Met with surgeon

I did quite a bit of research prior to choosing my surgeon and was pleased after having met him. I'm waiting to get in to take the ph test & manometry tests and immediately afterwards will have the surgery.

My hiatal hernia first started bothering me when I was 21, or 47 years ago, and I've really suffered with it and reflux over the years. I had a friend while in my 20's who was a professor of gastroenterology & he taught me how to take care of my hernia and I've really babied it. Have kept my head elevated all these years, have given up many foods, etc etc. Green Lizzard has been my best friend for the past 20 years, but the last time I tried to get a script, it was going to cost $750.

My latest EGD showed that my hernia is now 7 cm. I've hardly left my house this summer because of the pain & discomfort. I can no longer wear a bra, and believe me, a 68 year old woman who's had 3 kids is way past her bra-burning days.

I never thought about surgery till lately because I remember the donut that was the norm back in the '70's. A donut was somehow placed around the esophagus but more often than not the patient ended up with more problems than she had before. So I was thrilled to learn about NF. I've been reading your posts for the past few weeks and appreciate all the knowledge you folks impart.

My surgeon told me that I'll be on a liquid diet for 2 months after the surgery. He claims that after that I'll be good as new. (My words, not his). I'll be able to lift my grand babies, eat raw onions and peppermint ice cream, my 2 favorite foods. I used to eat onions like apples. It's been 45 years since I've had either. And I'll be able to wear a bra again. Hallelujah. But I realize that I'm not going to pop right back up, especially after having read about some of your experiences.

Right now I'm off my PPI's and antacids because of the upcoming tests, and the discomfort is building.

I would appreciate any comments or suggestions you folks might have. I know I may not be able to burp or throw up, but anything has to be better than what I've been going through my entire adult life. I have to admit, I'm pretty darn excited.

Pat

I am almost 3 years post NF. I have been able to burp since the day after surgery, but am not able to throw up. I eat almost anything. I was on a liquid diet for the first 2 weeks, then soft foods for 2 weeks after that and at the one month mark, I was on a regular diet and eating anything I wanted. I have no problems with onions or mints. I know there a those on here who say the gas/bloating/shoulder pain during recovery is awful, but I honestly didn't have any of those issues. I am gassier than before the surgery, but nothing to complain about. I am glad I had the surgery.

I was back to feeling normal by my 6 weeks post surgery. Some say it takes them about a year to feel normal, but everyone is different in their recovery. Check with your doctor/surgeon after surgery to see if your trips will be affected. A lot will depend on how you feel by then. I would think if you are doing well and feel good, you should be able to go.

If you have a facebook account, check out the Nissen Fundoplication page. There is a lot of information on there by people around the world who have had or are going to have NF.

I am nine days out from my Nissen Fundiplication and so far have not had any major problems, except to remember not to overeat. I cannot handle more than a few spoonsful of soft food. I'm lazy and decided to go the Toddler baby food route and it hasn't been too bad, just needs salt for the most part. I am drinking chicken broth between the meals and eating Jello and popsicles. Actually had some mac and cheese today.
The worst part of the surgery was post op when I thought my collar bones had been crushed. Ice! Ice! Ice! The ice was wonderful since I refused to take narcs or opioids for pain. After about 30 minutes, the ice worked like a charm. My stomach did not feel painful inside. Just drank ice water after the surgery.
I have been able to burp a little and get the elimination situation in hand. I'm 69, so no one is beyond the border on feeling better. You'll be fine with this. I went home the next day. I have been going out every day dingy errands since. Just don't get too tired.

The tests prior to my Nissen Fundiplication are next Wednesday & I have a couple of questions.

My surgeon has instructed me to take no ppis, antacids, Gaviscon, or anything that will reduce the acid in my stomach from now till the tests. I'm dying. I've tried yogurt, crackers, a little vanilla ice cream, but nothing works. I could have met Russell Westbrook tonight but stayed home doubled over with pain. Help!

When I come home during the 24 hour test during which I'll have a tube going down my nose, am I able to eat? What preparations did you have to take prior to the tests?

Thanks, Pat

I had my two tests run yesterday to check for motility & reflux & was told by the tech that my motility looks good. She expects the surgeon to have the results by next Monday & im ready to be on my way. I don't look forward to the recovery but time flies by so when I blink, it should be this time next year. At least that's my story.

My lungs are fine except for the asthma I developed last year. No lung problems related to GERD, that goodness. I'm glad you're doing what you need to do to get your situation figured out & under control. And good for you for losing weight and giving up cigarettes.

Good to hear your motility test showed normal. I believe it plays a big part in making this surgery a complete success.

- Mark