1 week pre-Nissen

Hi all,

I will be having the Lap Nissen procudure one week from today (10/13/08).  I've been a board "junkie" of sorts the last 2 weeks.  I must say that this board has been a great resource for me in learning what to expect in the coming weeks.  I've read parts 1-5 of the post Nissen thread, and I must say that I'm certainly nervous about having this done.  Although some have had terrific results from this procedure, I'm fully aware of some potential complications.  I've struggled with GERD for several years now (30 year old male).  I was going to have the Nissen done a number of years ago, but couldn't due to having gastroperesis.  I've been free of gastroparesis for about 2 years now, and I finally have the courage to get this done.  I recently had another scope that showed esophageal damage and a large (6cm) hiatal hernia.  Met with the surgeon on 10/2 and scheduled the surgery...which leads me to a couple of questioins...

1)  I have never had the manometry (sp) test that I've read so much about.  Has anyone else ever had this surgery without having this test done first?  My surgeon didn't seem concerned about it (and yes, he has done hundreds of them).

2)  My surgeon said I would be able to swallow pills as soon as the day after surgery.  I read in a couple other places where people were given liquid meds instead and were told specifically not to swallow pills.  I spefically asked a question about this b/c the surgeon says I will continue to take nexium until 30 days after the surgery.  Again, he assured me everything would be ok...I sure hope so.

Hi mugsy, welcome you're in the right place. I was ready to back out of my surgery because of nerves, the good people here helped me tremendously. To answer your first question, I had manometry; others would have to tell you if they did or did not.

While you may be able to swallow pills there is a risk that they may start to dissolve before going through the "new valve"; the tissue in your esophagus is tender and will be in a healing period for quite some time; anything acidic could damage that tissue. Immediate post-op generally brings edema to the surgical sites; I had additional swelling two weeks later and had to return to Cleveland for an emergency endoscopy and dilation, so I was on liquid meds or crushed meds mixed with liquid motrin or juice for a long, long time.

For weeks after the surgery I question my sanity and the thought processes that convinced me to go through with the surgery, it was a very rough recovery for me, but around week 6 things changed dramatically and I really started feeling good, now I can say I feel great. One thing that we found was that the younger the patient, the easier the recovery, conversely the older the tougher..I'm 53.

The surgery has been so worth everything I went through and I'm sure you'll find the same. Where are you having your surgery?

Good luck, let us know how you're doing.

Thanks for the replies.  From what I've read, I had also assumed the manometry was a prerequisite.  I also never had the PH study done, which seems a little odd from what I've read.  Who did the manometry and ph tests...the surgeon or gastro?  My surgery is in Waterloo, Iowa.

Honestly, I'm not concerned with the surgeon at all.  I do know him on a personal level, and he also took my gall bladder out four years ago.  I've been going to my gastro for a number of years, and he told me I would be a good candidate for the surgery if not for my gastropareris (that was 2 or 3 years ago).  Since that time I've shown no signs of gastroparesis (gastric emptying studies) and had a few endoscopes performed.  After the last one (August) he recommended I have the surgery asap...no additional testing.  I was referred to the surgeon and had the consult and scheduled the surgery...no additional testing.  So, who usually does this manometry test:  the gastro or the surgeon?

I am in the UK but my consultant arranged the tests though his specialist nurse in the hospital.

Hello-

Any news on this? Have you had the procedure? If so, how did it go?

Good luck Mugsy! We'll see you on the other side :) and we're here to walk with you through recovery! (This is the best site and the best group of people!!)
Janice

Mugsy
Wanted to add that my Gi did the manometry on me.
What other avenues have you been down on your road to this decision.....medicines, lifestyle changes ??
Keep us posted, glad you are here !
Anne

Hi Mugsy
I think your surgery may be today so I am sending you good vibes for a speedy recovery. I didn't have that check first and had no problem with the surgery (although it was open not lap, although not sure that should make any difference).

Afterwards I was so swollen inside I regurgitated an iron tablet back from the esophagus 4 days after swallowing it - it was in perfect form! For a week or so I feared I would never eat a solid food ever again but don't panic ... it slowly does get better. I have no trouble at all with most foods now.

Wishing you lots of healthy times ahead