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TIF procedure questions ... help please

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/27/2012 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
I have so many questions.  I am scheduled for the TIF procedure on March 6 - I need to prepare in advance - I have fibromyalgia & other painful conditions so I take narcotic pain med everyday.  I live in K'Ville, TN and there are NO surgeons that do this procedure so I have to travel 60 miles to Crossville, TN.  My surgeon has done over 135  of these and he seems very well versed on it.  I just had my pre-op testing, and have hiatal hernia and some inflammation so am a candidate. 

Okay, so my questions:  Anyone that can answer I will so appreciate it.

1)  His nurse told me I can resume normal activities immediately?  Is this actually true or wishful thinking?  I thought I would be laid up for a few weeks, at least?  I also think with my fibro that I don't tolerate stress well and exacerbates my painful symptoms so I may suffer more than others?  Can anyone tell me if they resumed normal activites right after surgery.  Can I drive?  

2)  The booklet I was given says Wk 1-2 liquid diet, strained soups, puddings, jello?  It said mashed potatoes are added after wk 6?  Well when I asked the nurse wouldn't my diet be restricted she said to eat soft foods like "mashed potatoes"!!  I am soo confused!  What happened to the liquid diet I read about.  I am about to call them on this question, but please tell me what you were able to eat and when.

The booklet I was given says I will be kept overnight.  When I pre-registered at the hospital they said the order was not written that I would be overnight, that he will decide that AFTER surgery?  I thought it was automatic overnight stay?  This would be great as I have animals at home to care for.

Oh 3)  Can  swallow my medication?  It's an ER and must be swallowed whole.

 

Thank you for any help you can give me.

 

Posted 2/27/2012 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
hopeitworks


 

Hello and welcome to HealingWell and the GERD forum.  I can see why your confused as the booklet you received and  the info from the nurse are conflicting.  I would talk with your surgeon re questions you have re the surgery and his usual discharge plans for his patients.

The booklets are often general and written for everyone having the procedure and have a fairly normal outcome.  Your healing process will be unique to you and your questions should be addressed prior to surgery.

The same with returning to work, activity and diet - it all depends on how you progress through the healing process. 

I know you will be hearing from members who have had the surgery and you will find their input to be invaluable.

Again a warm welcome to a great forum.

Posted 2/27/2012 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
I am supposed to have surgery late March. My doc said an overnight stay in the hospital unless I am experiencing nausea and/or heaving in which case they would keep me until everything settles down. I was given instructions for clear liquid diet the first week, liquid diet the second, restricted soft foods during weeks three and four then more advanced soft foods weeks five and six. I was told no sweets, carbonated drinks, cruciferous veggies, nuts, greasy foods, stringy meats or bread during the first month and a half. He also told me that in reality, I should plan on changing my diet for the first year. Even once I am off of soft foods, the portion sizes should remain small and several times per day for the entire first year post-op. I honestly do not know if this is personalized for me or if it is for all of his patients. I have severe esophagitis and a hiatel hernia.

As far as meds, I was told I could crush them or have them made into liquid at the compounding pharmacy.

I hope this little bit of info is useful.
Posted 3/2/2012 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
I had surgery Dec 29th and I am recovering. It is very important to follow the diet Kewpie1957 suggested in the post. I followed all soft food diet for the first 2 weeks and then started to add various foods to my diet. I watch everything I ate to be very careful not to ruin my surgery. In the morning I had a nouri shake that I sell to keep my vitamins and protein in check. I lived on all the sweet stuff like pudding,jello and activia. Sweet foods did not bother me. I didn't eat foods containing Aspertame(spelling). I did eat a lot of cottage cheese and crackers. I chew my food 42 times to make sure it would go down. I drank a lot of water and milk. I did not drink any fruit juices or soda at all. Coffee is still a no no after 9 wks. You will know when you eat something that does not go through the TIF. It will feel like a lump under your breast bone. It does go down, but  be very patient.

I still have issues with sleeping. I sleep on my left side because I feel pain when I sleep on my right side. Before all of this I slept on my right side. Sleeping on my back works also, but I get sick of that. If you want to know more just let me kinow.

I had complications with my TIF because my esophagus was twisted and the scope was a little big, but the dr did a great job. I am so happy I had it done. It takes time to heal. You must take one day at a time and be patient.

Good luck to you and I will be praying for you.

Posted 3/2/2012 6:08 AM (GMT 0)
Oh one more thing. Make sure that all of your meds are in liquid form. It will be much eaiser on you.

Oh one more thing. You must stay over night trust me you will like the pain meds they give you. It is so that they can monitor your mucus and to make sure you don't throw up. It is important not to have nausea. I can't spell sorry.

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