2 days post Nissen

Noordwyk

New Member

Joined : Aug 2014

Posts : 8

Posted 10/27/2014 12:18 PM (GMT 0)

Had laparoscopic nissen fundiplication and hiatus hernia repair on Saturday. Had to stay in overnight because I was feeling really weak and dizzy, especially after they removed the drain which was really uncomfortable. Feeling very tender today, worse than yesterday, difficult to lie down and sit up. No problems swallowing, that's the bit that still feels quite normal! Drinking apple juice and bouillon but small sips as get full really quickly. Not sure how long I should continue to take Omeprazole, surgeon did come and talk to me afterwards but I didn't take in what he was saying, will have to ring his secretary. Have to see him in 6 weeks time. Visit to GP surgery tomorrow so nurse can check my wounds. Hope this works have been taking Omeprazole for 10 years and suffered for 13 years before that with really bad reflux. pH Manometry score of 64 is no joke!

dencha

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2009

Posts : 7263

Posted 10/28/2014 1:00 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Noordwyk,

Welcome to the Healing Well

Wrapped Club!

Glad you've joined the forum!

I always found it was more comfortable to lie with my head elevated. I kept my elevated bed and added my wedge. It just seemed more comfortable in the beginning. I also propped with my wedge and pillows on the couch, rather than lay flat. I didn't have a reclining chair, but they're very popular during recovery.

The reason you fill up quickly is that the fundus of the stomach is the part that communicates fullness to the brain. It is swollen, and that swelling is communicated to the brain as fullness. This gradually resolves as swelling decreases.

Keep in mind that your wrap will become increasingly more swollen during the first two weeks or so, with some variations due to individual differences. My surgeon warned me that my swallowing would get worse before it got better. Some people seem to get through recovery without a lot of swelling issues, but there is a continuum, and some become swollen enough to cause difficulty getting food/liquids down. Most are somewhere in the middle.

Some surgeons have their patients go off PPIs immediately, while others prefer to keep their patients on them to protect the healing wrap. When it is swollen, the wrap can become misshapen and have more difficulty keeping reflux at bay. If you continue your PPIs for a couple more months, it can make your recovery more comfortable. That's a decision between you and your doctor, but keep in mind that no matter what they tell you to do, you can listen to your body and decide to take the PPIs a little longer if you're having discomfort.

I don't know if you've looked into the Resources section, but in case you missed it, here's my early recovery journal. It'll give you a feel for what one person's recovery looked like:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

If you can surrender into your recovery, and give your body the permission it needs to heal in its own sweet time, it'll help you create a more positive experience. Go with the flow, and follow your recovery's lead. It takes a full six months for most of the healing and a year for the rest. I found improvements even into the second year. Patience!

Glad you've joined the forum!
Best wishes,
Denise

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