references.  It might give you a better idea of "normal" and while everyone experiences the recovery differently, there are some things that are universal.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

Stick around, because there are quite a few  people here who've had the surgery and can provide support and information.

Hang in there.  You're at the very beginning of the healing process, and it's the toughest part. 

Once you get through the first couple of weeks, the swelling will begin to subside, and things will begin to get better.  Just remember that your outsides will heal much more quickly than your insides. 

I was told that the majority of healing would occur in the first six months, and the remainder would take a full year.

If you can surrender to your recovery and follow it where it leads you, you'll find it much easier to cope.  Those who struggle against what is, have a very hard time dealing with the challenges of early recovery.

Again, glad you've joined us!

Best wishes,

Denise

Post Edited (dencha) : 12/12/2011 7:32:43 PM (GMT-7)

Please read my post to Nancy (above).  In it there is a link to my first 19 days of recovery.  It also speaks to your worries regarding the surgery.

If you have Barretts and are miserable without PPIs it sounds as if you'd find your quality of life much improved post surgery.

Please stick around and continue to ask questions.

I certainly feel your pain, as do many others on the forum.  We've been there...struggling through PH testing minus our meds.  It's not fun, but yes, it is worthwhile.  Hang in there.  You'll have the test, get important information--really necessary information for making a decision regarding whether or not you're a good candidate for surgery.

It's not fun dealing with GERD or the possibility of surgery.  Still, if that's the answer to improving your health, then it'll be worth it.

Best wishes for good outcomes.

Denise

PS--Yes, they do send you home with pain meds...