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Nissen Healing time

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Posted 2/10/2011 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
Got a question for the forum, I realize that are a lot of different things that can go wrong with a Nissen surgery, but if there are no complications, how long is the wait before a person can go back to work?

What are the physical limitations? is 6 weeks before you can lift anything over xxlbs?

I am getting real close to setting the date for my wrap, just curious and hoping for a good surgery.......

Thanks Pat
Posted 2/10/2011 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Pat,

I know you will be hearing from members who have had the surgery.

In general, you may resume normal activity including sports as soon as you are up to it. A few activities that suddenly increase pressure in the abdominal cavity ( popping wheelies on bikes, abdominal crunches) should be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery.  You should restrict heavy lifting for 6 weeks ( over 15 lbs).  A bloated sensation is common and loose clothes are needed for a few days to a week.

Please talk with your Dr. as this is just general info.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 2/10/2011 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
There are lots of different surgeries, depending on whether you have a hiatal hernia that has to be closed, if the esophagus needs to be "taken down," how old you are and what shape you're in. then there's the individual doctor's orders! You'll probably be told when you leave the hospital. If not, ask then!

A lot of people go back to work in a few days, but some of us needed to be home in bed longer than that.

As for lifting, don't! Wait for at least 3 months before you lift anything remotely heavy!! You don't want to rip out the internal stitches and have to go through this all over again.
Posted 2/10/2011 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
Heya Pat,
It has been 2 weeks today since my surgery, I was back to work in a week (office job) and even though it still hurts at 2 of the incision sites it is nothing unmanagable. overall i havent had any issues that couldnt be delt with in the 2 weeks.My doc told me 6-8 weeks before lifting anything up to 50lbs.
Posted 2/11/2011 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
I am a 57 year old male, and up until this started I was as healthy, since July of 09 I have been trying to figure out what happen. Looks like a haital hernia is the culprit and I have Barrets. Several treatments at the Mayo has got rid of the Barrets, now for a surgery hopefully will get rid of the cause of the Barrets and the pain.

The reason I am wondering, I have a business that I want to start and I know me......it will be hard not to want work like I was twenty......

Pat
Posted 2/11/2011 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Pat,

Great advice from members of the Wrapped Club.  I would keep your options open as far as your business.  Remember stressing your mind and body is not a good thing - let your body rest and heal. 

Good luck.

Kitt

Posted 2/11/2011 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Pat,
I was about 57 when I had my surgery. I had the complication of infected lungs and wasn't allowed to return to the classroom for 2 months due to other health reasons--not the surgery alone.

I had intended to return half days in two weeks, and I really believe I would have done fine with that had I not been so sick with my lung infection.

The lap incisions heal quickly. You do tend to have one that hurts more than others (for me it was my left rib incision). The surgeon told me that it's the one from which most of the manipulation occurs, so it takes quite a beating.

Your internal healing takes longer, though. You don't want to push yourself too much during the first weeks. Give yourself time to get back to normal.

A friend of mine went back to work after one week. She was a dental hygienist, and had no problem with getting right back to work.

All of that said, taking longer to recover is all in the positive if you can do it. You regain strength, get your eating routine worked out, and it's just easier.

Good luck with your decision!
Denise
Posted 2/11/2011 8:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Pat,
I had my nissen only 10 days ago, I'm a teacher and won't be going back to work unitl after week 6 (the thought of it is stressful enough), I think it's down to your own self and how you feel and what job you do. However, like others have said it's best if you can give yourself time to heal if possible. Regarding doing anything, for me I can only say where I am currently, - still resting, taking things slowly, watching TV, reading, sleeping etc. Although today I have made my wife a cup of tea all by myself lol. I still take the pain meducine as and when needed but again everyone is different with their management of pain. Hope this helps.
Posted 2/11/2011 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Pat,
Spike is in the best position to give you feedback regarding recovery time, because he's doing it right now! As he said, if you can give yourself the gift of recovery time, you will find things much more comfortable and relaxed.

That said, there are people who've come by this forum who get really stressed out by being cooped in, and can't wait to get back to work. Also, some who have too much time on their hands become very focused on every little twinge, and stress way too much.

You know yourself. Why not plan for a nice long recovery time, then play it by ear. See what feels comfortable for you!

Take care,
Denise
Posted 2/12/2011 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I am weeks away from my year anniversary. I had the full wrap and also hiatal hernia surgery.
I went back to work on the 3rd week but I didn't have any heavy lifting or bending. You have to swat down with your legs, NOT bend over with your waist. I was exhausted and still was sore and it was hard to eat at work because it took me over an hour to eat a yogurt. But I plowed through that.
This website is the BEST place to go to read about people's experiences and the dos and don'ts.
Do NOT force food, your stomach is smaller after this surgery and it is still healing. I had horrific shoulder pain from the Vegus nerve being pressed from the esophagus swollen, that went away around the 4th week. The gas was unbelievable!! Too the point of I was afraid to go out and it's a good thing I was alone in the office at work a lot. The gas problem took around 8 months to calm down. It now hits me later in the afternoon and evening.
It was a long year, besides going through the unexpected loss of my Mother in August, I've been doing well, GERD wise, as I no longer take any meds for it.
Again, please go through the posts and read them, there are a great bunch of people here who can help you through this.
Posted 2/12/2011 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Pat,
I am a 56 year old teacher. I had my wrap done on 2/7. My dr. said most people can go back to work after 2 weeks, with reasonable restrictions. She suggested I take 3 weeks because I teach kindergarten. She doesn't feel my energy will be up enough before then. I am very pleased with recovery so far. (I say this with the wisdom of being almost a week into it)
Peggy
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