excruciating pain after burping post-Nissen

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! You're among friends here, and there are many who've been through the same recovery you're dealing with now.

At Day 7, you're in the midst of the toughest part of recovery.  Over the first two weeks, your wrap will become increasingly more swollen, causing more swallowing problems and pain.  This is normal and to be expected.  Once you reach peak swelling, it will begin to subside and you'll start feeling better.

As far as coughing and sneezing...if you feel one coming on, push on your belly with a pillow to provide counter-pressure.  If you have specific pain areas, ice is very helpful. 

If the belches are coming without your help, there's not much you can do, other than take your pain medication to help take the edge off.  Avoid things that will add to the air in your stomach...no straws, no carbonated drinks.  Stay away from iced beverages as they can cause spasms that are painful.  Room temp water, or warm beverages like tea are the best.

Hang in there!  I'm sure others will be by to offer more information and support.

It'll get better!  You just have to get by these two weeks one day at a time!

Best wishes,

Denise

You said you take nebulizer treatments four times a day.  Does that mean that your reflux was creating havoc with your asthma?  I had my surgery 4 years ago after my asthma became uncontrollable.  I was taking multple neb treatments daily as well, and actually had a lung infection when I had the surgery.  After my lungs had a chance to heal, at about two and a half months post op, my lungs improved 100%.

Give yourself time to heal.  Many things will improve.  It is a rough recovery, I won't lie, but compared to the alternative it's a piece of cake.  If you can surrender to your recovery and follow its lead, you'll do fine.  You can't rush it, so be patient and go with the flow.  Listen to your body.  It will tell you what you can handle.

Take care,

Denise

When you say you have "chronic diarrhea", does it happen all day without warning?  Do you get loud gurgling sound before you have it?  In that case, it's dumping, which is caused by stomach surgery.  It will get better as you heal.  You need to remember that your stomach has been through a lot, and it's rebelling.  Poor stomach.  It has been stretched and wrapped and stitched.  It has every right to be angry!

Eating small quantities of food is perfectly normal.  Your stomach is stiff from swelling and your brain interprets this as fullness.  It will subside as you heal more, and you'll gradually be able to eat more.

Hang in there!

Happy healing,

Denise