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Deb's Nissen Recovery Journal (2/28/14 Surgery)

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Posted 3/4/2014 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I just has the Nissen Fundoplication surgery feb 28/14. I thought I was prepared. I researched a tom. Nothing told me the extent if the pain though. I also developed this sharp pain between my shoulder blades last night. I thought trapped air but feels different. Laying down and pain med is the only thing that helps this. Walking helped everything else. I did end up with a lot if subcutaneous emphysema throughout my clavicles, neck and shoulder regions. They thought I had a collapsed lung. Thankfully I did not. Long story but I do not tolerate pain meds so went my first night with nothing for pain. That lead to disaster. The pain team got a system set up for me that worked but obviously did not control my pain like others get. I suffer severe nausea after surgery and with meds too. Swallowing a sip if water hurts. How long should I expect this pain in my back? I felt like I should be fine now. I am being left in a full fluid diet for two more weeks. Not sure why and no one could tell me. I only for out of hospital today. Any insights? Thanks so much. I have been reading this site but feel too sick to read very much. Excuse me for any typos so far. Typing fast bc I'm so nauseous right now.

Revised thread title

Post Edited By Moderator (dencha) : 3/17/2014 7:52:06 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/4/2014 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
Wendy Workout

Welcome to Healing Well and the Wrapped Club!


First off, please take something for the pain. You had major surgery and you are going to have pain. When you get it under control don't wait until it's getting bad to take something, stay on top of it.

Keeping it under control will help you be able to stay hydrated and eat. Some doctors like to keep their patients on a liquid diet for a couple weeks because it can be tough to get foods past the wrap early on. Some let us eat a soft diet, but we have to chew everything very well to a liquid if possible. No soft bread or solid meats for several weeks also, toast ad ground meats are okay.

The pain in the middle of your back is from the surgery and the nerves that are damaged during it. The wrap area can also feel like reflux while it's irritated and swelling. Be aware that it could still swell for 2 or 3 weeks and gradually go down. I've notice those of us who have more pain seem to have more swelling issues.

When you get time please do read through the resource page and look at as many of the recovery journals as you can. Be very patient this can be a slow recovery, but very worth it.

Oh, Ice and heat help a lot with any of the swollen or painful areas too.

Do worry about asking to many questions, we have all been there.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 3/4/2014 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it. How long does that nerve pain in the back last approx? Any idea? Between that and the left shoulder pain, it really hinders me. I have a high pain tolerance but it seems to be gone right now. Did get a few tabs of OxyContin IR I can cut in half so it's only 2.5 mg to take the edge off. Swallowing harder again today. Trying to focus on higher calorie fluids as I'm down 10 lbs already. Want to keep my hydration up. I feel weak. Sipping frequently. My dr was confused as to the near lung collapse today. Surprised it didn't collapse fully based on what happened. I got lucky. Says I'm stable now thankfully. Hope to read through more posts today. This is a great site. Definitely more informative than the doctors.
Posted 3/5/2014 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
WW-

I have had the pain last a couple weeks to a months or so with my surgeries. It really depends on how quickly your body heals.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 3/7/2014 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Alright me again finally. We have had a very sick child and I've been feeling awful so only getting back here now. Thanks for the quick responses Bill. Main issue is the left shoulder/clavicle/neck pain. Just won't back off. Everything else pain wise better.

A couple new ?'s:
I suffer bouts of nausea daily. Thought from eating but it can be after a while since eating or no eating. Is this common?

Thin liquids harder to swallow than thicker. Normal?

I just got the hiccups and man do they hurt my clavicle/ neck. Can't get them to stop. Are hiccups common? I never get them. Was eating but it takes me forever to eat.

Thanks again. Down 10 lbs already but assuming it will return. Was training for half marathon prior to surgery. Only at brisk walking pace and 10 km so far. Want to get back to it.
Posted 3/7/2014 4:55 AM (GMT 0)
WW

All very common.

You need to have a script for an anti nausea med to keep with you. after any stomach surgery, especially this one, nausea is a side effect. You also don't want to vomit or get the dry heaves as it is hard on the wrap. My surgeon refills mine for me, but some say to get it from your PCP.

The thin liquid issue extends into food also. It's kind of hard to explain, but food needs to have enough "body" to be pushed through the wrap, but not so much it gets stuck. Mashed potatoes is a weird one as they can pile up at the wrap because they form a bolus. If you eat them go slow and take a drink between bites and be sure they went through.

The hiccups just hurt. Holding a pillow to your belly when you sneeze, cough, or hiccup does help, but there really isn't anything you can do to stop the hiccups. I think it's from the diaphragm part of the surgery, but I also got them when I was full. It was a trigger that let me know to stop eating. They wil go away.

!0 to 20 lbs is about what most people loose while recovering from this surgery depending on how well you can eat.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 3/7/2014 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again Bill. Hiccups stopped thankfully. I have Maxeran bit it's never enough. I'm casual and my husband is self employed so no coverage to get Zofran. It works way better. Just took 3 tiny pills and OMG the a spasm ( I'm assuming that's what it was). I couldn't swallow and couldn't burp. The pain was excruciating. I was drooling briefly. Not so pretty. It passed rather quickly. Terrified to eat my yogurt now. I'll wait a bit. Incredibly nauseous now. Wish I could take in a bit more to gain strength.

You've been great with responses. Thank you. I feel like a bit if a pest.

Debra
Posted 3/7/2014 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
Debra-

Don't you feel like a pest. We have been there and have needed support too and we are here for you.

I take phenergan and it works quite well for me. I am not sure how much it is, but I am sure it cheaper than Zofran, just a thought. Another option is to use an alcohol swab, or rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and hold it under your nose. Sounds weird, but a nurse showed me this and it worked for me.

I'm going to be very blunt, so please don't take this wrong.

You had major surgery! Even though it was just 4 or 5 little incisions it was still major surgery. You are going to have pain. Don't feel like you shouldn't be having pain. Your insides were cut, pulled, stretched, and sutured, it's gonna hurt. Use the pain meds and if they aren't working call for something different. Not all meds work the same for everyone. Use ice and heat on the painful areas such as the clavicle, it helps.

Ibuprophen will help with swelling and pain also.

You are going to be worn out! Again because of major surgery. Your body has to heal and that takes time and calories. You aren't going to get enough calories for a while and time won't go by any faster than it will. Be very patient...this is a slow recovery. Think of it as a marathon not a sprint.

Adding any type of calories right now is good. Even if they are normally bad calories. Your body needs energy to heal.

The surgeons usually don't prepare their patients for the reality of this recovery and some have a very wrong idea of what it's really like.

Oh, the drooling is part of the nausea process. I found that when I started producing excess saliva it's best to spit it out and that will help some with the nausea too.

Now you try and get comfy, eat a small amount and stay hydrated the best you can. Listen to your body and rest as much as you need to, not what you think you should.

My email is available and under my user name. I am usually up very late or early how ever you want to look at it. If you need some support and no one is on the forum, shoot me an email.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 3/7/2014 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
You are a book of knowledge. It's great! Laughing b/c although I talk to my husband about everything, it feels comfortable here to discuss drooling, gas, pain....those details we spare most people. I've tried to accept that I will heal one day at a time and that mornings can be so different than evenings. Evenings are a lot more rough even on just my liquid intake. Still have increased pain at base of my esophagus/ stochastic region today but not as bad. Couldn't swallow at all last night. Today I cN but hurts more than previously. Thinking maybe this is the increase in swelling g going on.

I am on Voltaren for 2 more days. Not sure how I'll swallow Advil after. The tiniest pill hurts. Maybe crushing with honey. Gives me extra calories that way too. Still taking OxyContin 2.5 mg 3-4 times a day. Works better than Tylenol but again smaller to swallow.

Have another concern today but thinking its diet. TMI but had my first post op BM. It was pure white and not due to mucous. Can't find this happening to others on the site so far. Have you heard of this. Usually white stills means blocked bile ducts/pancreatitis. My diet is only full fluids but I only eat potato soup ( bland), yoghurt, watery porridge, pudding, dessert tofu, broth, juices and sips if tea. All lactose free b/c I'm severely lactose intolerant. I eat about 3-4 times a day and maybe 1/4 cup which can take me an hour to eat. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the pep talks and guidance and offer of emailing. You must be a life saver to many. You've definitely helped me.

Debra
Posted 3/8/2014 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
Debra-

I am betting the stool is just from what you have eaten. Be prepared for any kind of weird stuff the first fw weeks. Your body is learning it's new design and will have a learning curve for a while.

You are heading into the worst time for the swelling. Warm drinks can help sooth the wrap area too. I do remember how much different I felt from the morning to evening. You can wake up feeling great and all of a sudden feel like crud.

A lot of people put the crushed pills in applesauce too.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 3/9/2014 6:22 AM (GMT 0)
Good Evening,

Well today was quite a bit better. I feel a lump where I'm assuming my esophagus and stomach meet up but not uncomfortable. Still hurts to swallow but nothing like yesterday. Haven't had any solid foods but I an assuming they would hurt. I'm not allowed applesauce or anything like that until I see the surgeon next thurs. Boggles my mind why I cannot have any if this when others go to soft foods within days. I'm allowed the oatmeal but thin. No raw fruit or vegs even pured in smoothies. Limits my intake greatly but it's ok so far. Today was the first time I craved anything else any how.

Back pain gone and shoulder pain greatly reduced. Was able to do more today. Developed a new pain which I'm assuming is my stomach. Gets weird pain under my left ribs in the front. Maybe when my fluids finally gets into my stomach?? Nothing bad though.

Not sure if I'll feel worse b/c I'm only on the beginning of the 2nd week or keep feeling better. Still so so tired. Lay down and just have to close my eyes for cat naps. I never nap normally.

Been enjoying reading some of the threads. This is a great site. Too bad we were not referred here prior to surgery but I could see how it could scare people too.

Debra
Posted 3/9/2014 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
Bill's a gem. Wealth of knowledge.

I'll make a bet the white stool was barium. Surgeons nearly always order a barium swallow the day after a Nissen to make sure there is no leakage, before letting you drink or eat. It stops you up.

Zofran comes as a generic now, still not cheap. Also ask for samples. Lots of GI docs have them. There's a new Donnatal out now. They might have samples of that.

You'll soon get cream of rice and cream of wheat. Not much nutrition but better than nothing. Thicken as tolerated - with doc's permission!

I had several weeks on "full" liquids (clear liquids with milk). I didn't lose weight - just drank a little every hour or less. I was hungry. Forget the commercial drinks. They're full of fructose and useless thickening agents. Might as well chew a vitamin and drink a glass of milk with sugar added. You might be allowed to add whey (milk protein) to your glass of milk. Try to find one that is pretty clean. You don't need the gums or cellulose (thickeners) or a bunch of added vitamins and sweeteners.
Posted 3/9/2014 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Alcie. I didn't have Barium. The only test after the procedure was a stat X-ray and bloodwork when they thought my lung was collapsing. I have to go for an X-ray next thurs prior to seeing the surgeon. Haven't had another BM so not sure if it's still white. Only went the tiny tiny but once since day of surgery. That's 9 days. Seems odd but I don't feel constipated. My tummy is swollen and bloated but thinks that's from the surgery.

I make everything I eat/drink. No commercial products. I'm also lactose intolerant so can't eat most of those products anyhow. I have some back up Special K drinks only. I usually make cashew pudding etc, all raw foods and/or organic. Can't have nuts right now.

Thanks for your info. The hospital tells you to go but the shakes etc too but you are much more informative. Hence the ice and water with a straw I kept getting. Can't take my vitamins right now. I will switch to a liquid form if I am not allowed to start grinding them soon.

Had to wear a bra today's and puts sweats/tights on. Was in a raw foods course for 3 hours today. Wow was that painful. Had to undo my bra. Fought to keep my eyes open. Pain increased the ought while rib and back regions. Should have stayed home. :-/

Lying down and going to take a power nap.

Thanks again
Debra
Posted 3/10/2014 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Debra,

Now here's a great thread that you're working on! You've already gotten lots of great advice, and I second everything!

You've probably already come across this in your perusal of the site, but just in case, here's my early recovery journal:

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

I agree with Bill, that you ought to get some anti-nausea medication and always carry it with you, just in case. I've got the generic Zofran, and Compazine suppositories. The Zofran generic is for mild nausea, and the Compazine is for when I've got full-on nausea/stomach bug, and I wouldn't be able to keep an oral medication down.

The thing is, if you were to get a stomach bug, or have nausea bad enough to retch or vomit, you could do damage to your wrap. This is most critical during the recovery stage, but it is never to good to stress the wrap with repeated vomiting. I carry anti-nausea meds in my purse at all times, just in case. When I travel I bring more along.


I've had 3 stomach bugs in the 5 years after my surgery, and each time I vomited suddenly and unexpectedly...I tried Zofran for one of them, but it didn't stay down long enough to help. The Compazine suppositories worked great to keep me from repeated vomiting, so I stopped after just one vomiting episode. I didn't know if I'd be able to vomit post op, but yup.

So that's my 5 cents worth!
Happy healing,
Denise
Posted 3/10/2014 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I didn't think about pre buying antinausea meds. I'll do that including sips. I am a piker so that was a huge fear for me to have the surgery. I have been able to burp a lot so that helps decrease some nausea. Worries me that I'll get reflux or something is wrong but I've also read in this forum that some people can burp and all is fine. I got Norwalk from work the last 2 years so that and no vomiting is worrisome.

I have read your recovery. You laid it out great. I should do one n/c I notice the stories are limited. I have had a couple unique issues also. Not sure how you returned to work so fast though. I'm still very tired and couldn't imagine working yet. Good job!

Debra
Posted 3/10/2014 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Debra,

I actually ended up staying out of work for 6 weeks. I'd intended on going back half days at two weeks (as a second grade teacher with a teaching assistant), but there were so many viruses going around my classroom that my TA and principal both told me to stay home. By six weeks, I was strong an ready to get back to work.

I recommend staying out as long as you can. This is a challenging recovery, and although it's laparoscopic, so the evidence doesn't show on the outside, you've had MAJOR surgery! Give your body a break! Listen to what it has to say. Your stomach has been stretched and wrapped and stitched...no wonder it's complaining!

Happy healing,
Denise
Posted 3/10/2014 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
I think I agree. My work is quite physical. Doubt a month is enough. I can stay off longer if need be. I also have a chronically sick child who has flared again. I've actually been off work since oct for him. Stayed off for my surgery and now my son again. Time will tell.

Debra
Posted 3/10/2014 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Debra,

I'm so glad you have been posting your concerns. I'm a worry wart and hearing your concerns and the feedback is helping me to know what to expect after surgery (mine is this Thursday). I am also a bit nervous about the nausea. However, I cannot take phenergan or compazine. I'm allergic to both. I have been given some other medicine in the past, but I cannot remember what it is called. Unfortunately, it doesn't help as well for my nausea. I'm hoping for no nausea. I had two surgeries last year for different things (one foot another a biopsy surgery), and I didn't have nausea. I know this time might be different due to the stomach being worked on. I also don't handle pain meds too well without an adequate food intake, so that makes me a tad nervous too. I'm trying not to worry, because what will be will be, and I will be able to handle whatever comes my way.

Again, thank you for your postings. They are helpful.
Posted 3/10/2014 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Uniandra,

Glad my post is helping you. I worried the most about nausea over anything else b/c I'm a piker and I get nauseous a lot. The thought of not being able to throw up again terrifies me. I get violently I'll after anesthetic and pain meds. I prepared them a lot but not enough. I cannot take gravol or stemetil. Maxeran did nothing for me. Ondansetron helped the most. The best was the Decadron. The pain drs gave me that, not the surgeons. It's a strong anti inflammatory but also a steroid and anti nausea. I went on Tylenol, Voltaren ( strong antiinflammatories) n tiny dose OxyContin 5mg IR. Worked great. Not the pain control everyone else gets though. First night I had almost nothing for pain but that was a huge mistake. I couldn't pee b/c of the pain. I had to bear down like giving birth again but that's a huge no no. I had this really really bad student nurse night 1. She was useless. Dr wished they had given me a Catheter to pee instead but too late. Check to see if they have a pain team if drs too to help. They are better than the surgeons at times for that.

I only have maxeran at home but not enough. Going to ask for something different. Have still been using OxyContin but only 2.5mg and very little. Can't swallow pills. Just tried to swallow an Advil this morning and thought I was going to pass out in pain. So can't go bCk to Tylenol or Advil yet. Might buy some liquid ones. Pain pretty good except my mid back and shoulder. It just msgs and nags and drives me crazy. Just need to take the edge off slightly. Melted my Tylenol this more in water. Omg disgusting but got them down at least.

Where are you having your surgery? I definitely have no heartburn and that is absolutely huge to me. Been suffering since early 20's but really really bad for the last 9 yrs. hoping the rest of my issues clear such as the asthma, raspy throat at times, chronic cough, etc. Also decrease my risk of esophageal cancer which terrifies me. Lost too many to that already in my world. My kids have lost many peoe in their life already and they are only 6 & 8. They would not survive losing mommy. They both have chronic conditions too. My 8 ur old was diagnosed with Tourette's a few months back. My 6 yr old we believe has chrohns and other issues. Been sick for 2 yrs. still fighting to find answers for him. He suffers bad reflux already. Got him off meds using apple cider vinegar.

Anyhow I'm off track. Sorry. I was scared for my surgery but was ecstatic to finally get relief. All the pain etc is temporary. Yes I have to alter my life in ways but I'm completely fine with that. I'm happy. Good luck if we don't chat by Thurs. Go in with a positive mind as it sounds like you are. Prepare them the best you can and you're right, whatever happens happens. Wishing you all the best and no nausea.

Debra
Posted 3/10/2014 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
To those who can swallow pills now, how long did it take before you could swallow them? I can take a tint pill but that's it. Tried swallowing an Advil today and wow was that painful. I was losing my mind trying to figure out how to get the pain to stop. Now of course the pain in my back and shoulder are flared this morning.

I melted Tylenol in water and took them that way. No 2nd Advil. That was nasty nasty nasty.

Thanks
Debra
Posted 3/13/2014 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
Had my follow up today. Everything good. Says I may need a dilation but it's too soon to tell. Don't have to go back either unless I have any issues. Graduated to mushy foods and can progress as I can. My hernia was medium in size. I had no idea. The abhorrent artery I had was very large so that is why surgery took so long. They had to cut and dissect around it because otherwise I would have run into problems. It's the main artery feeding my liver.

I have a large concern though. Apparently I can never lift over 10 lbs again. I thought the 10 lbs was during recovery only. No one told me different. My job requires me to lift more. That is tough to adhere to. Carrying groceries, kids, working out......I'm worried. I have been doing yoga for 3 months but now I'm limited in what I can do. I wanted to build my core to help my back. I have a bad back. Been training for a half marathon. Looks like I have to stick to being a cardio junkie. Was hoping to try dirt biking this summer but now my husband says no way. The surgeon said most failed wraps come from people lifting and engaging their diaphragm. No holding breath to exert myself. Caution with ongoing coughing.

I knew I had to alter many things and I'm ok with that. 10 lbs is nothing though. Already contacted my yoga instructor to see how to work around this. What are others doing? How do you do your job?
Posted 3/14/2014 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
Bump :-)
Posted 3/14/2014 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Derba-

I have never heard of being limited to 10lbs after 6 to 8 weeks before. If I had been limited to that I would never have been able to work again. I'm a mechanic. I have routinely lifted well over 100 lbs with no problems. Once everything heals there should be no issues unless you want to be a power lifter.

Even with my torn esophagus repair and 3rd nissen I have no limitations what so ever.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 3/14/2014 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bill. I had not seen this posted anywhere either. How do you live never lifting over 10 lbs. wondering if he feels my wrap will fail and he's cautioning me? Maybe just reading into that too b/c we all seem to worry about a failed wrap.

Can I ask you about Dumping Syndrome. I think I remember reading you had that unless I'm confusing you with another post. I just started mushy foods yesterday but have had very little. I eat and it feels l Ike it's just sitting at my esophagus/ stomach level. I have a lot of gurgling and activity within my stomach and intestines it feels like. I sit here listening to the musical tunes I am creating. I developed mild diarrhea since yesterday too. Is this Dumping Syndrome? I'm not eating sugars or simple carbs. Curious! I expect nothing at this point. Taking it day by day.

Thanks
Debra
Posted 3/14/2014 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Debra,

Dumping Syndrome is a temporary issue that frequently occurs with stomach surgery. When you have full-blown symptoms you also get hypoglycemic symptoms. Generally with a Nissen, though, it's limited to the lovely gurgling symphony followed by some diarrhea.

You are right that it can be brought on by sugary foods and drinks, but it's not limited to that. In my case it seemed to follow wrap irritation. In the early months, it would happen whenever I ate a lot of salad or raw veggies. Fortunately, I never had sudden diarrhea...I just knew that if my stomach started making noise, it would happen at some point.

I continued to get the noise (it was so loud that if I was in a meeting people would offer me food, thinking I was starving!) every once in a while throughout the first year, but it did gradually become less frequent. I figured it would be a quirk I'd always have, but still it was worth it all.

Sometime during the second year post-op I noticed it was no longer happening. That's why I always say that recovery can continue even into the second year!

Happy healing!
Denise
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