Upcoming hiatal hernia and fundiplication

I have a 6 cm defect in my diaphragm with about 1/3 of my stomach in my chest. My gerd is reasonably contained by 40 mg Prilosec daily.. But have chronic inflammation of esophagus. Surgeon recommends fixing large hiatal hernia defect with fundiplication. I am a little scared about the surgery and the future eating problems. I understand the need to repair the hernia, but fundopliction scares me. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

Welcome to the forum

Don't worry about eating problems. For most of us they go away and you're better off than you are now. It takes a long time, but if the surgeon thinks it is necessary I'd do it.

Thanks everyone. Saw cardiologist for ok for surgery today and discussed my fear do fundoplication with her and was reassured by her too. I am wondering about a realistic return to work time frame. Surgeon says as little as 2 weeks, but his nurse who is an acquaintance of my was shaking her head no. I work in a hospital doing mostly desk work, but do push patients in wheel chairs frequently. What was your experience on returning to work?

Hi Illinifan,

Some people manage to return to their jobs at the two week mark if they absolutely need to. Some can't afford to stay out longer, and return to work with some limitations from their surgeon.  In your case, I'd recommend that you not push wheelchairs for a few more weeks...probably the 6 week mark.

If you have sick time and can afford to stay out longer, please do.  You'll feel better the longer you can wait.  The other option is going back half time, which might be a good way to start.

Good luck!

Denise

Hello Everyone.  I am new to the forum.  I am schedule for surgery 7 Dec 12 for a toupett (partial) wrap, base on my testing this is what my surgeon thinks is best for me.  I am very worried about the whole thing.  I read everything I can get my hands on but still feel like I don't know everything I need to know. 

Point One: I have no thyroid (Hashimoto), it was taken out back in 93.  I am overweight and lack excerise.  I do not smoke nor drink.  I have been alot of left side hip, chest and leg pain which one of my thyroid drs thought it might be lyme disease she order a test and stated it came back positive (15 Oct)  I was not convince on the results, but took the doxy (antibotic) for almost three weeks.  The treatment made me anger, upset and ill.    I decided to asked for a Infectious Disease dr.  Who ran a bunch of test in which all came back negative.  That was the good part the bad part was taking meds I didn't need.  Now I am hoping I don't get any side effects from taking so much antibotics. 

Point TwO:  I still have the left side pain.  I read all the good things the surgery does once you give it time.  However, all agree with the shoulder, rib and bloating pain.  If I can't get the pain on my left side resolve I fear that I will be in greater pain than I have too.  Bringing this up with my drs.

Point Three:  I don't have alot of sick time so how long will I be out?  I do computer work, no lifting or anything to hard at work.  I do walk alot but that seems to be good for the pain.  I also work with a bunch of drs and a great hospital is just across the street if I need any ER help.  So is one week to bold?

Point Four:  Should I push back my surgery for a couple of months until I get my left side under control.  The toupett surgery is not a life or death measure.  Or should I push forward.  My cardio and psych dr thing I should and of course the dr who is doing the toupet.  Still have this gut feeling or waiting.

I just need some guidance to make the right choice.  I hope the wrap club can help. 

How have you been doing since your surgery? I did research my dr he is top on the list of drs to do this procedure in VA. Plus the nurse who did my testing is a pt of his. She had it done 9 yrs ago and is very happy. She highly recommended him. How soon where you able to go back to work or any of your activities.