I finally had my surgery on Thursday, August 23rd. It was scheduled pretty quickly after the results of my last tests. The projected time frame to complete the surgery was approximately 2-2 1/2 hours, but it ended up taking 4 1/2 hours due to the fact that there was extra fatty tissue around my esophagus. This also resulted in a 6th incision, whereas it is normally only 5.
I was in the recovery room for about an hour, then moved to a room overnight. I was on liquid morphine for pain, which was administered by a push button. The first night was rather painful, and it was difficult to get comfortable, but the pain I felt was from the incisions, my heartburn was GONE! For the first time since I can remember, the constant fire in my chest was no longer burning. The nurses were in and out through the night administering Reglan and Torredol. I experienced little nausea and little bloating.
They did a few x-rays of my chest and stomach area, and had me swallow the aweful tasting contrast, followed by a barium swallow to make sure all looked well and there were no leaks. The barium wasn't bad at all, considering I was very thirsty, but not able to have anything to drink until all was clear. I was able to order jello, chicken broth and grape juice a little later. I didn't have any trouble swallowing and the jello was great dispite the fact I don't normally care for it.
I was able to leave the hospital 33 hours after surgery. I came home with 2 large bottles of medication, liquid Oxycodone every 3 hours for pain and Reglan every 6 hours for nausea and reduction of swelling and acid. I have 6 dressings covering my wounds, but am able to shower as long as the water is not pouring directly on the dressings.
I was up at 6am eating breakfast for the first time in 20 years without getting sick! I woke up without gagging and vomiting! Even my skin tone has changed now that my body is not in a constant state of toxicity from the acid. I love to drink water, now that it doesn't just leave an aweful taste in my mouth due to lingering acid in my mouth. I knew my reflux was severe, but really didn't realize how many areas of my life it affected. It's like I've gotten rid of some old baggage and can now move on with my life!
I have been eating a full/blended diet which I will remain on for 2 weeks, consisting of Gerber rice cereal with bananas (mixed very thin with milk and it's even great cold), a variety of baby foods, yogurt, mashed potatoes, beef broth (but even a little better, Campbell's Beef Consomme')
If you're considering having the surgery I would recommend getting a Magic Bullet and using it. It's coming in very handy for making smoothies and pureeing creamy soups (like cream of potato.)
