3/19 - Laporoscopic Nissen Fundoplication paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Hello!

I just had surgery on 3/19. I can burp, pass gass and eat small amounts of soft foods....so far so good. I am VERY bloated. Reading over all of your posts tells me that this is common!! I'm glad to know this. Haven't taken any meds for pain during the day today but I might tonight....depends on how bad the gas pains are.

My first symptoms were not GERD but pain under first in the front under my right ribs and then slowly moved over to the other side. I met with a surgeon to plan to take out my gall bladder but he just didn't feel there were enough symptoms to point directly to gall bladder so he ordered a CT scan and saw a Giant Paraesophageal Hiatal hernia....I didn't have GERD symptoms until about two weeks before surgery and certainly the last week before surgery. This diet that I am on is very similar to the one I was on before the surgery except it will now improve over the next few weeks. I would like to feel better soon, however, it appears that this healing is will be much longer than we were all told. The most uncomfortable part so far was the gas pains in my shoulders......that was yesterday and I was not happy......today that seems much better. The pain medications caused constipation so that is now taken care of as well and that sure helps!

I had knee surgery a few years ago and that took more than a full year to recover from so, I guess I can do that again, if that's what has to happen......take care everyone!

Thank you for sharing! My surgery is Coming up on Tuesday! It does help to hear your experiences.

Hi MichelleDenyse,

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! Glad to hear you're doing well! If you continue to get the shoulder pain, walk. Walking really helps relieve it. Give it a try!

You're right that pain meds stop being necessary during the day pretty early on, but at night pain seems to be much more noticeable, so taking he meds really helps you sleep.

Be sure to stay away from straws, as they introduce more air into your stomach and increase bloating. The same thing occurs with carbonated drinks, so steer clear. Also, no gas-producing foods. Once you get to the point where you're eating a more varied diet and coming across more gassy foods, try BEANO. It worked well for me. You'll need it more in the beginning.

Also, keep in mind that your wrap is becoming increasingly more swollen over the first two or three weeks, peaking at somewhere around the 14+ day point. My surgeon warned me that my swallowing would get worse before it gets better. The swelling can also cause pain and discomfort at the wrap site.

Your large hernia may slow your healing some, but it sounds as if you've got a really good attitude. If you can surrender to your recovery and follow its lead, you'll do just fine. This recovery takes six months for most of the healing and a year for the rest. (You were right about the year mark. I think it's pretty consistent with all surgeries.) Listen to your body and follow its lead. You can't rush the recovery no matter how much you wish you could. Let your body heal in its own sweet time! If you can do that, you'll find it much easier!

Glad you've joined the forum! It's a great place to get support and information from others who've "been there, done that!"

Happy healing!
Denise

Hello again,

Day 6 post surgery.......I think I'm doing well considering everything that my body has been through. I am only taking pain meds at night and am having some trouble sleeping......because I'm drinking so much water my bladder is working overtime!!

I am also having a hard time maintaining my body temperature. First I'm freezing cold and then I am sweating to death.......truthfully, I am also 'at that age' but these night sweats have not been a problem for a while.......I know my body has been through a lot and this could be part of it.......any thoughts are helpful!

So, today, I decided that I wanted to do an errand and drove to the grocery store literally 10 minutes away. Also decided while I was out that I would go to the post office across town bring my mail because I wouldn't have to get out of the car........I was out less than an hour.......OMG!! I felt so weak! The walking helped with some of the gas but wow! I am exhausted! I normally have a very active life, go to the gym, ride my bike, etc. NOT TODAY! Otherwise, I'm feeling ok. Some minor discomfort on my left side near my ribs that moves around so I'm guessing gas. Sometimes I actually feel like I'm pre-surgery until I take a drink of water or try to eat. The challenge now, I think is learning to live with it and the long recovery........grateful that I made a lot of soup ahead of time. I may try mashed up hard boiled eggs soon, and maybe spinach!!!

I do not regret for a minute having the surgery because chronic suffering is not my thing!

Good luck everyone!

MichelleDenyse