surgery next week1/24

Hi linann,

Welcome to Healing Well!  Quite the contrary, many here have had great results with their surgery and would get it done again in a heartbeat. 

Everyone handles the recovery in their own way. Right now we have quite a few people who are in their very early weeks of recovery, and there are certainly some challenges in the beginning.

I had the surgery 3 years ago, and am very happy I did.  Here's a link for my own recovery journal that I posted here on the forum as I lived through the first 19 days of recovery.  It will give you an idea of what to expect.  https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

Keep in mind that a relaxed and positive attitude toward the recovery will make it much easier.  If you can go with the flow and surrender to your recovery, you'll have a much more positive experience.  Just follow it where it takes you.  Those who struggle against what is, have a lot of trouble dealing with it.

Glad you've joined us!

Denise

Hi linann,

I was in the same situation as you. Most of my stomach was in my chest and it was moving fast. My surgeon didn't give me a choice. I had a large paraesophageal hernia repaired and nissen one month ago. I feel great and eat normally. I am cautious and chew well and eat smaller amounts.

All people are different, of course, and you are going to hear from the ones, most often, who have problems. I didn't want this surgery because I wasn't suffering but my surgeon told me it was dangerous to NOT have it. I'm glad I made the decision to go through with it so I don't have to worry about an emergency surgery and life threatening condition in my future. All of the things I worried about going wrong DIDN'T.

I have no regrets. Best wishes to you,
Starry

OH, Thank you everyone. I feel much more positive with all your comments. I, at first was thinking of this as no big deal, then the more I read....uh oh, what have a gotten myself into. But after reading your wonderful words of encouragement, I know I can get through this and come out a winner.

Best, Linann

I am two weeks post surgery and have been most appreciative of info I have found here. I found surgeons very good at least so far, but they just don't know what it is really like. They do not warn or suggest using ice for left chest pain. I discovered that myself (had not read that here, or had passed over it). I went through more ice than anything at hospital. Ended up doing battle with nurses when I asked them for stronger pain med. They didn't want to call the doctor to ask....that seems to be a real sore point. Finally got through after I called the doctor myself. Also asking for pain med constantly instead of nurse checking to see if I needed it. Found I had hernia big enough to hold 50% of my stomach. No wonder I had trouble breathing for so long. I had quite a time convincing my gastro people that hiatal hernia was the cause. I may be speaking too soon, but so far so good. Trying to be patient as everyone suggests. Eating a lot of ice cream, italian ice, mushy noodles, juice etc. Pain better in chest, but worse over more on left side. Will see how it is tomorrow.

Hi Linann,

If the ice helps, and the heat aids in healing, I suggest alternating heat and ice.  I used ice for two weeks without ay trouble.  I can't take much into my stomach without a problem (it's very reactive) so I avoided added meds that I could do without.  I always use ice for aches and pains.  Since I had a lung infection, I coughed incessantly, which made the pain much worse. 

Glad to hear you're on the other side! Welcome to the Wrapped Club!

Remember, if you can surrender to the reovery and follow it where it takes you, you'll find your recovery far easier.  It is as it is.  It'll take its own sweet time, so might as well just go along for the ride!

Stick around and ask questions whenever they crop up.  There are no stupd questions, so anything you're worrying about or wondering, just say so.

Best wishes!

Denise