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Posted 12/27/2008 8:28 PM (GMT 0)

blush  Hi Everyone.  I came across this site while googling Nissan Fundoplication. I thought I would share my story.  I am 50, and was diagnosed with GERD and a small sliding hiatal hernia four years ago after a scope.  I also had H. Pylori that was treated.  I took Nexium then Prilosec one to two times a day four about three and a half years.  My symptoms started getting worse at that time, including severe reflux to the point of vomiting, and severe chest pain,  so I went back to the GI doc.  He gave me Reglan, no improvement. Then carafate, no improvement, then pepcid, no improvement.  I decided enough was enough and went to a new GI doc. He did an esophagram.  The radiologist was so astounded by my test results he gave them to me on the spot.  I had a large Paraesophageal hiatal hernia, approximately 30% of my stomach was in my chest cavity.  It was organaxial, which means the stomach was also twisted and could strangulate. I saw the new GI doc the same day.  He immediately referred me to a surgeon who specialized in laparoscopic GI surgery.  I had laparoscopic Nissan fundoplication two weeks ago.  The surgeon told me by the time he did my surgery 50% of my stomach was in the chest cavity. I was very fortunate I did not need an open procedure due to the location of the stomach.  I have done pretty well postoperatively.  Like several posters, I too had the left shoulder pain, which was very well explained by another poster as being related to irritation to the phrenic nerve by the CO2 used during the procedure.  Mine was very severe and is just now going away, bothering me only periodically now.  The surgeon also said it could be due to the placement of the arms on the table during surgery.  The other problem I have experienced twice now is pretty severe chest pain, which other posters have described as spasms of the esophagus.  Both times I rode it out and the pain resolved.  I plan to call the surgeon next week to discuss this with him re: what can I do if it happens again.

My incisions are well healed and not a problem.  I was on a thick liquid diet for two straight weeks and finally got to eat mashed potates and some other very soft foods on Christmas!!! So I feel I really am doing very well so far.  Sometimes I feel like I need to burp or hiccup but it only goes halfway, the surgeon told me this can last up to 4 weeks.  He told me to take about 4 weeks to progress my diet and avoid gas producing foods whenver possible.  I am up and about but still will be off work 4 more weeks. 

I guess I would just like to share one thing.  Listen to your body and if your doctor is not listening to you, get a new doctor.  I could have had a serious medical emergency with a strangulated stomach that would have required an open procedure.  No pun intended, but listen to your gut feelings.  Hopefully my recovery will continue well.  I would be glad to hear from anyone else out there who might have interest in my story.

Stay well

Laceyangelrose

Posted 12/27/2008 8:51 PM (GMT 0)

idea  PS I forgot to say I am reflux free.  Also, I forgot to mention I was also told six months ago I had Barretts now.  The surgeon said the Nissan will not eliminate the risk of esophageal cancer (1 in 100) when you have Barrett's but will minimize it since you do not have the constant acid on already altered cells. 

Take good care

Laceyangelrose

Posted 12/27/2008 9:27 PM (GMT 0)

blush  Since I am new to the forum, perhaps is there a thread my story should be attached to? I am not too computer savvy and didn't quite know how to do it.  Many thanks.  Also, is there a link to others" stories?

Laceyangelrose

Posted 3/10/2009 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
I am new to this. I started out goin to GI doctor in sept 07esophagus stricture & Drooling.He did an endoscope and dilated my esophagus,in the process we found out I had gers. I was put on Nexium,omeraprazole and am currently take acidphex for over a year. I went back in may 08 had esophagus stricture again .Hpylori was found.I was given the quad treatment. I did the bravo ph testing my acid score is 1 (normal limits is below 14) I have no known heartburn.Just stricture here & there,drooling.However, I have a nasty taste in my mouth all day every day and have backwash episodes while sleeping. The GI said my esphagus has erosion and I will need the nissan surgery. I am scared!! Can smeone please tell me the recovery the risks the benefits. please email me @ [email protected]. I did not have the manmetry test as I am have seizures and the tube going up my nose caused me to feel like a seizre was coming on so they had to stop for medical reasons. The surgeon said I must get this operation or 5 to 10 years from now i will have to be cut open from the throat down and they remove my esophagus. Someone please help me.
Posted 3/10/2009 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
turn Beareilly,

This surgery is very individualized so recovery times vary.  It depends on the pt., the type of procedure, and the skill of the surgeon. My procedure was very complicated because it involved not just the wrap but also moving the stomach back where it belonged.  I had a very skilled surgeon who was able to do it laparoscopically.  I was in the hospital 2 nights.  Research your surgeon carefully, the recovery is so much faster than an open procedure, which involves about a 10 inch incision and 7 days in the hospital vs. 6 small halls and 2 nights in the hospital.  You will be on full liquids two weeks post op and will probably feel weak.  The incision pain was not a problem for me.  I had about three weeks of post op left shoulder pain which is common after a laparoscopy due to irritation to a nerve that goes to the shoulder from the CO2 used during the procedure, but it does go away.  I stayed on soft food til about week 10 because I had gas bloat syndrome, very common after this procedure, you cannot burp and get premature fulllness/bloating/nausea.  But then one day, out of the blue, I could burp!!! And from then on it has been uphill. I had a follow up UGI, everything is great.  I am reintroducing all kinds of foods though slowly, without any problem.  I have had two episodes of reflux, the GI doc said that is normal.  I started a new job 3 weeks ago.  I feel very lucky, after reading what some other bloggers have written about their experience with this surgery.  But I think the people on sites like these are usually the ones who have problems, not folks like me who had a positive experience.  I didn't have time to research the surgery and docs as my surgery was an urgent one, my stomach was almost strangulated.  Take your time and find a great surgeon like I had, and take it a day at a time afterwards, follow the diet, you will get better.  Good luck!!

Lacey

Posted 4/4/2009 3:19 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Lacey,
I am Marie. I have very server GERD. I am going in for a 24HR PH Studay on April 8 09.
Lacey, are you able to burp normaly now? Do you experience bloated and gas?
What type of procedure does one need to have in order to have the doctor do the surgery?
Lacey, may I ask where you have your operation done?
I live in Los Angeles - California. I have very server GERD - am thinking about surgery. I have sour/bitter taste /burn throat / heartburn  and lower left chest pain (lower left rib area) 7/24 all day. It is very miserable & painful. I was on all the PPI med - now it is not effective anymore.

Thank you.
Marie

Posted 4/4/2009 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Lacey,
Glad to hear ya doin well.I'm goin for my surgery may 7th.pray for mr
Beatrice
Posted 4/4/2009 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
:-)  Hi Marie.  I am very lucky, I can burp now.  It was about ten weeks before I could, and I had serious problems with gas bloat.  Once you can burp, it is so much better, the nausea and fullness go away.  Because my surgery was somewhat urgent, I only had the esophagram, it diagnosed the severe paraesophageal hiatal hernia.  No time for other tests. I had my surgery done at Beaumont Hospital (Detroit MI area).  I am sure you have great doctors in your area, though.  Just do your homework.   Good luck to you, you will be better, keep that in mind.  My prayers to you.

Laceyangelrose

Posted 4/5/2009 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Marie,
I just noticed your post. Before surgery I had the 24hr PH monitoring, Manometry, endoscopy, upper GI barium swallow.

I had the nissen surgery on February 27th. I began with little burps pretty quickly (although my surgeon said I probably wouldn't be able to burp), and they were a godsend, since they kept me from having the gas bloating syndrome. I didn't have nearly as much trouble as I had expected.

At this time (6 weeks post) I'm eating pretty much anything I want (chewing thoroughly), and feel great. The surgery was a very easy recovery. I was very pleasantly surprised.

Beatrice--
Don't worry about the surgery. You'll be surprised at how well you'll do. In the beginning the wrap is pretty picky about what it likes to swallow, but as long as you take small bites and chew carefully, you'll be just fine. Honestly, I was amazed. I had read so many horror stories that I prepared for something much more difficult.

I had had gastritis/GERD flare-ups that were MUCH more difficult than the surgery recovery.
Good luck to you! I'm sure you'll do fine.
Denise
Posted 4/5/2009 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
tongue  Hi dencha,

Glad you had a positive story to tell to. So much of what I have read on here has been negative. But if you have a good doc, take it slowly with the diet (liquids two weeks then soft several weeks and chew thorougly, avoid all foods that gave you problems before surgery) you should do great, Marie and Beatrice.  The biggest problem was the gas bloat, once you can burp you can eat everything, almost (not hot and spicy for me)  It takes awhile for the inside to heal even if the laparscopic holes outside are healing.  My surgery was pretty major due to 50 percent of my stomach being in my chest cavity, happens 1 and 100 times with a hiatal hernia.  But I did great and have a total green light from the GI doc and surgeon.  I can tell you my GI doc doesn't regularly refer for surgery because of the problems with gas bloat afterwards, but think positive and you will do great!!!!!

Lacey

Posted 4/5/2009 2:00 PM (GMT 0)

Lacey,

Good to see you back and posting again.  I agree that it is good to hear the positive outcomes as well as the struggles the members are going through.

Hugs at ya

Kitt

Posted 4/13/2009 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
 

Hi Everyone,

Thank much. I had my 24PH Study & manamtry done on 4/8/09. My doc refer me to surgery. I had food regu... cause reflux after drinking water and eating. Sour taste all day & burn throat a few time a day.

My doc told me that I have a lose sphincter.

Thank everyone :)

Marie.

Posted 4/15/2009 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I hope every 1 is well.My surgery is coming up amd of course I am gettin scared.I signed the consent for laproscopic nissan or possible toupet.my GI says no way no toupet u need the full nissan hunny. However my surgeon isn't my GI DOCTOR. The surgeon said he will see wen he goes in what I will benefiyt from.I am wondering how everenise wendy every11 is post up.D
Posted 4/15/2009 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Don't be scared, Bea! You will do just fine. You will be amazed at how well you do. Relax into the recovery--don't fight it. Eat what you can eat, and as time goes on, you'll be eating more and more interesting foods. Can't wait to hear your comments post-op. If you have any specific questions, I'll be glad to try to answer them.
Best wishes!
Denise
Posted 4/15/2009 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Dense, How r u? My laptop keys are ruined so 4give the typing errors. I go 4 pre op next week.My saddest thing is, I wont be able to lift my grandbaby.She stays in my arms even at 18months. I think I will have to go through some serious withdrawals from her & PEPSI. I smoke cigarettes bt once they take me i know i wont want a cigarette ever again. I think i will benefit just from the not smoking after. I hope I have strength. Since I sit at a desk all day (I am the boss) I only want to be out of work for 2 weeks, I can take it slow and all. Im not worried about that. Its the gas willI embarass myself while there.How is the pain? Swallowing pain?
I'm so happy to hear or see your name.hugs to you and thank you for all the help.
Posted 4/17/2009 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bea,
It won't be all that long before you can hold your grandbaby again. Once your incisions feel better, you can even put a pillow over your incisions and hold her. You won't pick her up for a while, but you can get her special delivery! You'll do fine. I think you're very smart if you take this opportunity to give up smoking permanently. I know that's hard to do, but you'll have lots of motivation.

I've never smoked--my parents were heavy smokers, which set me up for the lung problems I've had my entire life. They didn't know back then. I've always hated cigarette smoke, because I'm really sensitive to it. My asthma would kill me if I smoked! Good luck quitting!

You won't have any trouble returning to an office job after two weeks. You'll feel ready. I would have gone back, but my lungs were still bad, and the kids in my class were very sick. In the end, I waited an extra two weeks, and I still got the flu after being back a week and a day! Luckily we've been off this week, so I've had some time to get better, but I'm far from back to normal. My lungs are still full, and my appetite is gone.

I haven't had the amount of gas I was expecting, but my stomach burps itself sometimes. I think that gets rid of some of it.

There is very little pain after the surgery. Tylenol (liquid) was plenty for me. I know everyone is different. The left shoulder pain can be bad, but I found if I walked a lot, it went away. When I stopped walking, I'd get it back.

There was no pain swallowing, but I did have some "pain" and discomfort in the wrap area. Maalox was very soothing to it. Just plain water was soothing as well.

I didn't have any swallowing problems to speak of. about Day 4 I got some spasms when I swallowed, which caused my saliva glands to put off tons of saliva. That didn't last too long.

I know everyone's experience is different, but if you can relax into your recovery, you'll do just fine. Keep a positive attitude and fight the urge to complain. If you can accept what is, you'll have a much easier recovery.
I'm happy to answer any other questions you have.
You'll do just fine.
Denise
Posted 4/18/2009 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
You are a beautiful Mentor denise. Thank you :)
Posted 4/19/2009 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hope I can be of help, Bea! You sound like you're doing great! You're very welcome! :-)
Posted 7/8/2009 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I am suppose to have laparoscopic surgery for my paraesphogal hiatal hernia. Problem is my insurance is up at the end of this month so I am trying to rush and get this procedure done this month, even though I am scared to have it done. If I wait my personel insurance deductable will probably be high, and I hope its not going to count as a pre-existing condition.

 I also  am planning a trip to Hawaii on sept.2 -9 and I want to be healed enough to be able to eat and enjoy myself. We always have cocktails while out there also.

Can you guys give me advise as to if you think I should wait til after my holiday and pay more, or should I do it on the 20th and be done with it. I am tired of the bloated feeling all the time, and almost always have acid reflux. I take my meds but sometimes still have breakthrough heartburn.

I have heard that after the surgery you have problems swallowing, and I am worried about that. And the not being able to burp sounds like it is worse than it  is for me now.

So what do you think, wait and go to hawaii on sept. 2, then have the surgery later. I was told that the hernia is small to moderate in size.  I don't want to be searching for  soft food in hawai and not be able to enjoy myself.

And the plane ride is 8 hrs. will that affect my recovery.

Basically I will have about 1 month and 1 week to recover before leaving.

Help I need advise.

Thanks, confused Surfergirl

Posted 7/12/2009 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Surfergirl,
I hope this response isn't too late...I just noticed your post. A month out is a bit early, as you'll still have to be careful what you eat. Your surgeon would be a better person to answer your question. I would think that you would be fine, as long as things go well for you. You'll still have to eat small bites and chew carefully, but I could have gone on a trip after four weeks. I doubt the plane trip would be a problem.

The only issue would be that you'd be far away from your surgeon if you should experience an unforseen problem. I really wish I could give you an unequivocal answer, but everyone is unique.

Hopefully others will give you some information. If it's too late, and you've already made a decision, be sure to tell us how you're doing!
Take care,
Denise
Posted 7/12/2009 2:26 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Surfergirl,

I started you a thread of your own and transferred your original post and the post by dencha into your own thread.  :)

I want all the members to have a chance to get to know you.

Kitt


 

Posted 7/13/2009 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm new here. I've just been told that my mystery cough for three years is "Silent GERD". My GERD doc says I have acid all the way up to my epiglotis, I have a HH, and my LES is very weak. My lung doctor wants me to have the surgery and my GERD doctor is sitting on the fence about it. I'm on two Nexuims a day, a 300 Zantac at night and occasional TUMs. I've been researching the surgery (fundo) that he does and frankly I'm worried about side effects. Has anyone ever had the Esophyx procedure? I see my GERD doc in 3 months to discuss his discussion with my lung doctor over the possible surgery and I want to discuss Esophyx with him.
Joy
Posted 7/13/2009 6:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,
Well I have scheduled the surgery for the 29th and my doctor assured me that I should be eating Kaahula pork in Hawaii by sept. 2 with no problem. He said by the 2nd day I should be on soft foods. I was told that 1/3 to 1/2 of my stomach is in my diaphram. So I am having a test on Tuesday to measure something Im not sure. Its called a manamotry( prob. spelled it wrong) Anyway, pray fro me to recover quickly for I really want to be able to enjoy myself in Hawaii.
Posted 7/13/2009 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Surfergirl,
My own experience would have allowed me to each pork by 4-6 weeks. Of course, it'll require small bites and careful chewing. You don't want to get into a problem where you're dealing with a piece of meat, etc. held up at your wrap. Some surgeons are much more conservative than others. Mine also put me on soft food the second day, and by the 5th day, had me eating anything I could chew to liquid. I don't know if you've tried that, but that includes pretty much anything. Toasted bread and crackers are much easier than regular bread...also the crust is easier than the middle of the bread. Give it a try pre surgery, so you'll know what you can eat. You won't want to swallow things that are unchewable, like grizzle, etc.

I don't know how hard it is to find my post-op posts, but they will give you a pretty clear idea of what to expect, and have some tips for you. Be sure to ask lots of questions on this forum. That's how I prepared myself for the surgery. The more you know pre-op, the better. I'm assuming that you've carefully researched your surgeon, and he has a LOT of experience and success with Nissen surgeries. That'll be the most important thing.

We're here for you, and will help you through your pre and post op process. There is a lot of experience here, and we know things your doctor doesn't, because we're the ones who have actually experienced the procedure. The docs know what they hear people experience, but people here have lived it.
I do suggest, as Kitt did, that you post on your new thread, so it's easier for members to find.
Good luck! Be sure to ask for information and ideas here!
Take care,
Denise
Posted 7/13/2009 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Surfgirl---RUN!!!!!!! I absoluted hated the momoetry test!!! You get to snort up lidocancine in your nose....gross! then they feed a catharer (?) into your nose (careful if you have a deviaded septum.. ow!) You choke and gag and feel like any minute your going to throw up! I had so much trouble with that they had to insert it twice! Finally they have you lay slightly inclined with the thing taped to your nose (you gag a little less). I was freaking out! She told me to calm down and listen to her or it will take longer. I laid there in misery with tears rolling down my face as I tried to zone out. I had to do ten perfect swallows of water with no extra swallows inbetween. It was very nerve wracking for me. My nerves were torn up for days from the whole thing. The only thing that got me through was knowing the sooner I got done the sooner it was coming out. The nurse had to hold my hand to keep me from touching the device. The doctor keep touching my other hand if it started to move off the bed. Thank goodness I don't need it again any time soon.
Good luck I hope you have a better time.

Joy
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