suggestions

Hello all,
It's been about a week since I have been on due to surgery and travel. Thanks to everybody for the kinds words and encouragement.

Now that I'm home, I am having an issue that I would like to get other peoples thoughts on.

Two things- first I have a "fullness" that is in my chest all of the time that I can't seem to get rid of. I try to constantly sip on something but at times I don't think I can take another drink. Along with that "fullness" is a heartburn feeling, did anybody else experience that and any suggestions to alleviate this feeling?

Second- I have been unable to sleep through the night since surgery. I wake up 3-4 times a night and need to get up for at least a half hour to drink some fluids and then have difficulty going back to sleep. I think laying flat is causing discomfort and sitting up is helping. Thoughts/suggestions on this would also be appreciated.

Anne

Good morning Anne,

Unfortunately I did not have the fullness, but you know, my surgeon prescribed Prilosec for me on day 1, it helped with the heartburn.  I don't have it anymore.  I too was up 4-5 times a night thirsty, so I bought a Camelback drinking cup that I keep in bed with me still.  I did not sleep in my bed at first. I slept in the recliner and it took a lot of pressure off the stitches. When I did move to the bed I slept with a hard pillow behind my back, a firm one in front of my stomach and a medium one between my knees.  So I slept on my side, if I went on my back, I had to create a wedge with the pillows to elevate my torso and then put 2 pillows under my knees.  Hope this helps. 

So glad that you are home and recovering!  Take care.

Anne, I had that same feeling of fullness after surgery. It's gotten much better in the four weeks since then, and I don't notice it at all now unless I take too many swallows of water or liquids. I think it's just a reaction to the rearrangement of your anatomy, and that it will go away in time. It may also be helping that I'm on Protonix, does your surgeon have you taking a PPI or anything similar?

As far as sleeping, I slept in a recliner for the first few nights at home. It was much more comfortable than lying down. After about a week I was able to lie on my side, though, and now I can sleep in any position I want to without any discomfort. If you're thirsty, by all means drink something, but consider putting a bunch of pillows in bed to keep your head elevated or sleeping in an actual recliner for a few more days.

It sounds like you're actually doing well, considering your surgery was just a few days ago! I hope you continue to feel better.

I had the fullness for a few days. My Dr said it was acid reflux and said to continue the PPI. I actually bought OTC pepcid because it was chew-able. Also remember you just had surgery so you are still swollen and everything is not where it should be.Depending on how tight your dr sewed your stomach you may need to be easier until the swelling goes away.

I didn't have a hard time sleeping. But I too got up several times to drink. Its a good thing that your body wants the fluids. When I slept I slept on my side. Lots of pillows and one under my tummy for support. It was best if I laid on my right side. I felt there was more support on that side. It was like being pregnant again. I am not usually a back sleeper so I felt like I couldn't breathe. I can say to use a lot of pillows comforters and whatever you can to prop you up. Good luck!!!

 

Shannon