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Pain after Nissen

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Posted 12/10/2013 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I am four days post op after having the fundoplication and have been having a bit of trouble with upper abdominal discomfort. it is almost a feeling of indigestion that comes and goes, never really noticd this before surgery. Also, ive been burping a lot and feeling gassy and sometimes feel like a liquid is coming up although I dont think it is liquid, could it be trapped gas in my esophagus?

I am 20 years old and have had reflux problems for 2/3 years now, still taking 300mg ranitidine x 2 daily for another 5 weeks.
struggling to find the balance between what should be normal and if i am just overreacting!
any advice would be brill!

many thanks! :-)
Posted 12/10/2013 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
gloopstar

Welcome aboard and to the Wrapped Club!

What you are experiencing is very normal. If you have pain meds take them. It will make you more comfortable and help with swallowing. You had major surgery and you insides are going to swell a lot.

Early on, think 1st month, it will be harder to get food and liquid past the wrap. This is normal and some may sit at the wrap. If you are taking in full liquids you may still need to wash it down through the wrap with water. Anything that sits at the top of the wrap can cause a reflux sensation, again normal early on.

Where you are at in healing staying hydrated is very important and will help you feel better. For any coughing or sneezing use a pillow held to your belly. It really helps ease the pain in the abs.

Gassy is also normal. Some people get relief from gasX or beano. Remember no straws and do your best to not swallow extra air. With the wrap swollen any trapped air has to go out the other end. The liquid feeling coming up can be from small uncontrolled burps or liquid that didn't go through and bubbles at the bottom of your esophagus.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 12/11/2013 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply, Bill.

much appreciated, bit disappointing that I only go one reply though, never mind.

Many thanks once again! :-)
Posted 12/12/2013 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
gloopstar, I had my Nissen 22 days ago. If you want the play-by-play see:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2920087

Sounds like you are progressing like many of us do. Its a process after major surgery and there will be ups and downs. Consult this site often and ask questions...you will get answers.

Good Luck...

Gunner
Posted 12/12/2013 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
gloopstar,

I hope you feel better. I had a lot of swelling the first 21 days. Drink lots of liquids if you can get it down. Keep hydrated. Liquid or pureed foods. No picking up anything over 5 pounds. Take it easy.

Michelle
Posted 12/12/2013 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for the feedback guys!
Posted 12/13/2013 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
I had my nissen back in August and for two months I felt all kinds of weirdness off and on with my stomach and diaphragm and insides. Its a roller coaster that is for sure.

Especially early on you might have pain. Take your pain medication if it gets too bad and you can always call the surgeon with any questions. I called mine almost once a week in the first month.
Ice packs help with your incision pain. Baby motrin can help with the swelling.

Make sure you go easy on your stomach. Eat small small meals of soft foods, get lots of rest even if you feel like you dont need it.
Posted 12/13/2013 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi gloopstar, what you are feeling is certainly normal. It takes a long time for our insides to figure out how to work properly and quit bothering us following this major surgery. I just mentioned to someone else, I felt the most improvement between weeks 6 and 7, but I can tell you days 5 on were much better (with the exception of my overdoing it due to a skunked dog early on).

You have a lot to look forward to!

If you happen to be on facebook, there is a very, very active group there called Nissen Fundoplication. I love this Healing Well forum - I learned so much prior to surgery and the support I received here on a daily basis following the surgery was excellent.
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