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Toupet fundplipication

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Posted 1/31/2018 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning everyone,
I've been reading the posts on post-surgical problems, and will have to admit, they are scary.
I'm scheduled for TF on 2/23/18, and am hoping for a good result.I'm 69 years old, fairly active, have suffered with heartburn for 3 years, also have a 3mm. hernia. Would appreciate any imput from other members.
Thanks, Winsey
Posted 2/1/2018 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Winsey,

I had the TF in July of 2015 when I was in my mid-40's. I wouldn't read everyone's experiences and feel overwhelmed since everyone's experience, I believe, is unique. And reading them altogether makes one feel like ALL of those things might happen concurrently when, in fact, most people experienced only one or two of the issues. The first 3 weeks are challenging but each week is better than the previous one. By the fourth week, it's better since you also start sleeping better. And the diet plan also takes you to the next level so that helps with your mood and energy too. Feel free to ask questions and good luck with surgery!

P.S. Did you mean cm and not mm? Mine was larger than 3cm so I didn't qualify for the ring. But you could ask your doctor if the Magnetic ring (Linx, Torax®) is an option instead of the TF surgery.

Post Edited (reena20) : 1/31/2018 9:48:53 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/1/2018 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
I had a laparoscopic Toupet Fundoplication for repair of giant paraesophageal hiatal hernia (with absorbable mesh) on January 10th at Florida Hospital in Orlando so I'm at 3 1/2 weeks post-surgery. I am 66 years old and otherwise in good health. I feel pretty good. Not perfect yet.
An individual's pre-surgery conditions make a difference when you try to compare procedures and outcomes. I suffered from GERD for decades but was tolerating it through diet, sleeping with a wedge pillow, and was taking 80 mg/day Protonix. I knew that I had a small/medium hiatal hernia for years. I also have a history of vocal cord cancer with subsequent radiation therapy. That may have led to some additional difficulty swallowing. I started getting bouts of chest pain and developed great difficulty breathing. My primary sent me for a cardio workup. The cardio found nothing and told me she thought it was my hiatal hernia. So back to a GI who would be more aggressive than just refilling my pantoprazole.
In the last year and a half the hernia grew until last fall an endoscopy showed at least a 9 cm hiatal hernia. I went through the barium swallow, Bravo test, and swallow/manometry. The diagnosis was giant paraesophageal hernia (GPEH). My Demeester score was in the 50s and I had acid about 20% of the time. Motility and swallowing issues. By December 2017 my stomach was in my thoracic cavity, folded on itself, and compressing my left lung. I also have motility problems in my throat and esophagus. So, for me, the GERD was secondary to correcting the anatomy. GPEH can become strangulated and that becomes an emergency situation with some sketchy outcomes.
I trusted my GI to send me to the best surgeon for my specific situation. My surgeon has rock star credentials. If anyone needs details please let me know.
I was in the hospital for 23 hours. That's all. The doc did not want me in the hospital with so much flu going around. No tubes, no external stitches. Just steri-strips on the 5 tiny cuts in my abdomen. My whole family noticed immediately that I could speak a full sentence without pausing to gasp for breath. To heck with the annoyance of GERD. Just to be able to take a deep breath again makes this all worth it.
I took liquid Tylenol with codeine for 2 days, then only used the "with codeine" at night for 4 more days. I'm taking 10 mg pantoprazole 2x/day for 30 days but the doctor thinks I can discontinue it after that. Zofran for anti-nausea was also prescribed. I am also taking Miralax. There is no pain in my stomach or lower abdomen. I do get some cramping in my esophagus and still sometimes get the feeling of something stuck but when that happens, I revert back to liquids for half a day.
I would say that my biggest problem is pain along my back where my stomach and esophagus had to literally be cut away from my chest and left pleural area. I had severe swallowing problems before the surgery so while that isn't completely resolved, it is so much better and continuing to improve.
Posted 2/3/2018 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
I can only speak for my own experience but I had a Toupet Fundoplication with 5cm hh repair in December and the results have been phenomenal. First week I suffered with terrible nausea, some rotten aches and pains. Had trouble swallowing solids for about 5 weeks which is to be expected, now I feel like I've never even had surgery, zero reflux. Before surgery I used to bring everything other than solids up (and even that would come up with a mixture of bile). But my advice for the first 6 weeks when u do try something solid, chew chew chew, feels very uncomfortable when food gets trapped above the wrap but it soon passes. I really panicked the first few weeks (and wept in despair a few times) that I'd never go back to normal again, but thankfully it passed. Best of luck to you, I'm sure it'll be fine. smile
Posted 2/4/2018 10:56 AM (GMT 0)
you guys have been so wonderful..i am 32 yrs old and my doctors told me i have HH a small one and when i go back i will ask the doctor the cm of the HH.i dont have GERD.i have gastritis caused by hpilori and am taking antibiotics,i dont have pain from my HH just discomfort around my left ribs thats all and i cant eat a large meal.my question..am scared of having hernia come back after surgery.do you guys think i should go for surgery now or wait till when i am 40 or 50 since i dont have GERD..i used to punch heavy bags and am worried that i wont be able to do that after surgery and yes i lift weights also.should i wait for surgery or i can go ahead and do it now.i just joined today and i hope i get a reply from someone.thanks yall
Posted 2/6/2018 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
chris909, you should speak to your doctor about when's the best time to repair the hiatal hernia since we're not doctors and only s/he is familiar with your case. Also, not every HH requires repair; especially as you say you are free of GERD. Gastritis does fix itself with proper diet and exercise. If yours is caused by the H.Pylori (as was mine), it did eventually fix itself after the cocktail of antibiotics, diet and exercise. There is an alternative to surgery for small hernias - a magnetic ring called Linx. Again, it may not even be needed to do anything if you aren't symptomatic and the H.Pylori clears. Just consult with your doctor. But as far as being active goes - I was working out at 3 months post surgery. I've always worked out and it was sheer torture not being able to work out the first 3 months but I followed the doctor's advice to walk 20 mins after every meal and went on a lot of walks beyond the 20 mins. I lost 42 lbs and only gained a little bit back. I'm at normal BMI and Body Fat and I am so glad I'm doing everything I used to before the surgery without any symptoms. I just won't be doing any bungee jumping, throwing myself out of a plane with a chute or going on wild roller coaster rides! smile But I do perform boxing exercises that involve punching a bag. And no issues!
Posted 2/6/2018 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
Than you for your reply David, I'm pleased for you that your surgery had such a good outcome.
I'm optimistic about mine.
Winsey
Posted 2/7/2018 2:53 AM (GMT 0)

David davihggb said...
I can only speak for my own experience but I had a Toupet Fundoplication with 5cm hh repair in December and the results have been phenomenal. First week I suffered with terrible nausea, some rotten aches and pains. Had trouble swallowing solids for about 5 weeks which is to be expected, now I feel like I've never even had surgery, zero reflux. Before surgery I used to bring everything other than solids up (and even that would come up with a mixture of bile). But my advice for the first 6 weeks when u do try something solid, chew chew chew, feels very uncomfortable when food gets trapped above the wrap but it soon passes. I really panicked the first few weeks (and wept in despair a few times) that I'd never go back to normal again, but thankfully it passed. Best of luck to you, I'm sure it'll be fine. smile

Hello, when did your chest pains go away?
Posted 2/17/2018 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
reena20 thanks alot
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