Post Nissen fundoplication complications

I had a Laprascopic Nissen Fundoplication in December 2007 which went well.

In July 2008, I was hit by a car while cycling. I though I had fully recovered from that as well - however a few months ago when I was able to start working out again, I noticed something odd around the location of the incision above my navel from the laprascopic surgery.

Whenever I flexed my abdominal muscles, what felt like a small gas pocket - perhaps the size of a peanut M&M - formed around and slightly above the same plane as my ab muscles. When I pressed on the spot, the gas gurgled away back into what I could only assume was my digestive system.

In the past few days, I tried pressing the spot more often to get rid of the feeling of that gas pocket, however, now the spot is really quite sore and feels like it is burning.

I picture it in my mind almost as if part of my small intestines or my stomach was sewn together with the lower skin tissue and or ab muscles and my recent attempts to rub and loosen the area have caused a small rip, however, there is no discoloration around the area and I would assume that such a rib would have far reaching effects if it were the case.

to note:
- I have been working my abs more now than since the initial surgery
- I have not noticed such a feeling since the first surgery, even after doing Yoga, swimming, and lots of sit ups among other excersises.
- My reflux is gone, but I have had gas and bloating since the surgery as well as difficulty burping and passing gas.
- I take off the shelf gas-X on occasion to ease the bloating
- I am generally quite aware of my body and musculature and I've not felt this before.
- My work-outs are not 'roid rage gym rat' as much as they are normal guy with a workout partner showing him how to do thing properly

My questions are as follows:

1. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? I'm trying to make plans to see the initial surgeon who did the procedure, however, I now live and work out of the country and this would prove difficult.
2. Could this be a result of the crash? Could something have come loose?
3. Is this fixable with small surgery or would this take a few months before doing heavy sit-ups again?

Thanks kindly - I'll let it be and rest for a few days and see what happens before seeing a doctor.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome.

There are several members that have had issues after this proceedure.I am not familiar with this or side effects ect.....

If u do not see their threads u can search them out by using the MedHelp search on the top right of the site's tool bar.

Good luck and please update us on ur progress.

"selma"

[aciescott]

Hello I had my nissen done back in july of 2004 was diagnosed with barretts so I was told the surgery was necceassary, but know I am having similar symptoms to yours severe pain and burning on my right side where the surgical scar is and if do any kin of physcal exercise i get cramps in the very same spot. I'm going to my primary care doctor tomorrow to tried to get some answers. I let you know what i find out.

[Emboldener]

Thanks - please do!

Good luck...

[foxyloxy]

I had a nissen done two years ago, and I now have a constant (but dull) pain just where the stomach meets the chest, I am always burping and it is very sore to swallow anything, even water. My surgeon can see nothing wrong with the wrap, I've done a barium swallow which looks normal, and I had ph test done which was also within normal parameters, yet I constantly feel sick. My surgeon thinks it might be over-sensitive nerves. Has anyone here had the same syptoms (symptoms) - should I look at getting it taken down?

[chrisd732]

I had Nissen (partial wrap) 12 months ago. I occasionally do get some reflux (or at least acidic throat), but it is much better than before. I take milanta rather than PPIs or h2 blockers for that. I also suffer from anxiety and perplexing high bp post op.
Interestingly, I either have anxiety or reflux, but never both together.  I think your surgeon's theory on over-sensitive nerves might be true.
For gas problems, I would recommend cardio exercises (at least 40 minutes) and the occasional peppermint tea.
BTW, my wrap on endo is still intact and barium studies were also normal.
I would not think of getting the fundo lowered.