Getting THE surgery Feb. 5th - very anxious

Hi,
Have been reading all the posts for the last week or so. Wished I had found this sight before I went to
the drs. would have had more questions. But, you all have helped me a great deal.

I am 72 years young and have had acid reflux for at least 40+ years. End of last year they did the endoscopy. Prior 5 years no hernia. Now I have a para esophageal hernia which is 7cc. Have been on all
the meds possible to help the acid reflux. Like the dr. said it will only get worse.

I am in good health, take no other meds. I do have psoriasis, but only use the topical creams to help
keep it under control. It comes and goes like most psoriasis does.

One thing I have learned from this great sight is to take it easy and that it will not heal as fast as I want it to. Thanks for all of your help.

Will keep you posted when I can.

Brenda-

I want to welcome you also. I too am having surgery on the 5th, different surgery all together though. Reading your post it is very good to see we have been able to help you be well informed before surgery. I believe that has been a main goal for a lot of us who have stayed so long here.
Good luck and keep us posted!

Take care,
Bill

Welcome Brenda.

I'm one of those older posters with a repaired paraesophageal hernia. Just having to have the stomach pulled down out of the chest is a much bigger surgery than a regular Nissen. However, it's lifesaving, because the stomach can twist in this situation and strangle itself.

It takes us longer to recover, but at this age we have more patience. Maybe we need a few extra days on liquid diet. I stocked up on the kinds of things I would need. We can't drive to the grocery store for at least a couple of weeks. Still, no big deal. Look up some of the post Nissen diets online.

Just do your homework and plan ahead. You can get an aide and maybe a visiting nurse until you can drive (check your insurance). Write down what you want the surgeon to order for you and take the list with you. You don't want to have to call for help after you get home.

It's a good excuse to have a housekeeper clean for a little while. Even an hour's work by a high school kid helps. Find someone now. Clear all the dresser and counter tops.

Put emergercy phone numbers on the fridge. In some areas emergency responders are trained to look there for information, anything they need to bring to a hospital.

Best wishes!

Hi Mulligan,

Try some ice on that rib.  I had the same problem and remember it well! Ice really helped tremendously! Lucky you to have a massage chair.  What a wonderful treat!

Welcome to the Healing Well Wrapped Club! Glad you've joined us.  It's great to hear things are going well. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Best wishes,

Denise

Brenda-

Good luck today! I am heading out for surgery myself.

Take care,
Bill

UP-DATE, sorry it took me so long in getting back to you all. Had the surgery Feb. 5th came home from
the hospital Feb. 9th. Well managed pain while I was there. Came home and my daughter was here to
help. She filled me with great high protein drinks and made good soups. I am still on the liquid diet with no
problems at all. I seem to be able to eat whatever amount of soups and liquids I want. My pain level has not been high at all. He did the surgery liproscopicaly sp! Those places where he went in have healed.
He was able to pull the stomach down to where it is supposed to be and do the wrap. That was his plan A, and it worked great.

My biggest problem now seems to be getting my strength back, which I know will just take time. Thanks for all of your help and concerns!!!

Hi Brenda,
Welcome to the Wrapped Club! It's great to hear that you're recovering well.

It is amazing how quickly we lose muscle strength and stamina after surgery. The only answer it to get up and start walking. Start slowly, and gradually build your speed and distance.

Happy Healing!
Denise

Hi sumner,
I'll check on that and get back to you. Did you try unclicking your thumbs down?
Denise

Thank you. So sorry that happened. I must learn to think before I click.