THANK YOU NISSEN

Hi Guys -

Just a note to those that may be in the contemplation phase - Nissen has really given me back my life.

It is now nearly 5 months ago that I had mine. I too stressed, I panicked (I suffered from bad anxiety pre and post op). I had some tough battling along the path. And to be gategorised as repeditive with so many before - if need be, I'll do it all over again!!!

I just thought about you all here, and how long it has been since I've checked in. And it hit me that I do not class myself as a sufferer anymore! So I believed that I should at least pop back and hopefully lend some encouragement to those that face the daunting task of surgery.

So here it is. It is NOT that bad. It was no joy ride. But if scared of needles / doctors / drugs me could make it through it all - I'm sure you all can. Then remember, it is a recovery process, and it does take time!!!! But it will get better for most! So be positive, and believe you're one of them. Trust me, I had my doubts for a while, as I'm sure those that can remember me will attest to. But I am now nearly fully "normal". ie - not bothered about what I consume, and suffer no ill consequences because of it.

I still have pain in my shoulder from time to time when I happen to overdo things, but even that is getting less and less. Things have really taken a turn for the better for me. I'm running again, bought a mountain bike, planning on doing events, loving it. I am only 35 so I believe I'm entitled. I don't drink much, but have even had a coupke of nights out with the brother and friends.

So, I know there's no gaurantees in life, and certainly not with surgery. But I do now believe if you follow the rules - Find the best surgeon possible, follow his advise and rules, (trust him). And you then do have above 90% chance of success. (Somebody asked where I found a good surgeon in Africa!!! South Africa does, believe it or not, have some of the finest, mine certainly is).

So even if this does fail me perhaps oneday - I will be willing to do it all over again! Just because life is pretty good when you pass the problems.

If you believe you should, and you've found and EXPERT that believes that too- go for it. I haven't vomitted now for nearly 5 months!! (Lol - had one bad nausea episode where I wished I could).

Anyways, I hope you all find what it is we're all searching for. Some semblance of perfect health, love and peace.

Have a lekker day!

Darryl

Darryl-

Awesome news! We told you it would all work out with time. Now you are sounding like some of us...Wouldn't hesitate to do it again if need be. It is such a difference when that stuff stays where it belongs.

Wondering if you had a chance to go back and read some of your posts from your early stages of healing?

Please stick around, we have a lot of newbies who are either contemplating surgery or have just been through it and are worried it hasn't worked after a week or so. I think the more of us who are happy once everything heals can reassure them the better.

Isn't it amazing how the miserable beginning can justify the end result with this surgery?

Take care,
Bill

Hi Darryl,

I'm glad you've found the light at the end of the tunnel.  I know you found it hard to believe when we kept telling you, PATIENCE!  I agree with Bill...it would help a lot if you could stop in and post when you have a chance.  Others would benefit greatly from your experience!

Have a lekker day, my friend in SA!

Denise

Darryl-

I am just glad we were able to get you through the tough times. Having been where the newly wrapped people are early on, it feels good to be able to help them in any way we can.

I am so happy things worked out for you.

Take care,
Bill

Exactly Dude,

Just keep going and try to believe that it will all get better. If you don't believe it, then why the hell should it!?!?

It's just amazing though when you realize one day that you ate all the no no's and just nothing happened. That's great.

What a lot of people told me, is that the oesophagus is a dumb organ, and often interprets things incorrectly. I was in a panick that I still had reflux, and that this and that wasn't right. But once you understand it and give it time, and usually not the time stated by surgeons, you see that that is truley true....

I hope too that you discover what I did, and that you have the same results.

Hey Darryl,

Nicely done, thanks for posting the positive. I am 11 weeks post Nissen and although not quite 100% yet, I would say that I am symptom free 85% of the time.

Throughout your recovery period, did you find things got progressively better immediately post surgery or did it take several weeks / months? Just curious regarding what the progression curve was like.

Best,

Tony