NF tomorrow - nervous and scared

No!

We each deal with these matters in our own way so it's difficult to offer constructive advice without sounding trite. I remember being more than a bit worried beforehand but the hospital staff were fantastic (pre-op at least!) and I was visited by a very upbeat dietician who assured me that in a few months I'd be sitting at breakfast having a bacon butty. It all helped, as did the pre-med. Coming round from surgery was (dare I say it?) lovely because they'd given me morphine and I felt I was wrapped up in a warm blanket. The 24 hours after was unpleasant (I probably paid a price for the morphine by being unable to urinate - TMI)and I had a few minor stumbling blocks in the weeks that followed as I adjusted my diet and intake. Although I'm now back on PPIs I had several years of very good health and I'm actively considering a redo. The only thing that really puts me off is the testing that's necessary. If you've done the endoscopies, the 24 ph testing and, Heavens to Murgatroyd, the manometry (nasty, nasty, nasty) then you've done the worst of it and surgery will be a breeze. Go to it and good luck!

Hope your surgery went well, when you feel up to it post your experience and any tips as I am having the surgery in less than a month.
Ps. Post if you have shoulder pain. I have read a few posts about post op shoulder pain? I don't understand why shoulders would hurt after stomach surgery.

Uniandra said...
I'm having my NF next Thursday. I am also nervous. I've been trying to be proactive with my diet by doing research on different types of blended drinks (non-alcoholic of course). They have lots to choose from in order to get the fruits and vegetables, and I think one can drink protein drinks for that part of their diet. I just want to make sure that after the surgery I am eating healthy (sipping rather).
I was wondering if there is anyone that has had to have the open surgery rather than the laproscopic surgery, and if so, for what reason(s)? I'm a little concerned because I'm a little overweight and want to brace myself for all scenarios.
I appreciate any help.
Also, Alphabetsoup, best wishes with your surgery tomorrow.

Hi, re the drinks. They're a great idea. Remember you'll need more than you think and you need calories too, otherwise you'll get muscle loss. I went through gallons of high quality chilled custard. Get a lot of soft food too. I love macaroni cheese so I had plenty of it in and sent out for more.

Also, I couldn't pass any solids for about 6 days as I was dehydrated and weak. Prune juice sorted that out within hours.

I sipped protein drinks throughout the day. My body didn't crave or want them, I've no idea why, but I had little sips.

Make sure you have a good DVD collection. But most of all, don't worry. Enjoy being spoiled in the hospital. And make sure all your housework (dishes, clean bedding etc) is done before you go into hospital. For some idiotic reason I didn't do that.

Uniandra

Welcome to Healing Well.

I had my last redo as an open surgery. I managed to get through 4 belly surgeries lap, but since I had an esophagus tear they did my last redo open because of scar tissue and possible complications.

Now for the weird part. My open surgery was the easiest for me to recovery from. I didn't have the nagging shoulder pain and such. I did have a big elastic wrap they put around my belly to help hold things together and that made it much easier when getting up and down. I am over weight myself also, but that wasn't a factor for the open surgery.

Take care,
Bill

Also sending my wishes that surgery went well and you are feeling well in no time. I am 8 days post op now. First couple days were torture for me, then a few rough days. Today the best so far. Excited to hear how you are doing.
Debra