Sarafina's Linx journal

Surgery date February 21 2014

Arrived at St Mary's hospital in Grand Rapids Michigan at 6am for 7:30am surgery. Prep went well and I met with my surgeon Dr Borresson. One of his partners, Dr Greene was to assist and Dr Tagilades (SP?) from Ohio was to procter the procedure. Dr Borreson had only performed one linx procedure prior to mine and I was the first female in Michigan to have the linx implanted. The surgery took 1.5 hours and all went well. I had 14 beads on my linx and pictures that show it. :) I was dizzy and nauseous from the anesthesia until about 4 in the afternoon. I ate jello and some cream of wheat with no problem. As the day progressed I became very sore. Abdomen was swollen and I started to have gas pains which triggered some painful abdominal spasms. Felt like I was in labor LOL. Ordered some beef with gravy along with green beans and mashed potatoes and a side of macaroni and cheese. This meal was challenging. Swallowing was difficult and could definitely feel the linx. I have to learn not to stack food in the esophagus! The pain was terrible all night but finally some gas pills along with an anti spasmodic and norco controlled the pain. Did not sleep much but appreciated the massage reclining chair with heat in the room!

Day 2

Still very uncomfortable. Gas from the surgery was evident in my shoulders and abdomen and very painful. Also, I can notice when my body is trying to reflex as I get a bit of pressure below the linx. I can still burp but pitiful little burps they are. Met with surgeon and went over pain control and eating guidelines. Nothing sticky, no bread, avoid very dry foods etc. I told him my insides feel like they went through a meat grinder and he laughed and said that although it is laproscopic it still is major surgery. I was sent home with a prescription of norco, gas med, and antispasmadics. He also gave me a prescription for an anti nausea med which I have not needed so far. I was also advised to take stool softeners as the pain meds can really slow things down, which they have as the softeners have not kicked in yet. I was very sore and weak all day. I tried pancakes for breakfast which did not go down well! Scrambled eggs and cream of wheat were ok.

I was released from the hospital and arrived home around noon. I had some rice pudding, cottage cheese with pears, and a few bites of a chicken enchilada. All was rather challenging but I know I have to keep working the device. Slept great after not sleeping much the previous two nights. Sleeping on a recliner currently though as the incisions are quite painful.

Day 3
Slept great on the recliner. Ate some cream of wheat and a larabar which again was uncomfortable but doable. Keep getting spasms in esophagus and abdomen which are uncomfortable but most likely just a part of the healing process. Clearing my throat quite a bit and it hurts to laugh or take a deep breath-all normal after surgery I am told. No norco yet today-tylenol seems to be working fine.

Symptoms gone since surgery:
Heartburn, clogged ears and ear pain, stiff nick, and shoulder blade pain. Pretty impressive!

Thank you Dencha!

Hi Chilifries
I self funded the surgery. I fought blue care network of Michigan for almost a year using Lindstrom Health Advocacy group which is provided through to torax (the linx manufacturer) The hospital and surgeon did provide a discounted rate though.
I hope your insurance covers the linx!