8 days till paraesophageal hernia surgery

Hello all

I'm having a large para hernia fixed on Monday the 30th. Doc plans to do a nissen wrap if possible. After reading all these posts I think I want to go hide. (just kidding) I hope to be one who will be able to post a good report with fast healing. The posts have been helpful in knowing what to expect. For all that are waiting on surgery, I have found that not eating till noon or later works well for me. I have severe gas pain in shoulder, neck, and chest if I eat in morn. Even a few bites set it off. Have been drinking Boost drinks instead of breakfast and wait till noon to but solid food in. That seems to work well. Whats weird I do can eat late at night with no problems. Looking forward to feeling good. Will try to post after surgery.

Hi all

I had surgery on Monday, April the 30th. Doctor ended up doing a toupet wrap and mesh to strengthen the hernia. I awoke in the recovery room not knowing where I was and remember telling the nurse it hurt to breath and then telling her "I can burp." I was so happy. The surgery had started at 12:20pm and I was in my room at about 3:45.

I arrived in the room with a morphine drip..push button every ten minutes as needed for pain. By 6pm they were adding Torodal to get the pain under control. By 8pm or so I was feeling good enough to skip pushing the morphine drip. After the first couple of hours, the gas pain people talk about became minor. I walked twice by 10pm the day of surgery. The first was maybe 50ft or so and the second maybe 100 feet. Pretty weak.

Skipping ahead to the next morn. Saw my doctor about 8:30 am. I was in the hall walking and he told me about the repair of the paraesophageal hernia. He said 2/3 of my stomach was in my chest and had most likely been there for decades. He released me to go home at ten that morn.

Today is Friday...I have been off of pain meds except at night to help relax and sleep...none during the day. I was driving on day three and climbed up in a tractor to make a couple of rounds today. Energy level is pretty low because of low calorie intake. I started soft foods and am having no problems with eating at all. Feel like I could take on a steak and bake potato but think I better refrain for a time.
Just wanted to offer encouragement to those facing surgery and those recovering. I feel ten times better on day four of my recovery than I did before the surgery. Good luck to every one and God bless.

Hi all

I'm 2 months post surgery today. I feel great. Have had an easy recovery. I think the toupet wrap and a great Doctor that used a robot to do the surgery has made things easier for me. I have been eating anything and everything without any worry. I have gained back about 8 lbs with a few more to go. No heartburn or acid at all. Still being careful on what I lift. I am a farmer and that has been my biggest challenge. Good luck to all who are waiting for are trying to decide on surgery. Steve PS Find a experienced doctor!!!!!