Hi Jason,
I posted this response on another thread, but I'll post it here as well:I know it's scary to get reflux symptoms after going through surgery. Pretty much everyone during the first few weeks of recovery is fearful that their symptoms are indicative of a failed wrap surgery.
Please don't worry! My surgeon explained that the esophagus is a "dumb organ" and it interprets all pain as reflux. He also said that in the beginning the wrap can be swollen and misshapen, and can let through some acid. This will resolve with healing.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your wrap will become increasingly more swollen during the first two weeks or so, generally peaking on or about
the 2 week mark or a little later. My surgeon warned me that my swallowing would get worse before it got better. It can also cause chest pain at the surgical site. That was a fact!
This recovery takes six months for most of the healing and a year for the rest. At six days, you are at the very roughest part of recovery. I don't know if you ran into my early recovery journal, but just in case, here it is. It might provide you with a little information that might be helpful:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443 Hang in there! It gets better! It'll all be worth it in the end. Remember that although your outsides don't show it with those tiny incisions, your insides have undergone MAJOR surgery and your upper GI tract has been significantly revised. It has been very traumatic to your esophagus and stomach, so give it time to adjust!
I will add this...At night, pain is magnified. Are you taking your pain medications still? You might be able to do without them during the day, but nighttime will need them longer. Have you tried sleeping in an elevated position? I found that to be much more comfortable during my recovery. It might help with the pain.
I'll be interested in hearing what your see on the barium swallow. Good luck!
Hang in there!
Happy healing,
Denise