Dizzy, pain & problems after Nissen Fundoplication

Hi. 

I had my Nissen Fundoplication only 3 weeks ago. My first week & a half was as expected with relatively mild stomach pain and I felt recovery was great. Even swallowing got better but I still gurgle in my diaphragm area like a blocked drain with baby burps but sometimes I have a crushing chest pain where I feel I can’t breathe for a few seconds. Im eating slow, swallowing carefully and still on the sloppy diet so I’m gutted to find I’m still getting heartburn within minutes of anything other than water. I guess that will eventually pass. 

Unfortunately I was still under the anaesthetic effects when I saw my surgeon so I can’t remember a thing he told me of what to expect. In fact I can’t even remember seeing him! 

2 nights after getting home I ended up in A&E because of crippling stomach pain. I was told it was probably constipation (even though I have no problems there, ahem!) and after the X-ray came back clear I was sent home and told it’s normal to feel this way. Sometimes its so severe again but I ride it through for hours as I felt like I was wasting A&E time. 

I’ve been to the doctor twice about the pain that’s not going away. I’m also constantly dizzy but haven’t fainted - even while sitting down and writing this, it feels like the room is spinning! If i walk more than 5 minutes I’m totally exhausted, weak, dizzy and just absolutely ill. I can’t vomit but I get that oh-oh it’s imminent! moment. I’m only 48 and feel ancient as I’m tired all the time. The pain is from what feels like a lump digging into my ribs on my right hand side and through into my back. (Any Mums who had their baby dig into their ribs, it’s exactly like that). I know it can take ages for the swelling to go down but it’s not changing. 

My doctor saw me today and my blood pressure is low and I will get blood results for possible anaemia next week. She can’t help at all with the pain or other symptoms  and said I need to see my surgeon but the earliest he’s available is 2 weeks away. 

I’m aware it’s not an easy ride but I can’t understand why I feel like I’m getting worse instead of better. I’m barely functioning and my days are a blur of pain & exhaustion or sleep. I had no idea it was going to be this bad although I don’t Reflux & taste acid all the time now which is incredible. 

Is there anything I can do to help pep me up? I’m following the NF diet and all the do’s and don’ts and I’ve tried rest, tried exercise but I’m feeling so ill now. How long can I expect this awful road before I start feeling better? I had hoped to be back at work by now to be honest. 

I’m still on omeprazole, anti sickness and take co-codomol if I’m desperate. My loo habits can go either way within 15 minutes of eating but I don’t feel the pain is down to that. 

Does anyone have any advice please? I can’t imagine another 2 weeks before getting help. 

Sorry I’m droning on.

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