Lisa,
No, I haven't had a C-section. However, I have had other abdominal surgeries where they pumped in the gas during the procedure. Each time was a bit different just like each procedure was a bit different. It's possible that you're going to have a different reaction for this surgery than the c-section because the situation and also the staff working on you will be different.
I'm assuming that after the c-section you laid down alot. If you were nursing, they may have been careful about
what pain meds they gave you before you finally got the vicodin. After the Nissen if you can sit up and walk around a bit, you'll be able to get rid of the gas pockets easier than if you don't move and lay down. Plus you'll have stong pain killers right from the start - some of us had vicodin in the hospital and I had morphine.
Talk to your surgeon and tell them about
your last experience. He/she may be able to tell you if they use more or less gas this time and what the difference is between the two procedures when it comes to how much CO2 they pump in. You're going to be uncomfortable with gas no matter what once you get home, but the end result is worth it. Some pain now is worth the relief of not having that acid wash over your bronchi and vocal cords.
The details of our recoveries should reassure you that each person is different. You may have some problems or you may sail right through - but that's the same no matter what you do in life. If you read the section entitled "post op laproscopic nissen/hiatal hernia repair" parts 1 and 2, you will see that all of us are glad we did the surgery and some can't wait to join the club and get it done. Don't be nervous after reading about
our ups and downs - be confident that you are well-informed, have an idea what to expect and a few ideas of how to handle some of the situations that may arise, and then take any questions you still have to your surgeon. We didn't post to scare anyone, we posted to let others know as much as we could about
what to expect. Now, no more negative thinking - it's positive thinking for you from this point forward.
Post Edited (HappilyWrapped) : 11/14/2007 5:35:48 PM (GMT-7)