Post-Fundoplication LPR

  • Thread starter Thread starter ScarletJ
  • Start date Start date
S

ScarletJ

Guest
This is my first post here. Glad to have found this board as it seems to have some pretty knowledgeable folks on here.

Here's my story:
I had a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication 5 weeks ago. I'm healing up well and the swallowing/eating is getting easier every day. However, my symptoms returned with a vengeance about 2 weeks after the surgery. I now have my usual LPR symptoms: constant hoarseness, post-nasal drip, globus. In addition, I also now have the feeling that acid is aspirating into my lungs. Overall, my LPR symptoms are WAY WORSE than they were prior to the surgery, plus I have a new symptom. I understand this makes no sense, but it is unfortunately true. Has anyone had a similar experience to me? Is it normal for LPR to get worse before it gets better post-surgery?

I thank you for your responses in advance.
 
I had my NF about 1 1/2 years ago. It has been just in the last couple months that I've started having possible symptoms again.

I will share with you some of what I learned during my recovery. It will take about 3 months for the swelling in your stomach to totally recede. In the meantime, your stomach may be "angry" at you. Kind of a wierd analagy, but it was what my GI doc told me to help me understand when I was having issues as I recovered. While it is rough that you are having symptoms so bad, it may take longer for you to heal.

Did your doctor take you off of PPI's after surgery. I was on twice per day both before and after the surgery. In fact, I never went off of PPI's. I think that helped me.

What kind of diet are you on? I was on clear liquiRAB the first week, other liquiRAB the second week and only soft food for the next several weeks. I didn't add meat or bread back into my diet until about 3 months post-surgery. They don't break down when you chew and swallow and they can become lodged above the wrap. Very uncomfortable. I still can't do angel food cake.

Good luck. Hope you start feeling better.
 
Mountain,

Thanks for your response. I am indeed still on PPI: Aciphex 40mg BID + 300mg Zantac at bedtime. I, too, was on liquiRAB in the beginning, though I moved to softer fooRAB sooner than you did. I feel like I'm improving on that end, but I'm still sticking with softer fooRAB. I find that what I describe as "wet fooRAB", fooRAB with lots of liquidy sauce like mac & cheese, and fettuccine alfredo help a lot in terms of being able to get them down. That's where I am right now. Still on the Ensure in between meals though (yuck!), but I'm so tired of them. I did rush things a bit too fast earlier on and got into trouble. Boy, does it hurt when things get stuck at the wrap! I've learned my lesson though and am very careful to pace myself, both in texture and volume.

I understand that the healing may still take more time, so I guess I'll just have to be patient and hope that things improve over the next couple of months (it's not like I have much choice, right?) It's just strange to me that my symptoms would get worse post-surgery, rather than stabilize or improve. Anyway, I'll check in periodically and keep you updated on my progress (let's hope there is some). Keep well.

Cheers,
J
 
My NF was about 5 yrs. ago and I never had any dietary restrictions
with the exception of carbonated beverages and alcohol (which relaxes the
sphincter). There is another procedure that I bypassed; it involves putting
some 'stitches' in the back of the throat to stop the reflux symptoms.My GI
claims he developed this approach and I'm inclined to believe him. My main
issues with the LPR now are major problems with PND. At the present, I'm
managing it with a Sinus lavage that has Gentimicin; I do this 3 times a day
and things have greatly improved. I love this message board because it
allows (and encourages) me to count my blessings! Hope this helps.
 
I am new and need some info... I had hiatal hernia/ reflux surgery two weeks ago... I am still having trouble just choking down soup... Has anyone else had this trouble??? My doc says that it is just going to take time to get over this... But he also told me I should be able to eat baked potatos and scrarabled eggs but they refuse to go down..... How much longer will it be before I am able to eat regularly??? I know every person gets over surgery diffrently but a little insight would be nice....I am also having trouble ( yes I know this is gross but would like to know if anyone else experienced this) burping up foamy stuff it is almost like spit but it is extremely foamy...any ideas what that can be???? I am thinking that I would have been better off just suffering the reflux??? :(:(:(
 
I, too had surgery 5 wks ago and experienced multiple bouts of pain. Dr put me on GAS X and oral suspension (dissolves on tongue) Prescription Previcid. I am cautiously optimistic and very careful not to overeat.
 
I, too had surgery 5 wks ago which included a patch. I was told recovery would take 2 wks. After being on a liquid diet for one week (swallowing was difficult) I started adding soft food which was difficult to swallow. Last wk I saw the DR for pain and was told it wasn't GERD and my esphogous was inflammed and told me to use GAS X and prescription Previcid tabs that dissolve on the tongue. I hope time will be on my side and yours.

got to be kiddi:dizzy:
 
Back
Top