help! recent fundo post surgery recovery issues

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! Glad you've joined us!  This is a great place to get information and support while you recover.  Bill has given you a wealth of great information.  I'd add...I don't have a recliner so I continued to sleep in my bed that had an elevated head, and I augmented that incline with my wedge.  It does make you feel more comfortable as you sleep.

You're at the most difficult part of your recovery.  Most everyone at your stage wonders if they've made a mistake by having the surgery.  Just give it time, and you'll be happy with the results.  As Bill said, it takes a full 6 months for most of the healing and a year for the rest.

Here's a link to my early recovery journal.  It might help you to see how much of what you're experiencing is typical.

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

If you can surrender to your recovery and follow it where it leads you, you'll do much better.  It doesn't do a bit of good to struggle over what "is".  You can't rush this recovery.  Your body will heal in its own sweet time.  If you can go with the flow and accept your recovery, you'll do just fine.

Stick around and ask questions.  We're here to provide information (we've been there, done that!) and support.

Happy Healing!

Denise

In my case the dumping only occurred early in the morning.  I know some run to the bathroom more with it, but it seemed like from the time I got the gurgling sounds in my stomach and the time I had to go to the bathroom was long enough to be able to handle it fine.  Also, it was intermittent.  Here's an anti-dumping diet you can follow if you find you have the problem (not everyone does)

http://uvahealth.com/services/digestive-health-1/images-and-docs/dumping-syndrome.pdf/view

If you can take 6 weeks it would be great.  Some go back right away, some are able to stay out longer...it depends on your situation/sick time.  Another option is to go back earlier, but only half time. If you don't have to do heavy lifting you can start work sooner than if you do.  Your body will tell you when you're ready.  If it's a necessity that you go back to work sooner, then you'll figure out a way to manage.  Some go back with restrictions and do a different type of work for a while.

Hang in there!

Denise

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! You're definitely in the right place!  I suggest you read my early recovery journal.  It'll help you realize that what you're experiencing is very normal. 

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

Unfortunately, most surgeons don't properly prepare their patients for the recovery which is challenging and quite long.  It takes a full 6 months for most of the healing and a year for the rest.  Once you get past the really tough early recovery that you're dealing with now, things will gradually improve.

Keep in mind that your wrap is becoming more swollen by the day, and will hit peak swelling on or about the 14 day mark.  It's variable, but generally occurs between the two and three week mark.  Don't be surprised if your swallowing gets worse before it gets better.  This is normal.

You've been through MAJOR surgery.  Although your outsides have just tiny incisions, your insides have been through a traumatic experience!  It's easy to forget that this major surgery has revised your upper GI tract, but indeed, it has.  It will take time for healing, as well as time for your body to adjust to the changes.

If you can surrender to your recovery and follow it where it takes you, the recovery will be much easier for you.  You can't rush this healing, no matter how hard you try.  If you can go with the flow, and accept what is, your recovery will be much smoother and easier to deal with.

Why not start your own new thread on the main page, where you can ask questions and get lots of support!  Here's the link:  GERD - Heartburn  Just click on the Post New Topic button at the top of the page.

Glad you've joined us!

Happy healing,

Denise