New here, waiting on test results

Hi!
I'm Brittany and I just discovered this forum from a google search about the Nissen surgery. I've read a ton of threads today and I feel like I'm so much more informed than I was after meeting with my family doctor to talk about my GERD.

I've had GERD most of my life, (lots of random vomiting and heartburn) and having Hyperemesis Gravidarum (rare and severe form of morning sickness, and I was violently vomiting 50+ times a day with my second son) made the whole situation worse. I've been on PPIs for over 5 years now, and my symptoms are no longer being controlled by the meds. I have heartburn almost all day long, frequent regurgitation and chest pain, and a constant sore throat.
I had an endoscopy done in later November, and it revealed that the entire length of my esophagus is bleeding and that I have a severe hiatus hernia. They couldn't rule out Barrett's at that time.
Four days ago I had the motility and 24 hour ph tests done and I have a follow-up appt with my surgeon in a week to discuss the results.

A friend shared with me today that she had the Nissen done 6 years ago, and it was the first surgery/procedure that I'd heard of for GERD thus far. (Other than the Linx procedure, though they don't offer it in Canada.) I've been feeling nervous about the possibility of surgery, and after reading the threads today I feel more prepared for the possibility of this surgery. (Though I admit I'm a bit overwhelmed by the length of recovery, and how much my diet will have to change.)

I do have one question - has anyone gotten this surgery that has young children? My boys are 5 and 2, and though my husband can probably get a few days off of work to help if I do need the surgery, we don't have any other family or many friends around to help. How was your recovery with young kids around? (I know that it will likely take a while to book the surgery, and that it could be a year+ until it happens, I just want to be prepared.)

Thank you all for sharing your experiences; it's been such a relief to be able to read about the surgery and post-op details.

Hi there Brittany!

The surgery and recovery process IS daunting. And while we can appreciate surgeons being straightforward and blunt about it, they can't really comment to what you'll really feel like since they haven't had it done on them before!

I think it's great that you've done your research; how successful your recovery is is going to be dependent on how well you prepare up front. In the weeks leading up to my surgery, I made sure to keep my wife apprised with what to expect (and she even went to my pre-op appointment with me) the day of, the day after and the weeks after my surgery.

What helped the most was preparing meal plans and going shopping together.

You'll be on a liquid diet for a bit so expect lots of milkshakes, smoothies, soups, etc. You'll slowly move on to things with more texture and "bite". It'll be REAL important to not push your diet, or you'll be in a good amount of pain and discomfort. Activity will be key to keeping the swelling down and getting rid of the excess gas from the surgery. Walk everyday, as much as you can tolerate. It'll get easier.

Many of us on here have a variety of hints, tips, etc that helped us through the process so as you get closer to "the date", put a list of questions together and put them up here. And even as you are in the recovery process, ask away. No question is off limits or too graphic...(haha)...likely we've all experienced it in some way or another.

Its' all in the prep. Be sure you (and your family/caregivers) are ready for it. You'll be better off if everyone knows what to expect and how to deal with it.

Ask lots of questions in the meantime!

-TonyG-