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1 month Post surgery for paraesophageal hernia and need help

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Posted 12/14/2013 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
My husband had Para esophageal hernia repair on 11/11/2013. It was huge and high up in his chest cavity.
We planned for an overnight stay in the hospital and remained there for 9 days cry
He really has not recovered as we had hoped he would.
Still weak, tires easily and has very little energy. Some days lately has felt pretty good though and we both have been thankful for that.
Now today 32 days after surgery he feels as if he will vomit each time he tries eats, thus has eaten very little.
He has lost about 22 pounds since the surgery and overall I feel he isn`t doing well.
I need to add that he is also a heart patient and diabetic. He`s 74 years of age as well.
Does anyone here have any idea why this wanting to vomit has started this long after surgery?
As far as pain, he doesn`t have that anymore. Thanks in advance for any ideas that anyone might have to help us.
We do not see his surgeon again until December 26.
Posted 12/14/2013 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Your husband had major surgery. I can't imagine why they would tell you it would be just an overnight stay. I'm not quite as old and I stayed 4 days. I didn't have any co-morbidities. With his added problems it's a tough recovery. Was he a smoker by any chance?

If you have concerns you should call. Maybe call the cardiologist or the doctor who manages the diabetes too.

Has the doctor given him anything for the nausea? Nausea is very common after this surgery. I needed it off and on for a year. Any air he swallows is probably stuck in the stomach until it can move down. Most of us can't burp for a long time. A lot of posters have said that walking helps. That may be tough, but ask the doctor about his exercise.

I don't find drinking those milk-based drinks to be helpful. They're mostly water and corn syrup with a few vitamins added. I have to read ingredients on soups too.

Best wishes!
Posted 12/14/2013 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your quick reply. He had smoked in the past but it was some 44 years ago that he stopped.

We have been to his cardiologist since surgery and they did an echo gram that was fine.

We have not been to his endro, but will as you suggested (as our daughter did today also) call the surgeon about the nausea.

Again thanks.
Posted 12/14/2013 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
My nausea started up around the 8th week. I think that is gas building up as Alcie mentioned. I was taking a lot of milk products and that contributed to my nausea. I made the mistake yesterday and had a cheese ravioli. I can't eat soft cheese and pasta right now. I got nauseated and my chest felt extremely tight.

Your husband is probably experiencing swelling too. Stay away from gassy foods and milk products. Hiccups will start which should relieve some of the pressure.

Hope he feels better.

Michelle
Posted 12/14/2013 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Michelle for the advice. We both appreciate this.
Posted 12/29/2013 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
How did the appointment go on the 26th?

And how are you both doing?

Healing thoughts for the 2014.
Posted 12/29/2013 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for checking on us after our appointment with the surgeon.
My husband is still having almost daily pains and nausea confused We are almost back to where he was before surgery.
It will be 7 weeks tomorrow since surgery and I can not see that he is much better now than before.
On the 27th. he had a repeat swallowing test (he had one while in the hospital and all was clear at that time) then on Jan. 7th. he is due to have a gastric emptying scan in the early morning.
We have an appointment that afternoon back with the Dr. to get both test results and for the doctor to decide what is to be the next step.
I just wish he would start to feel better and that we could get an answer to what is happening.
Maybe soon now we will.
Posted 12/29/2013 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
What is your husband eating? Is the nausea after eating? Is he having problems with his bowels? This will cause gas and nausea. I hope everything works out.

Michelle
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