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Going for Surgery what should I expect I am scared

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 11/11/2011 7:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone....

I am a 63 yr old female who has had GERD for 6 years on and off but last two years are really bad and PPI's no longer working on me. So I have to get off the aciphex and I also have osteoporosis from being on the pills for many years...So I need surgery. I meet with two surgeons. One that does the New Procedure, No Cutting its called TIF transoral inscionles fundoplication. or Esophyx. The only problem is he only had done 5 of them so that brought me to another surgeon who said Nissen Fundoplication. I had the menomatry done and Now I need to schedule appointment for surgery. Holidays are coming up and just wondering can someone who has had this surgery tell me what I will feel when I wake up from recovery...will there be a lot of pain? and Nausea? is there a tightness in your chest? are you able to swallow without difficulty.
When can I start to eat and drink?
Has anyone experienced a failed fundoplication....Sorry, I'm just nervous about it. Also anyone out here who has had their surgery years and years ago would love to know how you are doing.
Thank You
Posted 11/11/2011 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Roses -

Don't be afraid. Lol - that coming from me!!! If you could ever find my pre op thread,(I had the Op Sept 8th) then you will know how nervous I was. Especially since I had very acute anxiety and panic disorder. I was soooo stressed. Now in hindsite it's so much easier to say, don't stress! So take it from me - DON'T STRESS.

Look, it is no walk in the park. But everything is very manageable. There is no over the top pain, suffering, or issues. There is definatley some discomfort. You will have some pain immediately after, but soon that will dissapear in a haze from the drugs. You will be hazy, but it's all good. Infact my very first thing I said through a very hoarse voice was "I can swallow." 

It is a major surgery, but like many others here who have experienced it would join me in saying, I would do it all again if I had to. Which, one day, I might in fact have to. And I will!

Good Luck

Darryl

Posted 11/11/2011 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Roses,

Welcome to Healing Well!  Like you, I found this forum shortly before I had my surgery in 2009.  I don't think you're alone in you worries...we've all been there!

Here's a link to my Post-Nissen journal...it chronicles my first 19 days of recovery, so you'll have an idea what to expect.  I had the surgery because of the affect of the reflux on my lungs, so disregard any coughing references!

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

I'm glad you've joined us.  There are quite a few wrapped friends here.  Please continue to post your questions and concerns.  I think you're smart going with the more experienced Nissen surgeon.  Choosing the most qualified and experienced Nissen surgeon is the most important thing you can do.  Be sure that he/she has done at least 300+ procedures in a smaller city and 1000+ in a larger city.  This is a very specific procedure and is an art form that takes some practice.  You don't want someone who is inexperienced.

Best wishes,

Denise

Posted 11/11/2011 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
I had the TIF in April of this year. I stayed in the hospital one day after surgery and the pain meds kept me sedated while in the hospital. The oral pain meds made me nauseated therefore I took Tylenol after I got home. It was sore and painful to swallow after surgery but each day it got better and after a week I cold swallow normally. The diet is also a challenge but it is doable although you would have that with either surgery. I did not do much for a week and with the lifting restriction I could not do much for 4 weeks.

It is nice to be off Nexium and my comfort and sleeping have both improved. Good luck with your decision.

Sheldon
Posted 11/12/2011 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for taking the time and giving me your input. It helps a lot knowing you all have been where I am now and it helps knowing that there maybe light at the end of this tunnel.

I have decided to have my surgery on Nov. 21, 2011 just three days before Thanksgiving..LOL Well either way I figure this GERD has me sick 24/7 it does not matter because I can't eat much of anything right now anyway, and hopefully feeling more like myself by Christmas.

Rose
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