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Fundoplication in three weeks

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Posted 3/29/2012 7:33 AM (GMT 0)
First night at home in my own bed, heaven. things looking up already, if still v tender. good nights sleep is fab.
Posted 3/29/2012 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
Stuart, best of luck in your recovery. Patience seems to be key.

I will disagree, however, that every country should have NHS. I am in America and I hope and pray we never get it. We have phenomenal health care, and our wait times are generally very short! Not saying NHS isn't good care, but I do not want the waits!
Posted 3/30/2012 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Stuart,

I know the feeling...it's so much easier to heal at home than the hospital.  Glad to hear you're tucked in and relaxing in your very own HOME SWEET HOME! 

Happy healing!

Very best wishes,

Denise

Posted 3/30/2012 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
I am slowly starting to feel back to my normal self - yesterday I was in bed most of the day and my partner was fretting as it was her birthday earlier in the month and I had booked her and my stepdaughter a minicruise to Amsterdam. She didn't want to go away leaving me but I said I would be fine. Then fast forward to mid-morning and her mum phoned, her stepdad was poorly and he died yesterday morning. That sort of brought me back to reality, but both her mum and I insisted she still went away as both of them were looking forward to it and nothing they could do in the UK.

So last night I had to put the rubbish out for collection, that took 20 mins, then I had a couple of phone calls relating to the death which I was talking for about 20 mins - talking really wore me out.

Today at breakfast I have had a chocolate build-up drink, at lunch I had a fortified malted drink (Horlicks, not sure if you get that in US?) and put an extra spoon in, I blended some strawberries and had them with double cream to give me calories and vitamins. My abdomen feels tight, how long does this tend to take to go down? I have been prescribed paracetamol and diclofenic for the swelling, I am taking a couple of the diclo's each day as have 28 of them and read somewhere the stomach swelling can exist for a couple of weeks so that should help. As for pain I am surprised, it is uncomfortable but certainly not hugely painful. In fact in hospital I was back on the ward about 3.30pm and didn't ask for any pain relief until about 4am. Taken paracetamols a couple of times but that's mainly to make sure I have a good uninterrupted night's sleep.

I have made an appointment with my doctor to have the surgical clips removed next Thursday.

I didn't say this before, but I felt like I had a worldwide list of experts looking after me. My surgeon was English, my lead aenesthetist was Nigerian, second aenesthetist was Indian, I think the first surgery assistant was Pakistani, the nurse in charge on the ward was Slovakian. I just thought to myself I am amazed, they have travelled from thousands of miles away, they are experts in their field, and I am privileged enough to have them working on me. Once I am feeling a bit more on track I am going to write a letter to the people at the top to tell them how fantastically I have been treated.

Of course I really appreciate everyone's help on this board too and you guys are ace.
Posted 3/30/2012 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Stuart

Just catching up on your story - glad to hear it went well and your recovery is lookin good.
Posted 3/30/2012 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Stuart,

What a great person you are.  I am so sorry about your partner's stepdad but encouraging her to take the trip was a wise thing to do.  She is lucky to have you in her life and it is obvious that her Mum is  a great support too.

As for you, it sure does sound like you had a world renowned group of people taking care of you.  Isn't it wonderful to see people come from all the countries and unite together in the field of medicine.

From the many posts I have read here in the forum,  your wrap will be swelling up to the 14-15 day and at that day it will start to go down.  As each person is different remember this is just a rule of thumb. 

I wish you the best and keep on talking to us as we are all here to support you.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 3/30/2012 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks both. I have been really hungry all afternoon and everything in the kitchen looks so good. There is some really good cheese in the refrigerator and some whiskey chutney, I keep thinking how good that would taste on some crackers. Then I found a tin of beans and thought that must be really delicious with toast. My chicken 'build-up' soup (something Nestle make, I'd never heard of it before) looked pretty bland and was only 260 calories for a serving so I made that up with half hot water then topped my mug up with cream. I also found an orange bell pepper so blended that and added it, that tastes nicer and gives me more vitamins. I have just finished that and it has left me feeling really full. I'm going to have more apple juice (I'm mad on these vitamins at the moment!) later on.

How long was it before people started going onto more substantial, non-liquid food? I am not going to push things at all but it would give me an idea what people started to eat and when they started eating it?
Posted 3/30/2012 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
I also had the toupet fundoplication - on Mar. 7 so I am just a little over 3 weeks post op. The past few days I have had some fish, baked potato (no skin), cottage cheese and mashed peaches, and different homemade soups well cooked. I haven't tried very big bites of anything-don't want to push it , but I figure that I am past the maximum point of swelling.I have eaten a few crackers but they dissolve pretty much to mush anyway. Soft mac and cheese goes down well too. I have been able to burp which is a plus usually with the toupet. How have you fared in that regard? I drink a lot of boost and other high protein drinks, and since eating a little bit more, my energy levels have been a lot higher.
I love corned beef hash and may give that a try. I haven't tried any tomato products yet and other than fish and some canned tuna made into a casserole, the only meat I have eaten is some baked chicken which was quite tender. I may try some deviled eggs too.
Posted 3/30/2012 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
I had oatmeal, a pancake, cheese on toast and miced meat beef on my day 4. Just chew well and small portions
Posted 3/30/2012 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Jesper THANK YOU! When my OH is back tomorrow I will ask her to make pancakes. I never thought of this but that's ideal, I can chew them lots, flavour them with syrups, wash down with liquid, PERFECT. You have just made my day.

(And today is the first time I have used the toilet for, ahem, well you know - three times in total. Quite relieved as thought might get bit constipated but I think Omeprazole can cause things to go the other way, since I am not taking those this and the liquid diet has probably counteracted any constipation. I wasn't going to post anything about this but thought if others are about to go through the process they might want to know, I did).
Posted 3/30/2012 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stuart,

When I came home from the hospital my surgeon put me on a "soft" diet.  I ate squash, applesauce, soup, etc.  I saw him at the 6 day mark and he set me free to eat "anything that could be chewed to a liquid".  He warned me to stay away from untoasted bread/sandwiches, and steak.  Other than that, he let me use my good judgement to choose.

Be sure to follow the "chewed to a liquid" rule, and if something you try to eat doesn't chew to a pureed mush, deposit it into a handy paper napkin. 

If you feel like something is stuck, don't panic.  It's okay...take some sips of room temperature water or warm tea, and keep swallowing.  It'll get through.

Some here cough up whatever they perceive is stuck like a cat coughs up a hairball.  Generally though, you can swallow it if you don't panic and are patient.  I found when I got something stuck, though, I might get a spasm for a little while, but it would calm down fairly quickly.

Did anyone tell you not to drink very cold drinks?  They can cause spasms.  I know that ice in drinks isn't as popular in the UK as it is here in the States, but I just thought I'd mention it.  Also, no straws or carbonation, as they introduce additional gas into your stomach and add to bloating.

Now in the beginning if you're anything like me, you won't be able to eat much without feeling very full.  This is due to swelling of the stomach's fundus, which is the area that communicates fullness to the brain.  The brain interprets the swelling as fullness, hence you feel full extremely quickly.

Take it easy with gassy foods at this point (apple juice can be gassy, so beware), as they can add to bloating, which is a tendancy during the early recovery period.  Here's a link to information regarding gassy foods:

http://www.med.umich.edu/fbd/docs/Gas%20reduction%20diet.pdf

(This link doesn't work right, so just copy and paste it into your web browser.)

Remember that if you take small bites and chew, chew, chew, your mouth will act as your blender and your teeth will do a great job pureeing your foods!  I found it much more enjoyable to chew my food rather than eat it already pureed.

Here is a great link with soft foods that are easy to chew.  It is located in the "Resources" section of the forum, so you might have already seen it...just in case, here it is:

http://surgery.med.umich.edu/thoracic/clinical/procedures/MushyDiet-Nissen.pdf

I'm glad to hear that you're doing well...

Happy healing,

Denise

Post Edited (dencha) : 3/30/2012 2:49:04 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/3/2012 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, quick update on how I'm healing.

All is good so far, no complications of note. Incisions have come along very nicely, having the surgical clips removed in two days time and I have checked the wounds - I don't think there will be any problem in removing the clips in two days.

I can just about stand up straight without any discomfort, I have been very stooped for the past week or so. It is barely a problem getting off the bed or sofa any more. I am still taking Diclofenac for the swelling inside. I cannot burp but I could out my mouth straight after surgery (I say out of my mouth as I had an NG tube attached too so I don't think its removal was related to me not being able to), so I think I can't burp now because of the swelling and I am guessing I will be able to in a week or two.

My diet has been a bit chaotic because of situation with OH and general turmoil due to her stepdad's death last week, so I haven't really been eating how I should, but I had pancakes which were lovely. Tonight I will have scrambled eggs and see what else I can have - last night I had some soft boiled eggs with mayonnaise and that was nice too (although without going into too much detail after an hour or so I had to sit on the porcelain throne for 10 minutes smhair )

I have also written a very grateful letter to the top politicians in the dept. of Health that oversees the NHS to tell them how amazing my care has been with them, I think the docs and nurses who treated me were so amazing they deserve some recognition from the folks at the top.
Posted 4/3/2012 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone. I am new here. I had my surgery on March 14. Everything seems to be going as you all are saying in the healing process. You people are great here. I am learning so much. THANK YOU.. My question is.. I am haveing gurgle and rlolling hunger like pains in my stomach. Icannot burp or belch. The doctor told me this. But i am haveing alot of "passing gas". Does this problem continue?? And i get pains in my back behind where the surgery was. Is this normal. I see the doctor next week. Tahnk you again so much. This is a great place for supprt.
Posted 4/3/2012 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi kolby,

Welcome to the Healing Well yeah yeah yeah Wrapped Club! yeah yeah yeah There are quite a few of us here, and it's a great place to recieve support and get some answers!  Glad you've joined us!

You're just past the 2 week mark, when your wrap has probably reached peak swelling.  I don't know if your surgeon told you, but your wrap becomes increasingly more swollen throughout the first two weeks or so, which creates more problems with swallowing, and could certainly add to bloating issues.

Pretty much anything is possible with your stomach right now.  It has been through a lot of trauma, and it will take many months for it to heal completely and adapt to its new cofiguration.  The loud hunger sounds relate to this. 

Also keep in mind that any pain you have in your esophagus or stomach will not be differentiated from other pains.  In other words, when you have esophageal pain your brain will receive the signal, "Reflux!" even though it's not reflux.  Your stomach could just be generally complaining, and it's interpreted as hunger.

I used to get dumping at early stages, and my stomach would make loud gurgling noises as if I were starving.  It was really just my stomach complaining, then dumping its contents into my small intestine.  This resolved itself almost completely over the first year post op, and continued to improve until sometime during the second year I realized that I wasn't having it any more.

Passing gas will be a problem that will resolve as your GI tract heals and adjusts to the changes that have been made.  It's a very common issue, but it won't be with you forever.

The pains you're having are very understandable.  Your insides have been pulled and moved, and stretched and stitched.  Although you've only got a few tiny incisions to show for it on the outside, your insides have undergone MAJOR surgery.  If the pain meds aren't doing it for you, you might try some ice as well.  I found that very helpful.  My left rib area (where they did most of the manipulation of the surgical tools) was very painful, and ice made a huge difference.

If you've been searching through the forum you've probably already run across this, but if not, here's my early recovery journal.  It might give you a sense of someone elses experience. https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

If you can surrender to your recovery and just follow it where it leads, you'll find it a lot easier to deal with.  You can't rush things, no matter how hard you try!  Just go with the flow.

Again, glad you've joined the forum!

Happy healing,

Denise

PS--Why not start your own thread on the main page?

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

That way you can introduce yourself (you can just copy and paste this post)and people can find you easier.  Just a thought!

Post Edited (dencha) : 4/3/2012 10:52:03 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/3/2012 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stuart,

I'm so glad to hear that you're doing well.  It's wonderful that you're sharing the positive experience and excellent care your received with your NHS adminisrators.  You're so lucky to have access to such excellent care.  Can you even imagine needing this surgery and having no health insurance or ability to pay for medical care.  I'm a lucky one who has good insurance and access to health care.  There are millions here who are not so fortunate. 

It sounds as if things are going well with your recovery.  Eggs were a mainstay of most of us at your stage of healing.  As far as the "porcelain throne", until your GI tract becomes accustomed to the changes that have been made, you can expect some repeat visits there.

Keep up the great work!  It sounds as if things are progressing nicely.

Thanks for posting an update!

Happy healing,

Denise

 

Posted 4/5/2012 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
Things are moving fast now for me. The surgical staples were removed just under an hour ago, about 16 in all. The scars look very good and are healing nicely. I am eating minced beef, mashed potatoes, tortilla wraps and other soft food. The minced beef was really good as the meat has given me a lot more energy back.

I am still walking with a bit of a stoop that hurts my back, but I am trying to walk as upright as I can. I still cannot burp but I am hoping I will be able to in a week or so once the swelling has peaked in the wrap, particularly as I have had a toupet not nissen.

Over the next few days I am going to try fish and chicken, it's really good to have textured food back in my diet and my body seems to agree!
Posted 4/9/2012 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stuart,
I am really happy to hear that the minced beef is going down well, it was so good to mee too and helped me get my strength back in no time.
I could actually have been back to work at the 9 day mark but waited two full weeks.
Posted 4/9/2012 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jesper,

I think if I had taken the time off as sick leave I would have gone back around the 9 day mark too. My bosses wanted me to take the time as sick but I insisted that it was taken as annual leave instead, they said I'm nuts because normally if you have so many days off you get a warning unless it's a planned procedure and they leave you alone. I told my boss although I appreciated the thought, if I booked it as annual leave I would be off the full two weeks relaxing, if I took it as sick leave I would be thinking I should be at work and stressing. It's like if you have a really bad cold and need to get some remedies for it, you think if someone sees you outside shopping they may think you're not that ill!

I went for a three mile round trip cycling to the bank on Saturday with no problems. Back at work tomorrow (today has been national holiday for Easter in UK), so nice easy four day week for me this week. If all seems good when I'm cycling this week (it's less than two miles to my office from home), I'm going to aim for a nice 10 mile run on Saturday as I think I need to get the blood pumping again.

Still can't burp at the moment, my surgery will be two weeks ago as of tomorrow so I'll be at peak swelling now I think, I am hoping in a week or two I might be able to have little burps here and there (all very polite of course, I am a polite person and don't make a habit of walking around randomly belching just because I can tongue )

Thanks again all for the great support you are all giving me, it is still early days, food is tricky but, in myself at least, I feel fab.
Posted 4/9/2012 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
Great, good luck to you! Just remember not to get too down when you experience one of the many setbacks you will experience along the way to full recovery. Also pay attention to your body's signals when you exercise. I had to take it very slow in the beginning
Posted 4/14/2012 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
Had my first proper setback last night. Went for a drink with friends, thought I would take some wine with me. Normally I take 3-4 500ml size bottles of beer (real ale, not lager) but thought that might bloat me and I got some wine instead. I was going to get a full bottle but then thought it's the first time I have had alcohol in over a month, I don't want to overdo it and when we get together having fun the temptation is to have a little bit more to drink, I wanted to make sure I didn't do that so got two single serve bottles (about a quarter bottle size each).

It took me two hours just to finish one bottle (the equivalent of a large glass). Felt a little bit bloated. Then about half an hour later I started to feel a little bit nauseous, then I just felt generally unwell. It was a bit like my stomach being lightly punched. I left and walked home, had a lot of wind (which I discreetly disposed of in the night air, how embarrassing), then I got into bed and just felt generally ill. I did see a note from the hospital that alcohol will be tolerated better between 4-6 weeks afterwards so perhaps I have tried too soon.

This morning when I woke up I felt great though, so no lasting harm. I went for a cycle and for the first time since surgery I covered just over 12 miles. I would have done it in about 45 minutes I think but the same friend I saw last night said he would come along and he had a mountain bike as opposed to my road bike which was very heavy and the gears were mashed on it, so we did it in about 1h10 together.

Oh and earlier in the week I hankered after a little bit of cheese. I found some nice cheese with a jar of mango chutney to have with it, delicious. I forgot all about having the surgery, had a bite, didn't chew properly, had another bite, didn't chew that properly, by the time I had the third bite, bite number one had just hit the wrap. OUCH. For about five minutes I was sipping water to get it through, it felt like I was swallowing an entire dry bread roll.
Posted 4/14/2012 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Stuart,

First, the cheese...I know that feeling well. I clearly remember getting something stuck at the wrap site and sipping water to get it through.  I don't know about you, but I was having some painful spasms as well.  Not fun.  It taught me to order tea when I was eating out so I'd have something warm to help things down if it happend again.

You're very early in recovery to be drinking much at all.  I don't think you need to hear that from anyone here...your stomach spoke loudly and clearly!

Just follow your body's lead through this recovery.  Listen to its cues.  Take things slow and easy in the eating department.  You're in the infancy of your recovery as you well know.  There will be many times when you're tempted to push things, but do your best to hold back. 

I know it's hard when you're in a social situation.  Still this time will pass and you'll be back to enjoying your beers again!  Actually in my case beers work much better than wine as it's less acidic and my stomach tolerates it much better.  I still drink a little wine, but (like before my surgery) it's a lot harder on my stomach, so I drink it with meals only.

Your bike routines are amazing!  Impressive.  What a wonderful way to build your stamina and release that pent up energy!

Have a great day and happy healing!

Denise

Posted 4/30/2012 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, not posted in a while so wanted to stop by to update all you good people.

So things are going really well up to now. I am back on a normal diet apart from bread. Had mother in law cook a really great Sunday lunch yesterday but had to leave some of it as I was too full - I am finding I get more full a lot faster and if I overeat it is really uncomfortable. I still get hungry though so I snack more, and truthfully I am snacking on fatty foods like biscuits because I have lost weight and I was only slim before - I was using oven gloves to move hot food and a ring came off my finger into the glove! So I need to put a little bit more weight back on if I can.

Today I had some prawns and thought they would taste really nice with mayo in a sandwich, so I dared to put prawns with bread and take it to the office for lunch. That was a mistake. I was able to swallow with no problems at all, but afterwards I felt really bloated and this carried on for hours afterwards. I don't think I am ready for bread yet. Everything else fine, I can tolerate alcohol as before, spicy food is fine, it's only bread and overeating right now I have to be careful with. (I did have a slice of toast on the weekend and that was fine though).

I still cannot burp and suspect I won't be able to for quite some time yet - a colleague at work tells me he was about a year before he could burp, so I know in time I am reasonably likely to burp as the wrap settles but not just yet. I have to keep reminding myself it's only five weeks as of tomorrow since surgery, I frequently forget as I feel so well and fit.

Thanks for all the encouragement on this forum, I hope in time these words will be read by someone who - like me - would be anxious about going for the procedure but knows it's the best thing. I really have no regrets so far.
Posted 5/1/2012 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Stuart,

It's great to hear you're doing well.  Thanks so very much for posting your progress.  Your wish that someone else will be helped by your posts will most certainly come true.

The bread issues will subside as you continue healing...patience.

Happy continued healing,

Denise

Posted 5/5/2012 10:50 AM (GMT 0)
Last night I had a beer, seemed to enjoy the first can so I opened another one - owww!!! It was real ale, not lager, so not carbonated. The thing is, I had some whiskey a couple of weeks before with no problem so I don't think it is the alcohol that's the problem, more the bloating.

I tried thumping myself on the back, I tried standing up and down on my heels to move any air around but there didn't seem to be any. I didn't feel gassy but then do you not feel gassy in the same way after a fundo? I thought I was going to be sick but when I wretched it was really painful at the wrap site so I quickly tried to relax. I had an indigestion tablet to see if that helped as it said it's good for wind too, I felt a little bit easier and went to sleep.

Any ideas what this is? Is it wind? Has anyone else experienced something like this before, and if so how long before this got easier?
Posted 6/28/2012 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
It's been three months (almost to the day) since my fundo so here's an update on how things are going.

Generally it's been great. Absolutely no reflux and I'm pretty much able to eat a normal diet. The exercising has definitely helped.

I have lost weight - about 5kg - but I am trying to put it back on now as I was a good weight before.

I find eating bread to be a bit too much right now - it causes bloating and I cannot move that wind easily. I also find barbecued food to be tricky - on Tuesday night I had three BBQ sausages and a beer, ouch I was in agony. I felt like being sick but it was just phlegm, I was retching and couldn't do anything about it other than try to relax and get my OH to slap me on the back a few times to move the air out of my stomach. This was the second BBQ time so it must be that style of cooking that aggravates things.

I still cannot burp, I think once or twice I have had mini burps but I'm not sure how much of this was just air in my oesophagus. I am hoping this will come back after my wrap settles down, I would really appreciate people's experiences on this.

As far as eating goes generally, it feels exactly as it did before. I can eat at a good speed now, I don't have to be as careful at chewing as nothing is getting stuck in the wrap, I can eat 'on the go', no other problems.
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