Cricopharngeal Myotomy post-op

I had my laprascopic surgery on December 10, 2008 at a large university based medical center.  I was discharged on December 13th.  The surgery itself only took about 45 minutes to perform.  I thought the sore throat and swelling inside was going to be much worse, similar to strep throat only worse, but it wasn't.  It did hurt and pain medication was given when I asked (Dilaudid every 3 hours if I wanted it).  I didn't ask for it often. I just wanted to rest through the night mostly.  I do have 4 bulging disks in my neck and congential spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) so when they hyperextended my neck in surgery, I was forewarned that I would have neck pain.  I did!  But, I'm on my 8th day now I can say, "All is well" and I have NO regrets about consenting to the surgery. 

During the last 7 days I had some difficulty swallowing and a few scary moments when the food and fluids started to go down the airway.  I'm eating my usual food.  I presently have NO pain and cannot believe I have lived with dysphagia for so long and had forgotten what it is like to be able to swallow with ease. 

Now...if only my Nissen Fundoplication surgery in January 2009 goes as well as this surgery, I will be in good shape.  I had to get my swallowing problem resolved before I am allowed to have the severe GERD surgically repaired.  Hopefully, with open conversations and good preparation by the surgeon and me we can address all my special needs ( I have a brain disease), I think I can get through the Nissen surgery too with no complications. 

Any questions?  Ask and I will try to answer to the best of my knowledge.  Share or tell us all your story too. 

God Bless All of You,

Gloria (a.k.a. Hummerlady54)