Nissen Fundoplication Surgery

Tomorrow I am having a hiatal hernia repair, Nissen Fundoplication and a tracheal dilation. I am really scared. I've had heartburn for 17 years since the birth of my last child. I've used Prilosec all these years. What's crazy about this is that 2 years ago I couldn't breath. Especially while exercising, I was short of breath. After 5 doctors and six months to get a diagnosis, I found a pulmonologist that did an endoscopy and found that my airway was burned and the airway narrowed.

They sent me to Stanford Hospital and the head of Thoracic Surgery said I had Tracheal Stenosis. At the time, they didn't realize that the damage was from acid reflux.

They gave me two options: Dilation of the trachea or a resection of the trachea. I chose the dilation. It only lasts for six months and then I have difficulty breathing.

Finally after 3 dilations, I decided to have the tracheal resection and when the doctor got a scope into my throat, he couldn't operate because it was too raw inside. That was in May of 2012.

In the summer, the hospital ran some tests to determine that I had low pressure in the opening to my stomach.

So tomorrow is my big day. Some of the forum posts scare me. I am just hoping to have a better quality of life after this.

I have been told that I will have to give up a carbonated beverage during the healing process.

Please send words of wisdom if you had a positive experience.

You will be fine, just go with the program. I'm 79 yrs old with. GERD and took ppi's' 19 years. I had my surgery last Wednesday Halloween. I spent 2days in the hospital an have been home for 3 days now.. My surgery went well, less pain tha I expected and I was up walking the same day. It here is some discomfort from the gas they inflate your chest with but it passes. Be suree to follow the breathing exercise regimen they will give you. At five days out I can walk a block and am tolerating a soft diet well. I had cream of chicken soup with saltines and mashed avocado And some Parmesan shavings for lunch and pumpkin pie (ate filling only) with icecream for an Afternoon Snack. I am bothered more by some Chest congestion and an some pflebitis near the IV Site than the Wrap and incisions. best wisches for a Speedy recovery. i have been Off ppi's Since the op nö Gerd or heartburn. I haven't needed pain meds since I have been home.
Tad

Post Edited (Nopo) : 11/5/2012 12:30:23 AM (GMT-7)

I had surgery and had to have it redone 2 years later after I tore the fundo at 11 months. I also had a very difficult and still am having a very difficult recovery. However this is just recovery and I have been unlucky and an exception to the normal.

I would recommend this surgery every time as it is a life changer (for the better).

Most people are fine and have no issues other than the normal recovery, yes the recovery is hard but that is to be expected from any surgery on the upper gi would be.

The main thing in recovery is to take it easy and listen to advice and heed it, your body will tell you when you're ready to progress.

Well, the surgery went well. I slept all day. It's impossible to sit up right now. When I woke up I so badly wanted a drink. The doctor said I could only swab my mouth. OMG! Finally I convinced him to let me have a popsicle! Yay! It tasted so good. It's funny how the smallest thing can make your day.

Thanks for your support.

Denise, I will read you thread!

Thank you for the tip Bill.

Linda - Was curious who you saw at Stanford for Nissen? And, about your experience? I'm going to see a specialist there for severe GERD and wasn't sure what surgeons they had on staff / what others' Nissen experiences were at Stanford. Can't find anything online!