Going to a surgeon now :(

Hi everyone, my name is Michelle.  Back in February of 2012 I went to the E.R. with what I thought was a heart attach.  Turns out I have acid reflux (severe) and a hiatal hernia.  I've been through a Barrium swallow, EDG, 2 tests to check my gallbladder, esophogeal memometry and 24 ph study.  UGGGGG! My Gastro. Specialist is now sending me to a surgeon on October 3rd, 2012.  I have been reading everyone's post on here and other material on the internet.  I have severe acid reflux, SEVERE chest pain, nausia, etc.  My Gastro. specialist has not been very cooperative on my chest pain. I'm so sick of this and it's nice to know there are other folks out there experiencing the same things I am.  I've gone back and forth as to wanting surgery or not.  Last night I woke up choking as my reflux acid was in my mouth and not in the back of my throat.  I think it's time!  Can anyone explain to me how their surgery went? I'm quite scared, broke from all the testing and just plain tired of all of this! PLEASE HELP!

Michelle

You need to be calm, most people are fine after a lap Nissen. There will always be exceptions to the rule with any surgery or illness, I have to get my Nissen redone but can honestly say the pain and discomfort is well worth it in my opinion. If it wasn't I would not be back next week for a redo. I also face the prospect of having it done open as my surgeon has warned me second time can be difficult, but believe me when I say the relief after recovery is worth it.

Getting anxious does not help, it is difficult as any surgery will make you anxious but just try to remember why you are having surgery each time you have reflux or other symptoms.

Good luck

Chelle, The surgery was not that bad. I had mine 3 years ago this December. I've had no bad side effects and feel great.

The day of the surgery you go in with a totally empty stomach.
You're show to a prep room where you change into the Breezy gown and climb into the bed. A nurse comes in, puts in an IV and asks a dozen questions. Next you're rolled into the pre-op. More questions are asked and something is injected into your IV to relax you. Then you're rolled into the OR, slid into the table, and you're out.
I woke up later in post-op thirsty and hurting some. They don't want you to choke until you're fully awake so you have to wait until you're alert.
Later you're taken to your room to rest until released. I stayed overnight.
Make sure to have you a recovery "nest" at home. Soft place to rest with easy access to things you need.
Make sure to have liquid foods available for first two weeks.

It's the information I wanted when I had my surgery, because II had never been beyond the ER for mild things in my life. Surgery is scary if you've never experienced it before.