Wow..Three years!! It has been a journey of many ups and downs, but I would not trade a day of the ups and downs for life before my Nissen Fundplication. This surgery has given me the ability to live again.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
GUT Health & Our Immune System
Let's talk about GUT Health & Our Immune System...
You are what you Eat and what Lives in your GUT..
It is said that up to 80% of our immune health lives in our GUT (intestinal tract) flora, which plays an crucial role in our overall health. Which is predominantly made up of bacteria meant to aid in digestion, the absorption of nutrients and the ability to fight off diseases. So it goes without saying that if your GUT is out of wack you could run the risk of compromising your health.
One of the first indications of a leaky gut is the rise of food intolerance's. If left unhealed, this can lead to immune abnormalities and eventually autoimmune conditions and other health issues. Some of these include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, depression, migraine headaches, muscle pain and fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, type 1 diabetes, Graves’ disease, colitis, thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, scleroderma, Crohn’s disease and Addison’s disease to name a few.
So what can cause issues in your GUT? are you or have you been antibiotics, do you have a poor diet, eat processed foods, take medications such as NSAID's, do you have stress (don't we all), pollutants & toxins in our environment (out of our control) or this one that I didn't know - drink chlorinated water ??
How can you fix (replace the bad with good) in your GUT?
- Remove the poor quality foods from your diet
- Eat right
- Taking a good ProBiotic (I use ProBio5 with BioCleanse)
- Replace with good supplements multi-vitamin. To better allow the absorption of B12, magnesium and iron
For without a Healthy GUT your immune system can not do it's job properly and your body can be left defenseless. Let's get healthy together!!
Friday, April 3, 2015
Gas Bloat Post Nissen Fundoplication
What is Gas Bloat Syndrome? and how does it Effect me?? and how can I change my diet to help relieve the symptoms???
Gas Bloat Syndrome is an range of complaints due to the inability to vent gas from the stomach to the esophagus post Nissen Fundoplication. The main complaint is bloating but not limited to, it also can include distension, early satiety, nausea, upper abdominal pain, flatulence, inability to belch and the inability to vomit. The cause of this condition is unknown but it has been stated that the following could effect/set off the condition - the inability of the LES to relax (not allowing your body to release the trapped gas in your stomach), Aerophagia, a common habit among patients that suffer(ed) from GERD - which can cause a problem post op as you are no longer able to vent gas, Mouth breathing, Dumping Syndrome and surgical injury to your Vagus Nerve.
To understand what this means, I'm going to break it down for myself and try and figure out how lifestyle changes can help this condition.
Bloating with or with out distension - Here is a good link that explains the condition http://www.iffgd.org/site/manage-your-health/symptoms-causes/bloating-distension
As always check with your doctor as the condition could be caused by something other them just post op complications. Better safe then sorry!!
Satiety - Feeling Full after a meal. Remember the function of your Fundus is to store undigested food and gas released during digestion. See a pattern yet?
Nausea - the excess gas trapped in your stomach can cause nausea
Upper Abdominal Pain - This pain can be the worst..mine sits right on my breast bone and sometimes mimics heartburn.
Flatulence - if you have had a Nissen Fundoplication you know all about this...probably much more then you will ever want to admit.
Inability to belch - I do not suffer from this so I am not able to commit on this topic. Have been able to belch since the procedure. My boys actually taught me how to belch when I was suffering from GERD. Gotta love having three teenage boys!!
Inability to vomit - the number of people who are like what?!? you can't vomit that doesn't make sense. Then the short version of what a NF is and how it works is sure to follow. Have been blessed that this has not been an issue..(knock on wood) I have not had the urge or when i did I relaxed to the best of my ability and the urge passed.
Understanding the Causes:
LES not relaxing the is a given since the surgery is designed to prevent gas stomach acid from backing up into your esophagus..So this one is a given.
Aerophagia/Mouth Breathing - Once this air is in your GI tract any that is not absorbed into the small intestines has to go somewhere. After a NF this generally leads to bloat/abdominal pain.
Dumping Syndrome - please have this checked out - better safe then sorry!!
Vagus Nerve Damage - This is something that I just started researching. Some feel the positioning of the surgeon during the procedure can make a difference if the nerve can be damaged during surgery. Will post on this later when I have more data. SAGES has a lot of information related to vagus nerve injuries and how to prevent.
I believe that increased gas bloat needs to be addressed through a healthy Gut First: How to achieve a Healthy Gut? A good ProBiotic is the first step to healthy gut, exercise and eating vitamin enriched foods.
Good ProBiotics can be found in foods such as: Yogurts, Miso Soup, Sauerkraut (juice), Kefir, Kombucha, Microalgea, pickles, tempeh, kimchi, Poi
The following is a link to products that I have started taking and selling..If you choose please check out this site as my overall Gut health has thanked me. Personally, I am taking the TriPlex Combo & X Factor Vitamin- this includes a good ProBiotic, A cleanse, multi-vitamins and slim to regulate my blood sugar levels.
Pink Mom and Her Three Sons - Click on the link Facebook Page
Pink Mom and Her Three Sons - Click on the link Plexus Page
Please check out my website as it truly has changed my life. Let's get Healthy Together!!
Gas Bloat Syndrome is an range of complaints due to the inability to vent gas from the stomach to the esophagus post Nissen Fundoplication. The main complaint is bloating but not limited to, it also can include distension, early satiety, nausea, upper abdominal pain, flatulence, inability to belch and the inability to vomit. The cause of this condition is unknown but it has been stated that the following could effect/set off the condition - the inability of the LES to relax (not allowing your body to release the trapped gas in your stomach), Aerophagia, a common habit among patients that suffer(ed) from GERD - which can cause a problem post op as you are no longer able to vent gas, Mouth breathing, Dumping Syndrome and surgical injury to your Vagus Nerve.
To understand what this means, I'm going to break it down for myself and try and figure out how lifestyle changes can help this condition.
Bloating with or with out distension - Here is a good link that explains the condition http://www.iffgd.org/site/manage-your-health/symptoms-causes/bloating-distension
As always check with your doctor as the condition could be caused by something other them just post op complications. Better safe then sorry!!
Satiety - Feeling Full after a meal. Remember the function of your Fundus is to store undigested food and gas released during digestion. See a pattern yet?
Nausea - the excess gas trapped in your stomach can cause nausea
Upper Abdominal Pain - This pain can be the worst..mine sits right on my breast bone and sometimes mimics heartburn.
Flatulence - if you have had a Nissen Fundoplication you know all about this...probably much more then you will ever want to admit.
Inability to belch - I do not suffer from this so I am not able to commit on this topic. Have been able to belch since the procedure. My boys actually taught me how to belch when I was suffering from GERD. Gotta love having three teenage boys!!
Inability to vomit - the number of people who are like what?!? you can't vomit that doesn't make sense. Then the short version of what a NF is and how it works is sure to follow. Have been blessed that this has not been an issue..(knock on wood) I have not had the urge or when i did I relaxed to the best of my ability and the urge passed.
Understanding the Causes:
LES not relaxing the is a given since the surgery is designed to prevent gas stomach acid from backing up into your esophagus..So this one is a given.
Aerophagia/Mouth Breathing - Once this air is in your GI tract any that is not absorbed into the small intestines has to go somewhere. After a NF this generally leads to bloat/abdominal pain.
Dumping Syndrome - please have this checked out - better safe then sorry!!
Vagus Nerve Damage - This is something that I just started researching. Some feel the positioning of the surgeon during the procedure can make a difference if the nerve can be damaged during surgery. Will post on this later when I have more data. SAGES has a lot of information related to vagus nerve injuries and how to prevent.
I believe that increased gas bloat needs to be addressed through a healthy Gut First: How to achieve a Healthy Gut? A good ProBiotic is the first step to healthy gut, exercise and eating vitamin enriched foods.
Good ProBiotics can be found in foods such as: Yogurts, Miso Soup, Sauerkraut (juice), Kefir, Kombucha, Microalgea, pickles, tempeh, kimchi, Poi
The following is a link to products that I have started taking and selling..If you choose please check out this site as my overall Gut health has thanked me. Personally, I am taking the TriPlex Combo & X Factor Vitamin- this includes a good ProBiotic, A cleanse, multi-vitamins and slim to regulate my blood sugar levels.
Pink Mom and Her Three Sons - Click on the link Facebook Page
Pink Mom and Her Three Sons - Click on the link Plexus Page
Please check out my website as it truly has changed my life. Let's get Healthy Together!!
Year Two ~ Health, Diet & Exercise
February 2014 ~ Marks Two Years Post Nissen Fundoplication
Let me start off by saying..I should have stayed on smaller portions!!
Personally, I have gained back all the weight that I lost over the past two years. Pretty much like at year one eat and drink what I want..I added soda back into my diet (not recommended - the bloat is not worth it) Went back to work and that was the only thing to drink one day, didn't feel like water I was feeling sluggish and needed caffeine. So soda it was Cherry Coke wish that I had never taken that sip. After adding soda the weight increased and increased, back to my original weight. It wouldn't have been so bad but over the years I had not been putting pressure on my wrap and I was healing fine. Which leads me to my dilation. With the weight gain (almost 35 lbs) and my poor eating habits..I went in for my yearly check up and EGD. My EGD showed that my wrap was intact but to relieve the pressure my GI did a dilation - lower esophageal dilation (LED). This helped in the moment but I worried about the long term effects it could have on my wrap. Never have been one of those people who worry about the integrity of my wrap, having faith that my surgeon knew what he was doing and that he gave my wrap the best chance of surviving. What I've come to realize is that I need to take care of myself in order for my wrap to have the best chance of staying intact.
Notes: No heartburn, No reflux and Gas Bloat still an issue.
Diet: Normal, Eating regular meals
Exercise: Normal could/should do more (fractured my patella so this has been a bit of a setback)
All in All I am so happy to have had this procedure and look forward to my continued health.
Let me start off by saying..I should have stayed on smaller portions!!
Personally, I have gained back all the weight that I lost over the past two years. Pretty much like at year one eat and drink what I want..I added soda back into my diet (not recommended - the bloat is not worth it) Went back to work and that was the only thing to drink one day, didn't feel like water I was feeling sluggish and needed caffeine. So soda it was Cherry Coke wish that I had never taken that sip. After adding soda the weight increased and increased, back to my original weight. It wouldn't have been so bad but over the years I had not been putting pressure on my wrap and I was healing fine. Which leads me to my dilation. With the weight gain (almost 35 lbs) and my poor eating habits..I went in for my yearly check up and EGD. My EGD showed that my wrap was intact but to relieve the pressure my GI did a dilation - lower esophageal dilation (LED). This helped in the moment but I worried about the long term effects it could have on my wrap. Never have been one of those people who worry about the integrity of my wrap, having faith that my surgeon knew what he was doing and that he gave my wrap the best chance of surviving. What I've come to realize is that I need to take care of myself in order for my wrap to have the best chance of staying intact.
Notes: No heartburn, No reflux and Gas Bloat still an issue.
Diet: Normal, Eating regular meals
Exercise: Normal could/should do more (fractured my patella so this has been a bit of a setback)
All in All I am so happy to have had this procedure and look forward to my continued health.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Year One ~ Health, Diet & Exercise
February 24, 2013 ~ Marks one year post op Nissen Fundoplication
As you can see from my previous post there is no need for me to have an EGD as it was completed earlier this month, while in the Hospital. The Results: NO BE (Barrett's Esophagus), my esophagus looks good, my wrap is intact, my stomach issues are slowly going away and my life is returning to normal.
Let me start off with Diet ~ One Year Mark (via my journal - daily intake log)
I'm still eating several small meals a day (breakfast, snack, lunch, shake, dinner and the occasional dessert). I'm pretty much able to eat and drink what I want in moderation.
Example of a daily meal:
Breakfast ~ Fresh Fruit, greek yogurt, granola or english muffin (I've re-introduced bread into my diet - and with this addition I have seen an increase in my gas, bloat and gaining weight) or I have two eggs, fruit and toast.
Snack ~ one of the following: greek yogurt, nuts, fresh fruit (apple, orange - this causes issues sometimes but I live in Indian River County, FL the home of citrus, peaches or fresh berries - pretty much whatever is in season)
Lunch ~ Pretty much whatever my heart tells me I want - well my stomach anyways!
I can eat sandwiches (even Publix Subs), I've tried fast food - my stomach wants it but doesn't thank me after I eat it and Sushi - owe how I've missed you old friend. Probably, my favorite part of healing was being able to each sushi again.
Snack ~ Protein Shake - generally or just a yogurt (I eat lots of greek yogurt -it seems to help my gut)
Dinner ~ "my long lost friend" I cook, love to cook for my boys & husband and this was probably one of the hardest parts of healing. I ate items maybe before I was supposed to.. Well, at a year I can eat pretty much what ever I want. I've enjoyed steak (remember to chew), chicken, pork, fish, pasta, take out - not a fan.
Dessert ~ This is a hard one for me - it appears that sugar is a trigger (it burns my throat at times and makes my ears hurt). I can eat ice cream with a little bit of milk added to the top..yum yum!!
Triggers: I still have issues with tomatoes, onions (raw), foods associated with gas production, sugar
Health: Having trouble regulating my blood sugar - it is always very low, iron deficiency - it is very low even after the transfusion and my energy level declines as the day goes on.
Exercise: I still walk miles a day - love my daily walks along the river what a beautiful sight, I do minimal weight training - less then 10lbs and yoga.
Overall I am so happy that I decided to have this surgery. The side effects are worth the return to Normal and no longer living with GERD.
As you can see from my previous post there is no need for me to have an EGD as it was completed earlier this month, while in the Hospital. The Results: NO BE (Barrett's Esophagus), my esophagus looks good, my wrap is intact, my stomach issues are slowly going away and my life is returning to normal.
Let me start off with Diet ~ One Year Mark (via my journal - daily intake log)
I'm still eating several small meals a day (breakfast, snack, lunch, shake, dinner and the occasional dessert). I'm pretty much able to eat and drink what I want in moderation.
Example of a daily meal:
Breakfast ~ Fresh Fruit, greek yogurt, granola or english muffin (I've re-introduced bread into my diet - and with this addition I have seen an increase in my gas, bloat and gaining weight) or I have two eggs, fruit and toast.
Snack ~ one of the following: greek yogurt, nuts, fresh fruit (apple, orange - this causes issues sometimes but I live in Indian River County, FL the home of citrus, peaches or fresh berries - pretty much whatever is in season)
Lunch ~ Pretty much whatever my heart tells me I want - well my stomach anyways!
I can eat sandwiches (even Publix Subs), I've tried fast food - my stomach wants it but doesn't thank me after I eat it and Sushi - owe how I've missed you old friend. Probably, my favorite part of healing was being able to each sushi again.
Snack ~ Protein Shake - generally or just a yogurt (I eat lots of greek yogurt -it seems to help my gut)
Dinner ~ "my long lost friend" I cook, love to cook for my boys & husband and this was probably one of the hardest parts of healing. I ate items maybe before I was supposed to.. Well, at a year I can eat pretty much what ever I want. I've enjoyed steak (remember to chew), chicken, pork, fish, pasta, take out - not a fan.
Dessert ~ This is a hard one for me - it appears that sugar is a trigger (it burns my throat at times and makes my ears hurt). I can eat ice cream with a little bit of milk added to the top..yum yum!!
Triggers: I still have issues with tomatoes, onions (raw), foods associated with gas production, sugar
Health: Having trouble regulating my blood sugar - it is always very low, iron deficiency - it is very low even after the transfusion and my energy level declines as the day goes on.
Exercise: I still walk miles a day - love my daily walks along the river what a beautiful sight, I do minimal weight training - less then 10lbs and yoga.
Overall I am so happy that I decided to have this surgery. The side effects are worth the return to Normal and no longer living with GERD.
January/February 2013 ~ Almost A Year
January/February 2013, were not friendly months..
Went to the ER extremely dehydrated and suffering from pain in my lower abdomen. The pain scared me as I have read all the horror stories about "Wrap Failures or Slipped Wraps". Sorry for the next couple of sentences - I was having trouble with dumping syndrome, yes this actually a condition and side effect from this operation. It got so bad that I started having pains and became really weak.
Per my journal note: The day was like any other day. I started off eating my normal breakfast of fresh fruits, greek yogurt, granola and a little drizzle of honey - followed by a trip to the restroom. Lunch normal ovengold turkey breast slices, cheese and a bannana - followed by a trip to the restroom. Afternoon snack was normal..you get the point every time I ate or drank anything I had to run to the restroom. This wasn't normal for me, I could eat the foods that I enjoyed, relax after and be normal. My husband said maybe you have the stomach bug. So, I gave it time and after a week of the same routine over & over again and my body feeling like my body had been hit by a Mack Truck I decided to drive myself to the ER. I had never felt so tired, never felt the pain that my stomach was feeling or use the restroom so many times in my life. When I arrived at the ER and explained that I had had a Nissen Fundoplication and Cholecystectomy. Was prepared to once again explain what a Nissen Fundoplication was and why I had the procedure..not this time the doctor that came in the room actually had the procedure as a child (loved picking his brain once the pain mediation kicked in). I was amazed that he had gone so many years with no trouble - this gave me hope!! The ER doctor admitted me because he felt that my pain and symptoms were coming from somewhere, where we had to find out. So the tests began..
CT w/contrast - dislike, ultrasound - easy peasy, blood work bloodwork bloodwork - was very anemic and ended up getting an iron infusion, EGD - showed no Barret's which was amazing news, Colonoscopy - so dislike, was not able to drink everything needed - started causing additional pain - My tests showed no reason for me to be suffering from my symptoms. My spirit was down as I began to believe that it was all in my head..Until the specialist from Miami appeared - he explained that for years I suffered from Silent Reflux and then GERD I'd taken medications not meant for long term use (PPi's), that these medications, the surgeries, the side effects and my overall health were suffering. So at that moment I decided that I was going to eat better and start exercising again..well once I started feeling a little better. I underwent a series of iron infusions which seemed to help once the sickness was gone - not a pleasant experience. He said "It will take over a year to undo the damage your body has caused you over the passed years - Have Faith that you will Be Normal Soon!!"
So After a week in the hospital I was finally home and started to feel this "Normal he spoke of Again"
Went to the ER extremely dehydrated and suffering from pain in my lower abdomen. The pain scared me as I have read all the horror stories about "Wrap Failures or Slipped Wraps". Sorry for the next couple of sentences - I was having trouble with dumping syndrome, yes this actually a condition and side effect from this operation. It got so bad that I started having pains and became really weak.
Per my journal note: The day was like any other day. I started off eating my normal breakfast of fresh fruits, greek yogurt, granola and a little drizzle of honey - followed by a trip to the restroom. Lunch normal ovengold turkey breast slices, cheese and a bannana - followed by a trip to the restroom. Afternoon snack was normal..you get the point every time I ate or drank anything I had to run to the restroom. This wasn't normal for me, I could eat the foods that I enjoyed, relax after and be normal. My husband said maybe you have the stomach bug. So, I gave it time and after a week of the same routine over & over again and my body feeling like my body had been hit by a Mack Truck I decided to drive myself to the ER. I had never felt so tired, never felt the pain that my stomach was feeling or use the restroom so many times in my life. When I arrived at the ER and explained that I had had a Nissen Fundoplication and Cholecystectomy. Was prepared to once again explain what a Nissen Fundoplication was and why I had the procedure..not this time the doctor that came in the room actually had the procedure as a child (loved picking his brain once the pain mediation kicked in). I was amazed that he had gone so many years with no trouble - this gave me hope!! The ER doctor admitted me because he felt that my pain and symptoms were coming from somewhere, where we had to find out. So the tests began..
CT w/contrast - dislike, ultrasound - easy peasy, blood work bloodwork bloodwork - was very anemic and ended up getting an iron infusion, EGD - showed no Barret's which was amazing news, Colonoscopy - so dislike, was not able to drink everything needed - started causing additional pain - My tests showed no reason for me to be suffering from my symptoms. My spirit was down as I began to believe that it was all in my head..Until the specialist from Miami appeared - he explained that for years I suffered from Silent Reflux and then GERD I'd taken medications not meant for long term use (PPi's), that these medications, the surgeries, the side effects and my overall health were suffering. So at that moment I decided that I was going to eat better and start exercising again..well once I started feeling a little better. I underwent a series of iron infusions which seemed to help once the sickness was gone - not a pleasant experience. He said "It will take over a year to undo the damage your body has caused you over the passed years - Have Faith that you will Be Normal Soon!!"
So After a week in the hospital I was finally home and started to feel this "Normal he spoke of Again"
Esophageal Spasms
Esophageal Spasms: What are they and how did I cope with the pain?? (They eventually went away around the one year mark)
What are they - The Mayo Clinic Describes them as painful muscle contractions that affect your esophagus, the hollow tube between your throat and your stomach. Esophageal spasms can feel like sudden, severe chest pain that lasts from a few minutes to hours.
Esophageal spasms usually occur only occasionally. But for some people, the muscle contractions are frequent and can prevent food and liquids from traveling through the esophagus. Esophageal spasms can lead to chronic pain and swallowing problems.
Treatment for occasional esophageal spasms may not be necessary. But if esophageal spasms interfere with your ability to eat or drink, treatments are available.
Well mine did - they interfered with my daily life, the pain was so intense that I eventually went on medication to help control and hopefully prevent the spasms from happening. Help? Yes Prevent? No - well not at first. At around three months post op, I phoned my surgeon and explained that I was experiencing what felt like cotton stuck in my throat, I had sharp radiating pain under my rib cage and I had a hard time catching my breath (He suspected that I was was feel was actually Spasms). So, being the great surgeon that he is he called me in for tests - to be on the safe side..
Diagnosis: Esophageal Spasms and had what appeared to be ulcers on my esophagus
Medications: First we tried Carafate (liquid) this helped with the pain in my esophagus not related to the Spasms but did not help with the Spasms themselves. Next step: Valium, this medication worked to lesson the contractions in my esophagus (let me just say I was so skeptical about taking Valium - when I went to pick the medication up I told the pharmacist "they are for my esophageal spasms" which he replied "yes, that's what it says on the prescription") - I felt so silly!! The Valium really did help..At first I took it regularly as prescribed and then PRN (as needed) when I had a flare up. Tried to lower my stress level, exercise and started drinking Yogi Teas (not selling just stating what worked for me).
Fast Forward to my one year mark: The spasms were all but gone - would occasionally get one if I was extremely tired or over stressed (have only had a handful since my one year mark)
Please check out the following links regarding Esophageal Spasms:
Wendy Ryan's Story - She is a local news anchor who underwent the procedure around the same time I did.
nlm/nih.gov - study Esophageal Spasms
Hope this helps :) and KNOW this to shall pass, as you move forward and heal. A wise person once told me it takes 6 months to year to heal from this surgery & a life time of living.
It's Been So Long
Wow.. It really has been a long time since I've sat down at my computer and wrote down what's going on - Almost Three years since my last post, let me catch you up! I'm going to give it a try (have lots of entries in my journal) and explain what life has been like over the past few years post Nissen Fundoplication. Here it goes!!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Understanding Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus (BE) or intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a change in
the epithelial lining of the esophagus. BE develops as a result of
chronic exposure of the esophagus to refluxed stomach acid, enzymes and
bile.
It occurs when a patient’s lower esophageal sphincter or valve no longer closes properly to prevent acid backwash into the lower esophagus. This results in recurrent mucosal injury. Such injury is accompanied by inflammation, and ultimately a cellular change (metaplasia) to a specialized columnar epithelium.19
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a chronic form of heartburn, which according to a Harvard Medical School Report, affects 10% of Americans on a daily basis.35 Acid related diseases are climbing in severity and they are a growing cause of sleep problems and work absences. This indicates an increasing need for early intervention, prevention and therapeutic services for this and other digestive concerns.
Chronic heartburn, being the leading cause of Barrett’s esophagus,31 is a digestive concern that requires understanding and about which the public should be made more aware, as it is the beginning of a potential progression toward esophageal cancer.32
According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), which published a Medical Position Statement on the Management of
Barrett’s esophagus in March 2011, endoscopic eradication therapy – such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – for patients with confirmed high-grade dysplasia (advanced precancerous cells) is recommended instead of surveillance or immediate esophagectomy.
For patients with confirmed low-grade dysplasia (less advanced precancerous cells), endoscopic eradication therapy is recommended as a therapeutic option, and it should be discussed as such with patients. For patients with non-dysplastic (early precancerous cells) Barrett’s, the AGA states:
It occurs when a patient’s lower esophageal sphincter or valve no longer closes properly to prevent acid backwash into the lower esophagus. This results in recurrent mucosal injury. Such injury is accompanied by inflammation, and ultimately a cellular change (metaplasia) to a specialized columnar epithelium.19
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a chronic form of heartburn, which according to a Harvard Medical School Report, affects 10% of Americans on a daily basis.35 Acid related diseases are climbing in severity and they are a growing cause of sleep problems and work absences. This indicates an increasing need for early intervention, prevention and therapeutic services for this and other digestive concerns.
Chronic heartburn, being the leading cause of Barrett’s esophagus,31 is a digestive concern that requires understanding and about which the public should be made more aware, as it is the beginning of a potential progression toward esophageal cancer.32
According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), which published a Medical Position Statement on the Management of
Barrett’s esophagus in March 2011, endoscopic eradication therapy – such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – for patients with confirmed high-grade dysplasia (advanced precancerous cells) is recommended instead of surveillance or immediate esophagectomy.
For patients with confirmed low-grade dysplasia (less advanced precancerous cells), endoscopic eradication therapy is recommended as a therapeutic option, and it should be discussed as such with patients. For patients with non-dysplastic (early precancerous cells) Barrett’s, the AGA states:
“Although endoscopic eradication therapy
is not suggested for the general population of patients with Barrett’s
esophagus in the absence of dysplasia, we suggest that RFA, with or
without endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), should be a
therapeutic option for select individuals with nondysplastic Barrett’s
esophagus who are judged to be at increased risk for progression to
high-grade dysplasia or cancer.”
The AGA goes on to reinforce the importance of a…
“…shared decision making where the
treating physician and patient together consider whether endoscopic
surveillance or eradication therapy is the preferred management option
for each individual.”
Incidence
- In a study published in 2005, BE’s prevalence was estimated to affect 3.3 million adults over 50 years of age in the United States.3,14,36
- The prevalence of BE in the adult population is 0.4% to 1.3%, although recent reports from gastroenterology-selected populations suggest a higher prevalence.5
Barrett's and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
- From 1975 to 2001, the frequency of esophageal adenocarcinoma rose approximately six fold in the U.S. from four to 23 cases per million people. At the same time, the rate of deaths due to this form of esophageal cancer has grown seven fold, from two to 15 deaths per million people.4
- Patients with Barrett’s esophagus have an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma6 at a rate that is 30 to 125 times higher than patients without this condition.7
- The American Cancer Society estimates that during 2010, approximately 16,640 new esophageal cancer cases were diagnosed.8
- Even with aggressive therapy, the five-year survival rate from adenocarcinoma is only around 17%.8
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Barrett's Esophagus
- Approximately 13% of Caucasian men over age 50 who have chronic reflux will develop Barrett’s esophagus.4
- In a study conducted by the Veteran Affairs Health Care System and Stanford University, 25% of patients over 50 years old without acid reflux symptoms were found to have Barrett’s esophagus.14
- GERD is common in the U.S. adult population. Symptoms of acid reflux, including heartburn, occur:
- Weekly in 18% of U.S. adults16
- Monthly in almost 44% of U.S. adults16
"The presence of Barrett’s esophagus is considered to be the primary risk factor for developing esophageal cancer."
Johnston, et al 2008
http://www.barrx.com/healthcare-professionals/why-treat-barretts-esophagus.php
Very Informative
I came across this power point presentation today when researching a list of doctors recommendations for post op diets. I found it to be informative and answers many questions. Hope it does the same for you. University of Kentucky Medical School
Post op Diet via the web
What the doctors say... Here are just a few links for post op diets
Winchester Surgeons at 83 Memorial Drive · Winchester, TN 37398
Robert A. Catania, MD, FACS with the Department of General Surgery @ the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
NEWTON-WELLESLEY SURGEONS, INC. at 2000 WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 365 in NEWTON, MA 02462
Livestrong website Livestrong website via the web
UCLA Center for Esophageal Disorders
The Harbin Clinic located in Georgia
University Of Virginia
Aaron S. Bransky, MD located at 6309 Preston Road, Suite 1200 Plano, Texas 75024
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
UPMC is Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Living with Reflux website
University of Michigan Health System
For a list of Aurora facilities with a dietitian, please call Aurora Health Care toll free at 888-863-5502.
Winchester Surgeons at 83 Memorial Drive · Winchester, TN 37398
Robert A. Catania, MD, FACS with the Department of General Surgery @ the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
NEWTON-WELLESLEY SURGEONS, INC. at 2000 WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 365 in NEWTON, MA 02462
Livestrong website Livestrong website via the web
UCLA Center for Esophageal Disorders
The Harbin Clinic located in Georgia
University Of Virginia
Aaron S. Bransky, MD located at 6309 Preston Road, Suite 1200 Plano, Texas 75024
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
UPMC is Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Living with Reflux website
University of Michigan Health System
For a list of Aurora facilities with a dietitian, please call Aurora Health Care toll free at 888-863-5502.
What is a Nissen Fundoplication
What is a Nissen fundoplication it is a surgical procedure to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatus hernia. In GERD it is usually performed when medical therapy has failed, but with paraesophageal
hiatus hernia, it is the first-line procedure. The Nissen
fundoplication is total (360°), but partial fundoplications known as
Belsey fundoplication (270° anterior transthoracic), Dor fundoplication
(anterior 180-200°) or Toupet fundoplication (posterior 270°) are also
alternative procedures with somewhat different indications.
Who invented or preformed the first procedure - Dr. Rudolph Nissen (1896–1981) first performed the procedure in 1955 and published the results of two cases in a 1956 Swiss Medical Weekly.[1] In 1961 he published a more detailed overview of the procedure.[2] Nissen originally called the surgery "gastroplication." The procedure has borne his name since it gained popularity in the 1970s.
What type of techniques are used to preform this surgery -In a fundoplication, the gastric fundus (upper part) of the stomach is wrapped, or plicated, around the lower end of the esophagus and stitched in place, reinforcing the closing function of the lower esophageal sphincter. The esophageal hiatus is also narrowed down by sutures to prevent or treat concurrent hiatal hernia, in which the fundus slides up through the enlarged esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm. In a Nissen fundoplication, also called a complete fundoplication, the fundus is wrapped all the way 360 degrees around the esophagus. In contrast, surgery for achalasia is generally accompanied by either a Dor or Toupet partial fundoplication, which is less likely than a Nissen wrap to aggravate the dysphagia that characterizes achalasia. In a Dor (anterior) fundoplication, the fundus is laid over the top of the esophagus; while in a Toupet (posterior) fundoplication, the fundus is wrapped around the back of the esophagus. The procedure is now routinely performed laparoscopically and robotically using the da Vinci Surgery System. When used to alleviate gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in patients with delayed gastric emptying, it is frequently combined with modification of the pylorus via pyloromyotomy or pyloroplasty.
You should feel relief because - Whenever the stomach contracts, it also closes off the esophagus instead of squeezing stomach acids into it. This prevents the reflux of gastric acid (in GERD).
Some complications have been reported such as -Nissen fundoplication is generally considered to be safe and effective, with a mortality rate of less than 1%. Studies have shown that after 10 years, 89.5% of patients are still symptom-free.[4] Complications include "gas bloat syndrome", dysphagia (trouble swallowing), dumping syndrome, excessive scarring, vagus nerve injury, and rarely, achalasia.[5] The fundoplication can also come undone over time in about 5-10% of cases, leading to recurrence of symptoms. If the symptoms warrant a repeat surgery, the surgeon may use Marlex or another form of artificial mesh to strengthen the connection.[6] Postoperative irritable bowel syndrome, which lasts for roughly 2 weeks, is possible. In "gas bloat syndrome", fundoplication can alter the mechanical ability of the stomach to eliminate swallowed air by belching, leading to an accumulation of gas in the stomach or small intestine. Data varies, but some degree of gas-bloat may occur in as many as 41% of Nissen patients; whereas the occurrence is less with patients undergoing partial anterior fundoplication.[7] Gas bloat syndrome is usually self-limiting within 2 to 4 weeks, but in some it may persist. The offending gas may also come from dietary sources (especially carbonated beverages), or involuntary swallowing of air (aerophagia). If postoperative gas-bloat syndrome does not resolve with time, dietary restrictions, and counselling regarding aerophagia; correction may be necessary, either by endoscopic balloon dilatation[citation needed] or repeat surgery to revise the Nissen fundoplication to a partial fundoplication.[7] Vomiting is often difficult or even impossible with a fundoplication. In some cases, the purpose of this operation is to correct excessive vomiting. However, when its purpose is to reduce gastric reflux, difficulty in vomiting may be an undesired outcome. Initially, vomiting is impossible; however, small amounts of vomit may be produced after the wrap settles over time, and in extreme cases such as alcohol poisoning or food poisoning, the patient may be able to vomit freely.
Who invented or preformed the first procedure - Dr. Rudolph Nissen (1896–1981) first performed the procedure in 1955 and published the results of two cases in a 1956 Swiss Medical Weekly.[1] In 1961 he published a more detailed overview of the procedure.[2] Nissen originally called the surgery "gastroplication." The procedure has borne his name since it gained popularity in the 1970s.
What type of techniques are used to preform this surgery -In a fundoplication, the gastric fundus (upper part) of the stomach is wrapped, or plicated, around the lower end of the esophagus and stitched in place, reinforcing the closing function of the lower esophageal sphincter. The esophageal hiatus is also narrowed down by sutures to prevent or treat concurrent hiatal hernia, in which the fundus slides up through the enlarged esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm. In a Nissen fundoplication, also called a complete fundoplication, the fundus is wrapped all the way 360 degrees around the esophagus. In contrast, surgery for achalasia is generally accompanied by either a Dor or Toupet partial fundoplication, which is less likely than a Nissen wrap to aggravate the dysphagia that characterizes achalasia. In a Dor (anterior) fundoplication, the fundus is laid over the top of the esophagus; while in a Toupet (posterior) fundoplication, the fundus is wrapped around the back of the esophagus. The procedure is now routinely performed laparoscopically and robotically using the da Vinci Surgery System. When used to alleviate gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in patients with delayed gastric emptying, it is frequently combined with modification of the pylorus via pyloromyotomy or pyloroplasty.
You should feel relief because - Whenever the stomach contracts, it also closes off the esophagus instead of squeezing stomach acids into it. This prevents the reflux of gastric acid (in GERD).
Some complications have been reported such as -Nissen fundoplication is generally considered to be safe and effective, with a mortality rate of less than 1%. Studies have shown that after 10 years, 89.5% of patients are still symptom-free.[4] Complications include "gas bloat syndrome", dysphagia (trouble swallowing), dumping syndrome, excessive scarring, vagus nerve injury, and rarely, achalasia.[5] The fundoplication can also come undone over time in about 5-10% of cases, leading to recurrence of symptoms. If the symptoms warrant a repeat surgery, the surgeon may use Marlex or another form of artificial mesh to strengthen the connection.[6] Postoperative irritable bowel syndrome, which lasts for roughly 2 weeks, is possible. In "gas bloat syndrome", fundoplication can alter the mechanical ability of the stomach to eliminate swallowed air by belching, leading to an accumulation of gas in the stomach or small intestine. Data varies, but some degree of gas-bloat may occur in as many as 41% of Nissen patients; whereas the occurrence is less with patients undergoing partial anterior fundoplication.[7] Gas bloat syndrome is usually self-limiting within 2 to 4 weeks, but in some it may persist. The offending gas may also come from dietary sources (especially carbonated beverages), or involuntary swallowing of air (aerophagia). If postoperative gas-bloat syndrome does not resolve with time, dietary restrictions, and counselling regarding aerophagia; correction may be necessary, either by endoscopic balloon dilatation[citation needed] or repeat surgery to revise the Nissen fundoplication to a partial fundoplication.[7] Vomiting is often difficult or even impossible with a fundoplication. In some cases, the purpose of this operation is to correct excessive vomiting. However, when its purpose is to reduce gastric reflux, difficulty in vomiting may be an undesired outcome. Initially, vomiting is impossible; however, small amounts of vomit may be produced after the wrap settles over time, and in extreme cases such as alcohol poisoning or food poisoning, the patient may be able to vomit freely.
NF surgery
This is a video uploaded unto YouTube via Tampa General Hospital all rights belong to them. I have watched several videos on this surgery and have found that this one proved to be the most informative. It is a little long at just over an hour. But in reality that is how long the procedure takes. The surgeon and the narrator answer questions during the video of the surgery. Please follow this link to the YouTube site - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa-b1-5SMKw&noredirect=1
Day 34
Today so far has been a really good day. I have tried to introduce some activities that I previously enjoyed back into my daily life. Although I am tired I do not feel that I have overdone it or by any means hurt the outcome of my surgery. Today I have heartburn free and reflux free. I do not believe I will ever be gas free, one can only hope.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Welcome
Just a little note about me; my name is
Jess. I am a 36 year old wife and stay at home mother of three boys. I had a laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication on Friday February 24, 2012.
Several years back I presented in the ER with severe abdominal pain. I was diagnosed with gallstones and sent home by the PA who told me people live with stones for years with no trouble. I promise I will get to the NF part. Back in September I was admitted to the Hospital with severe abdominal pain w/ a history of gallstones. The doctors ordered every test imaginable to tell me I had stone and to almost send me home again. I begged and pleaded with my doctor whom I had never met before; we had just moved to a new area and I had not yet established a new doctor, to please order a surgical consult. It must have been the tears because he did. In walks my angel later that day. My surgeon asked in depth as to what I had been going through for the past several years. He stated he didn’t know if the pain was only from the stones or if there was another underlying issue that needed to be addressed, this was on a Wednesday. He ordered that I have endoscopy done so on Thursday morning I was on my way to discovering my fate. I had already had – x-rays, barium swallow, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, PET scan and some other test down in nuclear medicine what was one more. On the way back up to my room the nurse informed me that they discovered some irregularities and more samples are being sent off to be biopsied. On Friday I was stone free and what I thought to be healed. The test results came back with not so good new…so the past 6 months have been very difficult for me and my family. On a good note my last tests reveals the presence of only Barrett’s Esophagus w/ low grade dysplasia.
Prior to my surgery:
1st issue - See I have always had trouble swallowing even at a young age. My husband says I am the only person he knows that can choke on their own saliva. Which I did all the time, I can have nothing in my mouth and start choking. I choke and cough all the time. I always said it was from cheerleading cause I yelled all the time I must have damaged my throat. I have always felt like I feel like I have a cotton ball stuck in my throat.
2nd issue – this pain in my chest and abdomen, oh my lanta. I have it all the time and it gets worse. I know many others have felt it too. It lasts 15-30 minutes and feels like someone is stabbing me with a knife. I find myself only wearing loose fitting clothes now so that they don’t put pressure on my chest. I have been on acid blockers twice a day (two in the am and two at night) for 3 years with no relief. Until I met my surgeon no one believed that this could be.
3rd issue – this gas... See I was raised by a southern woman and you just don’t have these issues. I literally didn’t know how to burp till I was 25. I never fluffed in front of my husband or anybody else for that matter. Now, I have no control. My kids think it is the grossest thing ever. I am so sorry to right about this – that is enough about that subject you get the point.
My symptoms kept getting worse. So this angel I spoke of earlier my surgeon he just moved to my area and one of his specialties is NF. I did a lot of research online and we decided that this was the best option for me.
So onto more tests and more answers:
My Minometry revealed – my esophagus works overtime - but it works, I can swallow when I shouldn’t be able to, my esophageal sphincter does not work properly and to top it off I have a hiatal hernia.
Surgery Day - February 24, 2012 - Today is the day.. I am a little scared as I have been reading up on this procedure for what seems like forever. Kids up and off to school and I'm showered and dressed, off we go. 10:30ish I am in the pre-op room speaking with the nurses and my family (dad & step mom and hubby are all here) time to go to the next staging/ holding room as I call it. Kisses and hugs and here I go.. all the reading up is about to come true for me. It all happened so quick...In walks my anesthesiologist - hello I'm going to start a arterial line do to the position you will be in during the surgery. Just to make sure we have accurate readings.."ok"..line in, meds for my anxiety in and away I go..Operating Room - Everyone introduces themselves and I move over to the table and He says goodnight..Post-op; I don't see anything familiar to me, it's not the same as last time there is a lot more craziness going on. The nurse is talking to me but I don't see anything familiar. Wait I see "s" I always see him as I'm waking up. I'm ok I ask him to please tell someone that I'm ok and I made it through. He smiles - I think he thinks I'm crazy. The next thing I remember is being in my room with my family, my mom is here now. The pain is not that bad, I can handle this. My family and friends come and go I'm still a little groggy and not to sure whats going on. I know I should get up, my brother helps me up and to walk to the bathroom - no luck what is going on. Shift change a it's around 11 pm. What a crazy day...I can feel the pain and It hurts.. night shift is understaffed and not very friendly. They don't understand why I don't feel good. Ouch!!! I try to get myself up and i must have pulled something this new pain on my right side is killing me..push the call light no answer. I am so uncomfortable..stop it you just got out of surgery don't try and over so it. Push the call light again, he gets me up and I'm unable to use the restroom again. I'm in so much pain. Please send in the nurse - two hour past and no nurse, call light again - no nurse, call light again it's 5 am and I haven't been able to sleep. In walks another nurse from the floor - why do you keep pushing your call light your nurse is busy with other patients. I'm in pain and I haven't been able to urinate I tell her. She tells me that I am wrong and I have urinated 2 times. I thing I would know I tell her. So she does and ultrasound sure enough I have 600+cc's - me I told you so. Next time please listen to me. The next morning my nurse was great, she floated from another floor. She got me up and walking around, cleaned up and catheter out. It's a waiting game I have to pee on my own and she will send me home. It was all in my head I couldn't pee over the hat, once I removed it relief. It took me a couple of days to be able to use the restroom normally.
Recovery Begins: February 25, 2012 - released from the hospital and one my way home. When I got home my amazing husband had bought me my recliner (with heat and massage) What an amazing chair I spent almost all of my time in it. It hurts to walk upright these days. My pain is mostly gas pain, I think. My belly is tender and is in some pain. I am taking 2 - oxycodone 5 mg for pain every 4 hours. I have to crush the meds as I am unable to swallow any pills. I took my meds with a little bit of applesauce this seems to not bother my stomach. For the next few days I am in quite a bit of pain and having trouble sleeping. My pain level is about a 5 on a scale of 1-10.
Follow up: My doctor says everything looks good and my sites are healing nicely. Just a couple of little scars. I mention my pain on the right side it feels like I have pulled a muscle. He says it might be from him. But, I remember when I pulled it in the hospital so that ones on me. Other then that NO pain and things are looking good. No heartburn, no reflux and no cancer. Life is good...
Just a little Scare: The pain on my right side continues and my doctor sends me for a stat CT scan. Please let your doctor know if there is any change in your pain level or if new pain arises. He thought I might have a blood clot..I don't better safe then sorry. Not fun trying to drink the contrast 16 oz I have only been able to take in about 6 oz at a time.
Activities: Things are not back to normal yet. I am trying my best to do things that I did before. No lifting over 10 lbs, walking a little it still hurts my side and I get tired real easy.
Diet: Please see my page on my diet
Several years back I presented in the ER with severe abdominal pain. I was diagnosed with gallstones and sent home by the PA who told me people live with stones for years with no trouble. I promise I will get to the NF part. Back in September I was admitted to the Hospital with severe abdominal pain w/ a history of gallstones. The doctors ordered every test imaginable to tell me I had stone and to almost send me home again. I begged and pleaded with my doctor whom I had never met before; we had just moved to a new area and I had not yet established a new doctor, to please order a surgical consult. It must have been the tears because he did. In walks my angel later that day. My surgeon asked in depth as to what I had been going through for the past several years. He stated he didn’t know if the pain was only from the stones or if there was another underlying issue that needed to be addressed, this was on a Wednesday. He ordered that I have endoscopy done so on Thursday morning I was on my way to discovering my fate. I had already had – x-rays, barium swallow, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, PET scan and some other test down in nuclear medicine what was one more. On the way back up to my room the nurse informed me that they discovered some irregularities and more samples are being sent off to be biopsied. On Friday I was stone free and what I thought to be healed. The test results came back with not so good new…so the past 6 months have been very difficult for me and my family. On a good note my last tests reveals the presence of only Barrett’s Esophagus w/ low grade dysplasia.
Prior to my surgery:
1st issue - See I have always had trouble swallowing even at a young age. My husband says I am the only person he knows that can choke on their own saliva. Which I did all the time, I can have nothing in my mouth and start choking. I choke and cough all the time. I always said it was from cheerleading cause I yelled all the time I must have damaged my throat. I have always felt like I feel like I have a cotton ball stuck in my throat.
2nd issue – this pain in my chest and abdomen, oh my lanta. I have it all the time and it gets worse. I know many others have felt it too. It lasts 15-30 minutes and feels like someone is stabbing me with a knife. I find myself only wearing loose fitting clothes now so that they don’t put pressure on my chest. I have been on acid blockers twice a day (two in the am and two at night) for 3 years with no relief. Until I met my surgeon no one believed that this could be.
3rd issue – this gas... See I was raised by a southern woman and you just don’t have these issues. I literally didn’t know how to burp till I was 25. I never fluffed in front of my husband or anybody else for that matter. Now, I have no control. My kids think it is the grossest thing ever. I am so sorry to right about this – that is enough about that subject you get the point.
My symptoms kept getting worse. So this angel I spoke of earlier my surgeon he just moved to my area and one of his specialties is NF. I did a lot of research online and we decided that this was the best option for me.
So onto more tests and more answers:
My Minometry revealed – my esophagus works overtime - but it works, I can swallow when I shouldn’t be able to, my esophageal sphincter does not work properly and to top it off I have a hiatal hernia.
Surgery Day - February 24, 2012 - Today is the day.. I am a little scared as I have been reading up on this procedure for what seems like forever. Kids up and off to school and I'm showered and dressed, off we go. 10:30ish I am in the pre-op room speaking with the nurses and my family (dad & step mom and hubby are all here) time to go to the next staging/ holding room as I call it. Kisses and hugs and here I go.. all the reading up is about to come true for me. It all happened so quick...In walks my anesthesiologist - hello I'm going to start a arterial line do to the position you will be in during the surgery. Just to make sure we have accurate readings.."ok"..line in, meds for my anxiety in and away I go..Operating Room - Everyone introduces themselves and I move over to the table and He says goodnight..Post-op; I don't see anything familiar to me, it's not the same as last time there is a lot more craziness going on. The nurse is talking to me but I don't see anything familiar. Wait I see "s" I always see him as I'm waking up. I'm ok I ask him to please tell someone that I'm ok and I made it through. He smiles - I think he thinks I'm crazy. The next thing I remember is being in my room with my family, my mom is here now. The pain is not that bad, I can handle this. My family and friends come and go I'm still a little groggy and not to sure whats going on. I know I should get up, my brother helps me up and to walk to the bathroom - no luck what is going on. Shift change a it's around 11 pm. What a crazy day...I can feel the pain and It hurts.. night shift is understaffed and not very friendly. They don't understand why I don't feel good. Ouch!!! I try to get myself up and i must have pulled something this new pain on my right side is killing me..push the call light no answer. I am so uncomfortable..stop it you just got out of surgery don't try and over so it. Push the call light again, he gets me up and I'm unable to use the restroom again. I'm in so much pain. Please send in the nurse - two hour past and no nurse, call light again - no nurse, call light again it's 5 am and I haven't been able to sleep. In walks another nurse from the floor - why do you keep pushing your call light your nurse is busy with other patients. I'm in pain and I haven't been able to urinate I tell her. She tells me that I am wrong and I have urinated 2 times. I thing I would know I tell her. So she does and ultrasound sure enough I have 600+cc's - me I told you so. Next time please listen to me. The next morning my nurse was great, she floated from another floor. She got me up and walking around, cleaned up and catheter out. It's a waiting game I have to pee on my own and she will send me home. It was all in my head I couldn't pee over the hat, once I removed it relief. It took me a couple of days to be able to use the restroom normally. Recovery Begins: February 25, 2012 - released from the hospital and one my way home. When I got home my amazing husband had bought me my recliner (with heat and massage) What an amazing chair I spent almost all of my time in it. It hurts to walk upright these days. My pain is mostly gas pain, I think. My belly is tender and is in some pain. I am taking 2 - oxycodone 5 mg for pain every 4 hours. I have to crush the meds as I am unable to swallow any pills. I took my meds with a little bit of applesauce this seems to not bother my stomach. For the next few days I am in quite a bit of pain and having trouble sleeping. My pain level is about a 5 on a scale of 1-10.
Follow up: My doctor says everything looks good and my sites are healing nicely. Just a couple of little scars. I mention my pain on the right side it feels like I have pulled a muscle. He says it might be from him. But, I remember when I pulled it in the hospital so that ones on me. Other then that NO pain and things are looking good. No heartburn, no reflux and no cancer. Life is good...
Just a little Scare: The pain on my right side continues and my doctor sends me for a stat CT scan. Please let your doctor know if there is any change in your pain level or if new pain arises. He thought I might have a blood clot..I don't better safe then sorry. Not fun trying to drink the contrast 16 oz I have only been able to take in about 6 oz at a time.
Activities: Things are not back to normal yet. I am trying my best to do things that I did before. No lifting over 10 lbs, walking a little it still hurts my side and I get tired real easy.
Diet: Please see my page on my diet
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