Newby- Home from surery

I had Nissen Fundoplication surgery this past Tuesday (5/8/12) and was released the next day.  Reading through the message boards has been great, both pre and post op.  I just thought I'd share some of my own experience on the surgery and where I'm at thus far;

I personally think the gas pain was worse than the incision pain that first day.  Just taking a deep breath in was a struggle.  My husband could feel the "bubbles" when he rubbed my neck/shoulder area for me.

I was able to belch immediately.  I thought this unusual since I had read so many comments from those who cannot, but I did so right after drinking some water shortly after the surgery. 

I was sent home with liquid pain medication.  I used it regularly the first 2 days and only used it at bedtime last night, nothing today.  I may eat clear and some soft foods (cream of wheat, strained cream soups).  I really don't find myself hungry and have stuck to broths, jello and greek yogurt for the most part.

No BM yet but am very gassy.  I have been walking quite a bit as the medical staff says it helps.  I also find that walking just helps me feel better in general, less stiff and my legs appreciate it as well.

My doctor took away my PPI, wants me to heal without it.  Acid reflux wise I do not feel the way I did prior to the surgery for the most part but do have some slight resembling symptoms; chest pain(like a chest cold) and some pain in the higher portion of my throat but the "lump feeling" is gone.  I do feel like coughing sometimes though.

I have my first follow up visit Monday the 14th.  I would appreciate any feedback/comments letting me know that I sound "normal" and on the right track to recovery.  I am also willing to answer any questions. I know using the internet can be good and bad when searching for answers but in this day and age it's such an easy place to turn to. 

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! Like Ashley, I'm glad that the posts here helped you along.  I had my surgery 3 years ago, and had the same great experience with the forum, which is why I stayed to help out.  There aren't many places on the internet to find the kind of information and support that is available here.

It sounds as if what you're experiencing is perfectly normal. A lot of the pain you're feeling in the chest area is a direct result of the surgical assult that is invisible to your eyes.  Although your outsides don't look like major surgery, be assured that your insides do.  People around here remind each other that it takes a full 6 months for the majority of the healing and a year for the rest. 

Try to surrender to your recovery and let it lead you.  If you can avoid stressing and a desire to hurry things along you'll have a much easier experience.  It is what it is.  Just go with the flow, and you'll do just fine.  Listen to your stomach/body and follw its lead.  It has a right to complain, so baby it along.

I remember before my surgery I couldn't understand all the talk of shoulder pain.  It just didn't make sense!  However, it's a combination of referred pain from the nerves that were irritated in the diaphram area, and the gas bubbles that are flying around as a result of the surgeon's "blowing up your stomach like a balloon" so that he/she could have a clear field of vision. 

Walk, walk, walk.  Whenever you can, get up and walk around the house, or outdoors if the weather is nice.  Of course you'll be taking it very easy in the beginning.  If you're anything like me, your shoulder pain will reduce in exact relation to the amount of walking you do.  Believe me, I remember that pain well.  It was worse than the incisions for me, too.

Glad you've joined the forum!

Best wishes for a speedy and uneventful recovery...

Happy healing!

Denise