Nissen Nightmare

[becky715]

I had the Nissen Fundo 2 years ago. Two weeks before Christmas, I aspirated at night and was rushed to a local hospital. Through testing there, it was discovered that my Nissen had sort of exploded and I had bits of mesh and tacks "floating around, dangerously close  to the abdominal aorta". They started to call me "The Snow Globe Lady".
I was shipped off to a major university hospital when no local surgeon (in a pretty large city) would attempt to  operate. The experts there said my stomach had returned to its favorite position, through the diaphragm and between my lungs, was wrapped in netting, and the small bowel had started to torque. They said "Let's remove your stomach." On Christmas Eve I responded "Let's not" and came home. Since, I have made it with soft, small, frequent eating, positioning, and a good med to turn my acid pumps down. I was wondering if anyone else had experienced difficulty with the hardware itself? Was this truly a Christmas miracle, or am I just in denial?

[Flycaster305]

I've had the NF procedure for about the same time you have with literally lifesaving results, so I'm very interested in what happened to you.  It is very difficult to vomit after a NF procedure, is this what preceded your emergency?  I'm curious if you ate or drank anything that would cause this to happen?  I've been warned about eating a fatty diet, and also warned of drinking too much alcohol.  I frankly abstain, except for a glass of red wine which is good for my heart (I've had heart bypass surgery).

You indeed have great instincts.  I hope you expand on what happened to cause the event.  Keep us informed.

[tschock]

You are one lucky lady!

To those of you that have weak stomachs do not read any further!!!
Very graphic!!!

My dad wasn't so lucky. His entire stomach was one big patchwork of mesh after years of surgeries and mesh replacement for hernias.The last one exploded like yours did... punctured his bowels. Doctor wouldn't examine him...thought it was incontinence and perhaps a reaction to the blood thinners or anxiety medications...told dad that if he checked himself into an old folks home that he would take care of him then ( he was only 66)...dad told him he was passing blood...not feces.
Doctor FINALLY sent him to the city for further testing. Septicemia had already done it's damage though. They said they could have operated...he could have had his stomach removed, etc.  However he would have also been short 2 legs and one arm upon waking up...and even after surgery they doubted he would have survived for more than 6 weeks...too much damage was done...and he was an alcoholic.

You are VERY lucky to be here!
And your family is luckier than they know too!
So no...not denial...a true Christmas Miracle!