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Nissen Fundoplication

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Posted 4/12/2015 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

What a useful site! I've found out so much, and I have to say far more than I could have remembered/thought to ask at hospital!

I have some questions that I'm looking for answers/opinions on, some of them I've already read about, so I suppose I'm really just looking for different peoples thoughts :)

I'm due to have a Nissen Fundoplication shortly after a good few years suffering from GERD, mostly I'm looking forward to being free or at least relieved of some of the symptoms that have overshadowed aspects of life for years, but as the date gets closer, I'm starting to feel nervous too. I'm having surgery in the UK under the NHS.

How long were people off work? and were surgeons/gp's ok issuing sicklines? I don't have a physically demanding job, but I know myself best and if I'm not 100% right I'll recover better at home.

2) I've read lots about weight loss, my surgeon even told me to think of it as a bonus. I do have weight to lose, and used to be reasonably active but gradually as GERD has ground me down, my activity levels have gone down and the scales up. What are people's experiences of weight loss? Little? Lots? None? I'm really keen to use this as an opportunity to kick start change- eating less and moving more- I intend to be the fat sweaty receding guy in the gym that looks like he hasn't left the couch for 20 years!

3) Time in surgery: I'm not having a HH repair or anything, I've read varying posts some saying it takes an hour, some saying 4 hours. How long were you in?

4) Catheterisation cry This is my biggest fear of all! my bits are designed to let things out, not to have things in.... this is probably the issue that I've lost sleep over. It seems pretty common, but even if they do it whilst I'm out, it's been done and I don't like the sound of it. Is it necessary?

I think thats everything (for now!) thank you in advance and sorry for coming on and asking all these! confused
Posted 4/13/2015 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi DJ1985

I too am from the UK and had the surgery done under NHS. i will reply to your questions best as possible:

I was off work for 8 weeks following my operation, however, i work in nursing and am on my feet for 12 hours and do many manual jobs on a shift! i took the time off until i felt well enough and have been fine on returning to work. my surgeon wrote my sick note and that too was no issue. As you have addressed, only you will know when the time is right. my surgeon said 4 weeks is usually enough but this depends on the persons occupation.

2) I lost a stone in weight and although have gained some following the surgery which was 15 months ago now i am not the weight i was at the time or surgery and haven't been at that weight since! I wasnt very overweight but i had a few pounds that needed shifting....yes it is a bonus!

3)My surgery took under an hour. discharged same day. no issues there

4) I was not catheterized

hope this helps
Good luck!
Do continue to use this site. I still post questions here now and im 15 months post surgery....you can never ask too may questions as far as your health is concerned.
Regards.
:)
Posted 4/14/2015 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your answers, much appreciated
Posted 4/15/2015 11:28 AM (GMT 0)
I had NF surgery on 4/7 over a week ago. I think I am feeling pretty good. My surgery I am told took 2 hours and was really need. I had a large hiatal hernia and my stomach was on the side twisted into the hiatal hernia. During the last few months lost about 20 lbs (which is good) and told I would probably loose 10-15 lbs during the next 5 weeks after eating mushy food. After surgery I had some pain in my chest but I did not take any meds. Felt I did not need morphine. Went home after 2 nights in the hospital and took some pain meds twice and that is all. I really have no pain. No problem sleeping. Have been on a soft diet for about a week and today I am venturing into I guess you can say a MUSHY diet. I was told I could eat anything even pizza as long as it is mushy. I don't think so. I love pizza but I think I will wait. I have read many of the diet websites on NF and some do not match but there are some good suggestions. I did not know to eat small meals. It says to eat 6 - 8 meals a day. I am not doing that. I am not that hungry. I hate having to mash my meds. That is a pain. First time I ate them plain. What a mistake. Now I mix them with apple sauce or yogurt. I have some gas but not much to speak of. Also noted to drink 1/2 cup liquid with meals and sip. Was not told this. Only given a list of what to eat and what not to. Not how much of how little. I hope I am getting my nutrients.
Posted 4/15/2015 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Addressing Catheterization: It is necessary and it was a first for me. I agree about the bits. I am a male and it is the first time that anybody handed my bits without my knowledge--I was out like a light. This is the "God's Honest Truth". My surgery allegedly took 4 hours because of the HH repair and the NF--I wasn't aware of any of it. Afterwards, I had some discomfort from the CO2 that they use to inflate you, but I walked it off like everybody says to do. The most discomfort (it was just a burning sensation) was the catherization. The catheter was removed the following day but difficulty in urinating continued for the entire two days that I was in the hospital. It was not agony; it was not burning; I just had to really focus on the the process to force it several times a day. Otherwise, I had no pain throughout the operation and recovery. Although they gave me two bottles of liquid Loritab to take home, I only took one small dose to try to help me sleep. After that one time I didn't need it. I also didn't shed one drop of blood because everythng was glued back together by the time I woke up. Not dreadful and overall, not an unpleasant experience....
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