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Paraesophageal hernia surgery

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Posted 6/18/2012 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
My stomach history has led me here. I was just diagnosed with a para esophageal hernia at the end of June .( I had been sick for six months at least, and anemic for a year ) I am supposed to have surgery, but the doc wanted a colonoscopy scheduled first on July 3rd. They want to make sure there is nothing else I need to worry about , before I have surgery . I have asked if it will be done laproscopicaly and they said yes. I was left a voicemail that my biopsy showed gastritis and inflammation. I know they were testing for Celiac to.. They did not mention anything else. I guess they are waiting for the colonscopy first ,before they to go into any more detail. I'm a nervous wreck.. what else should I be asking ?
Posted 6/18/2012 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
carmella07-

Welcome to Healing Well!

With this surgery make sure your surgeon has done a LOT of these successfully. Most of them have stats on this. Find ou what type of recovery diet he/she wants you to follow.
Don't let them tell you this is a couple week recovery, it isn't. It does take a lot of time to fully recover from. Your incisions will be looking good in a week or so, but the insides will need months to fully heal. Go very slow with your diet afterwards and if you have problems when you advance your diet go back to a simpler diet until your feel better.
Most of all listen to your body, it will let you know when you are going to fast. Walking helps with the gas pains after surgery. Be prepared for some gut troubles as your body adjusts to it's new system too.
Come here often and we will help you get through this as best we can.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 6/18/2012 10:13 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much.. I had this doc before in 2004 for treatment of gerd and ulcers ,which is why I came back.This site has already helped me alot. I will stay in touch
Posted 6/30/2012 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi carmellao7

I know you are probably both dreading and looking forward to getting this over with. That was how I felt anyway. I had a para esophageal hernia repair with a toupet wrap done April 30. The plan was a nissan but the top part of my stomach wasn't long enough or something like that. I'm 59 years old and my doctor said my stomach has been in my chest for decades. I am 2 months post surgery today. I cannot tell you how great I feel. My recovery has been no problem at all. I have more energy and can eat anything I want with no heartburn or acid. I pray you have great results. steve
Posted 7/5/2012 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
It was great to read your positive post Steve. My surgery is Monday so I was dreading...but I am glad to finally know I was not crazy.the plan is a nissan wrap. The hernia is large but they stil lfeel it should be okay laproscopically. It is close to my heart. The upper part of my stomach is above my diaphragm..seeing the pictures really scared me.I could have died if I let it go I liked the surgeon..she took her time and answered all my questions.I'm glad yours was successful! Thanks again!k
Posted 7/5/2012 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
carmella07,

Glad to know your surgery is just a few days away and you have a right to feel some anxiety but remember this should be a good thing for your health.   I hope that your surgery goes smoothly and is a big success!

I hope that you get the chance to surround yourself with loved ones before your surgery. Whether its a long phone call to a old friend or dinner with family, I found that time with loved ones before something like this really helps :)

 

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 7/7/2012 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Carmella07!
Listen I know you're scared, but let me tell you, if i knew i would feel this much better after my wrap I would've been sooo excited instead of scared!I'm 10 days post op & I actually walked for 30 min today! i had a HH & partial wrap & the first few days were the worst..expect to be really sore from chest to shoulders cause of all the gas they use to blow you up(walk around as much as you feel like it & that will go away quicker)..What scared me the most was not being able to pull in a deep breath w/out hurting,that's cause they stitch your HH to your diaphragm muscle,very normal..it DOES get better everyday!Just do your homework & stick to your diet & drink lots of gaterade..it helps w/ fatigue..you'll be better in no time!good luck :))

Sheila

Post Edited (She 1) : 7/7/2012 7:21:47 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/11/2012 10:28 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks all for your wonderful tips I'm laying here in hospital as we speak I had surgery Monday afternoon.I felt good initially..walked a lot yesterday in the hallways...boy I hurt today! Incision site and shoulders.. its a slow go but all of you Have really helped. I'm on clear liquids. Despite post op soreness.I'm good. I feel a huge difference in my overall health! !Can't believe how sick I was!
Posted 7/13/2012 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
Four days post op. No pain meds except first day in hospital.ice on incision helps.lots of walking. Sitting actually hurts my incisions. Going to see my sons opening night at theatre tonight. Doc said just bring a pillow. I still cough and have some discomfort in my chest. The pillow helps brace when I cough or sneeze which has happened..that does hurt.sti ll on soft foods.just trying not to rush it. Its like after you have given birth painful initially but love feeling better..meaning no acid reflux.
That's my experience.
Posted 7/13/2012 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
So great to hear that you are recovering well! I am going through testing now to see if I may need surgery. I have been terrified about surgery but reading how well you are doing has decreased my fear a little. Good luck to you and keep us posted!
Posted 7/28/2012 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
Surgical visit on Monday morning
Hopefully going back to work Wed.feeling better everyday.still on colace as. My digestion is still moving slow. Only working 3 days then on vacation.just really tired at the end of day. Lost 19 pounds since may..I needed to lose anyway...still on food restrictions
Posted 7/29/2012 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Carmella07,

Thanks for checking in and letting us know how you're doing.  Glad to hear your recovery is going well.  Remember that you've had major surgery, so give yourself permission to take it slow and easy!

Best wishes,

Denise

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