12days out and in bad pain!

Ugh. My wrap feels like it wants to stretch out. My middle back constantly hurts but gets a bit better with burping. I can eat some soft foods but no matter what I et or drink I constantly feel I have to burp and that wrap hurts! Back pain is the worst. Help?

Nancy

Thanks Bruce. I'm sorry. I'll try to keep everything on this post from now on

I did just come from the dr. They are gonna run some blood work. I'm scared and so frustrated. I don't know how to do this anymore. Why would the wrap pain and back pain get worse?

Hi Nancy,

When I discussed the symptom of shoulder pain with my surgeon, he mentioned that there is  no end to the symptoms people report during their recovey.  Do you have shoulder pain?  I'm guessing that since you're not mentioning it, that your back pain is your version of the more traditional shoulder pain.

The pain is likely to be caused by the pressure of gas that was pumped into your body to make the surgical field visible, and/or irritation to the diaphram/nerves.

I'm sure that your bloating issues are part of it, too.  Are you still taking pain meds?  Do they help at all?  I found that walking helped my pain...the more I walked around the hospital halls the first night, or my house, or the treadmill, the less the pain bothered me.  There was a direct correlation. 

You are at Day 12--nearly peak swelling.  The more swelling and irritated the wrap and stitches are, the more pain you will get.  Your wrap has not healed yet, and every time you swallow it's putting pressure on it.  In addition, the swelling is adding to the pressure and pulling at the stitches.

You'll soon be at peak swelling, and then it will start receding and you'll begin your journey of healing.  Just take it a day at a time...try to walk, it'll help move the gas.  Take pain meds (have you tried ice?), and hang in there.  It will get better.

You're at the toughest part of the recovery.

You can do this!

Denise

Hi Nancy,

Yes, my pain was in my shoulder, and it could excruciating.  That's a very common location.  Still, my surgeon said that just when he thinks he's heard every possible post-op symptom or pain, someone comes in with a different one. 

Here is a quote from a doc responding to a question about post-Nissen back pain:

"As has been commented below, back pain is fairly common after abdominal surgery. Causes can include irritated nerves referring pain to the back, to the healing process exacerbating the back pain."

He also told the person asking the question that the pain should be discussed with their surgeon, who will determine whether or not further testing is necessary.

A big issue for you right now is the bloating.  I know that is incredibly uncomfortable, and I would think that it would definitely create more pain and pressure on the wrap, and even the nerves of the diaphram/stitches.

Have you called your surgeon's office regarding the bloating, and what you should expect as far as relief?

You say it hurts when you walk "too much".  I do think it's worth walking less than too much...as much as you can tolerate without hurting.

Also...sometimes you can get a rib out of place or stretched muscle when they move you from the operating table to the gurney.  You're dead weight, and you could have had something happen then.  It's more likely to be nerve-related, but who knows?

I think you should ask your surgeon's office for some guidance with this.  While the first few weeks (especially the first two) can be very uncomfortable, it sounds as if you're experiencing a higher than average amount of pain and discomfort.

I'm sure you're looking forward to the day when this part of the recovery is far behind you.  Sorry I can't help more! 

We're with you, rooting you on!

Best wishes,

Denise

I'm also only at 12 days out. I do have a semi slow emptying stomach too? I dont know. I'm trying.

Here's why I had the surgery. If it helps. I was out on ppi's about 12 years ago for heartburn. A few months AFTER starting them I starting getting stomach burning, nausea, bloating. No one could explain why. Over the years I have had numerous tests and studies done. I developed gastritis ( on 40mg of nexium TWICE a day mind you!) and a slower emptying stomach. Eventually I had my gallbladder removed (2005). Because I destroyed it. Still had studies and tests showing gastritis.

Fast forward to 2009. My bladder started acting up. Infections, always needing to go, etc. Was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. Nothing has helped it. Two minus ago I had another endoscope done because I had mild Chest pain going into my left arm. Had a cardiac work up too. This time they found a small hernia. Never had that before

Opted for this crazy surgery because I do NOT think it's healthy for a human body to be on that much nexium for so long and have all these complications? I felt because my stomach was no longer producing acid that I wasn't digesting food properly and that it was contributing to my health problems... Including the bladder issues

Am I crazy for feeling this way? Is this a story I should share somewhere else on here?

Now on top of recovering from surgery, I have been knocked down from nexium to overthe counter prilosec. I wonder if that could be contributing to the bloating right now ?

I must also add that ever since I started ppi's my stomach has pretty much always burned. That can't be normal

So maybe that explains some things?

Nancy

Ps. Dencha... You have been wonderful! Thank you!!!!! Is there a link here somewhere to what your symptoms were b4 you did your surgery? How's your recovery going now?

Nancy,

Just wanted to let you know I am reading your thread and I so agree that Denise is giving you great support and caring as you travel this road she has already been down.  You have my support and I am here to cheer you on.

You will be OK.  Sending your many holiday blessings.

Kindly,

Kitt

Nal said...
Starting day 13. I hate even waking up right now. At least i sleep. I am slowly coming off the ppi's now. I have to be careful cuz I get severe rebound effects. I think my anxiety is taking a toll as well right now. Not just from this, but financial issues in mu life. It's crazy.

Yeah i know, the wakening up in the morning is the worst part of the day, you slowly wakes but feels that nasty soar in throat and you force yourselfto sleep another hour or so.

Have you tried Probiotics in liquid form? you may try it and see if it helps, i take it and it helped me very mcuh, don't know what's happening but it does something to the stomach.

Hi Nancy,

Anxiety and worry can create problems all their own.  If your doctor says that the lipase levels are normal after surgery, it makes sense to believe that.  It's not worth the effort to add that to your list of worries.

Did your surgeon tell you to go off the PPIs?  With the issues you're having post-surgery, do you think it's wise to make that change right now?

Just remember that your upper GI tract has undergone a major revision and it will take time to heal and for your body to adjust.  Also, your organs were moved around by surgical tools, so your insides are not happy generally.

I can't really speak to the things that you experienced prior to the surgery.  I can just tell you that at Day 13 post op, your difficulties are totally within the realm of normal.

Try to relax and just go with the flow.  Take your pain meds during the day if you need them.  Try ice on the painful areas. 

With time you'll heal and things will be better.

Denise

Post Edited (dencha) : 12/21/2011 3:30:20 PM (GMT-7)