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Growling, gurgling, and stomach cramps

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Posted 2/6/2013 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
I am a new member.

The reason I joined this forum, is a persistent problem of very loud noises coming from my stomach.
I had the Nissen Fund. surgery the day before Christmas eve in 2011. I have really not had to much trouble with it. Yes, at first the food stuck in my esophagus, pain like heartburn and the normal issues from the procedure. On the hand, I now suffer from very loud grumbling and gurgling in my stomach. I attend the University of Wis. and these noises are so loud that most of the class can hear them. I do not have to go to the bathroom, and do not feel the urge to fart. I have tried a lot of OTC meds and prescribed meds. It is only getting worse and I do NOT want to go to school, when this is happening. I do not drink soda, no caffeine, I chew tobacco not smoking. My diet is so-so. I have yet to determine any sort of food that dauses it. Any body have any advice for this. i would like to study and hear my lectures sometime.
Thanks
Posted 2/6/2013 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi growling,

I can definitely identify with your problem.  Keep the faith!  I had it past the one year mark and figured it would be a quirk I'd have to live with forever.  Sometime in the second year I realized it wasn't happening any more.  I can't tell you at what point.  It just stopped.

I totally understand.  I'd be at meetings and people across the room would offer me food, thinking I was starving! 

The only thing I thought set it off was when I ate something that irritated my wrap or stomach.  If I had dinner salads, or lots of raw veggies.  Things that are a little rough going through the wrap. 

I wish I could give you the magic key to stop it all now, but I can tell you that with time your GI tract will adjust to the changes and it will subside.  You can't rush it, you just have to wait patiently. 

Maybe somebody will be by who knows more about it than I do, but that was my experience.  Hang in there!  There's hope!

Take care,

Denise

Posted 2/18/2013 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
I'm 3 years in and still have this happen all the time!
Posted 2/19/2013 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
vinylmasters,

It doesn't sound as if your wrap was done correctly. Dumping is something that can happen occasionally, but to be happening all the time, is definitely out of the norm. You, unfortunately are an outlier, as the majority of Nissen patients do not experience the myriad of problems you're having to deal with. I'm sorry you're having such a struggle.

Take care,
Denise
Posted 2/19/2013 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
The only thing I can say is that three doctors agree it was done correctly, and the surgeon who did is the ONLY guy the other doctors would use themselves. Two different surgeons have scoped me to check it, along with my GI doc. All agreed it does done correctly, and is tight. But it is horribly uncomfortable. Lifting is just brutal sometimes - even just turning over in bed. But it also could be a 'culmination' of my other surgeries too.

Just so you know, I'm not trying to be intrusive here, but rather just share my own experiences because it could help someone else. My personal opinion on my own situation is most of it was caused by the drugs I was given - which throws a whole new wrinkle into the equation.
Posted 2/19/2013 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi vinylmaster,

I'm just sorry you're struggling. I do worry sometimes that when someone who has struggled with a very difficult post-Nissen experience posts, it discourages others from seeking help that will provide a much better quality of life. Still, you have every right to share your experience here, no matter how negative. I totally agree that the surgery (any surgery) shouldn't be taken lightly.

I've never been one to think it was something to do simply because you don't want to take PPIs. There are no guarantees. If someone is unable to take PPIs, or is not achieving relief from them, that's another story. Fortunately, the great majority of GI docs and surgeons don't want to do the surgery unless the need is extreme.

I did not have severe GERD, and it took 5-6 years of horrible lung effects and a PCP who fought hard for me, to get my GI doc to send me to see a surgeon. Fortunately, my PCP/asthma docs were right and the surgery did the trick and my lungs became healthy again.

I hope you find an answer to your discomforts.
Take care,
Denise
Posted 2/19/2013 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Growling,
Sounds like you might be swallowing a lot of air. Could you try to get off the tobac for a couple of months to test that out? I know you don't swallow the juice, but you may not realize you're dry swallowing; it's an unconscious reflex. It'll help prevent throat cancer too. I know it's tough. I had a son who chewed in college. He went to a hypnotist to get off it so he could play soccer. Can't run if you're out of shape. See next:

Vinyl -
I know what you mean about the drugs causing the gas. I just got off another round of Flagyl to stop the C. dif that started after a bunch of antibiotics for surgery and Macrobid for several weeks following. C. dif doesn't have to cause diarrhea, didn't for me. It's pretty common after antibiotics and can stick with you for months at least. Taking probiotics while on antibiotics didn't help me. I had the white tongue from yeast or other lack of proper mouth bacteria. I brush my tongue, use a good mouthwash with alcohol (non-alcohol doesn't work) and eat a little yogurt.

Best wishes all.
Posted 2/19/2013 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, my goodness, Alcie!

So sorry to hear you're having so many problems! I feel for you taking all those antibiotics. They wreak havoc on my stomach. I hope they've done their job and that you're cured and can begin to get your gut back into balance.

Best wishes,
Denise
PS--good catch about the chewing tobacco. I didn't even notice that. I think your advice is perfect!
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