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Surgery 2-17-12

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/10/2012 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
I am 52 years old and have suffered for over 30 years, didn't know they could fix this. I was diagnosed with a hatial hernia at 20 but they did not say how to treat this so I bought Malox by the six pack I have lived with this so long I won't kown how normal I should feel afterwards,had all the test and was a prime candidate, Can anyone help with the recovery there are alot of different recovery times, hospitial stay, diets, long term effects , I know anything has got to be better than the aspiration at night and the constant heartburn not to mention hoarseness and enamal erroision on my teeth.I teach automotive mechanics at a local Tech center how long back to work.
Posted 2/11/2012 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Papa,

Welcome to Healing Well!  Glad you've joined us.  You've definitely come to the right place.  This forum helped me tremendously when I had my Nissen three years ago. 

Here's a link to my recovery journal.  It chronicles my first 19 days and offers some information that will be useful as you move toward your surgery. 

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

Here's a link to some post-Nissen eating information:

http://surgery.med.umich.edu/thoracic/clinical/procedures/MushyDiet-Nissen.pdf

This link will provide some good information as well:

http://surgery.med.umich.edu/thoracic/clinical/procedures/MushyDiet-Nissen.pdf

Be sure to stick around and ask any questions you may have both before and after your surgery.

There are many here who have been through the surgery, so they will understand what you're going through.

It sounds like you've made an excellent decision. 

Best wishes!

Denise

Posted 2/11/2012 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
Papa-

I am an Auto Tech by trade and had to take 6 to 8 weeks off because of the lifting and such. Now teaching it may be a bit easier on you and you may be able to return much quicker.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 2/11/2012 10:40 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info ,this is the first major surgery for me it has me worried sad my doc's assistant has told me 3 to 4 in the hospital and 3 to 4 weeks out of work. I hope it works out
Posted 2/11/2012 10:56 AM (GMT 0)
Papa1,

Will it be a Lap or open procedure? Thanks.
Posted 2/11/2012 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
It will be lap, my surgeon is suppose to be good but still worried about the out come,
Posted 2/11/2012 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Papa1,

It's natural to be worried. I believe everyone gets worried when going through something like surgery. If you are like me, you probably googled "nissen fundoplication success....failures...diets....recovery...etc" I remember watching videos on youtube to see how the surgeon would actually do it lol. But don't worry too much. I remember a member Tony on this forum reminded me of why I decided to go with surgery in the first place.....that eased my mind. I realized of the state I was in previously and wanted to make a change for the better. If you have been tested for GERD/LPR, have a trusted good surgeon, there is good change the outcome will be good if you a good candidate. A surgeon will not perform this on someone who they will not benefit from it.

Since it's being done Laproscopic, most likely you will have 5 small incisions which will heal quickly in the beginning week. Pain pills will help and soon you may not even need them after several days to weeks. The liquid diet is challenging but as long as you are not tempted I feel you should be fine. Try getting liquid foods that you enjoy and it will be easy. For example, I love grape jello, creamy soups, and the flavor of boost....and that's what I've been surviving on without no trouble for the past 5 days.

For me, the pain post op was way less then the pain I experienced with GERD/LPR. There was episodes that were so bad I ended up in the ER. Since surgery, that pain has been obliterated traded with surgical pain that gets better day by day. Just be positive, time will go by, next thing you know it will be surgery day, you'll wake up and begin the process that myself and many others have been going through. Good luck.
Posted 2/11/2012 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Yes I have googled it, trying to get as much on it as I can so I know what to expect. I am a little over weight so losing isn't a problem, is it true that it takes a year to completely heel, I do know of someone who knows someone who still cannot eat properly years after, my wife says I do not eat right anyway, to much red meat not enough vegetables , maybe this will force me to change my diet for the better by retraining the way I eat, like I sad I could stand to lose 40Ibs and plan on it after the surgery. I hope it will cure my Gerd and the effects of Gerds first. Living with this really rules your life every day.
Posted 2/11/2012 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
Papa1,

I'm not positive, but I believe a lot to do with the eating depends on how tight your wrap is? The tighter the wrap the less chance of relux but more difficult getting food down. The looser the wrap, more chance of reflux but food goes down easier. I believe that's how it works.

You should ask your surgeon what kind of wrap he performs and if you will be able to burp afterwards.

I did not ask my surgeon but I believe I have a loose wrap as I'm able to burp and swallowing is ok.
Posted 2/11/2012 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Guess I talk to him the morning of the surgery,hope he will fix the hernia too, with all the problems I am having looks like he would make it tight as he can with out going to tight to cause problems
Posted 2/11/2012 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Papa,

If you haven't realized this yet, you will learn a lot here in the GERD forum. Our members are wise and wonderful, caring and supportive. I am so happy you joined HealingWell.

I will be thinking of you on the 17th and sending you good vibes and I know you will be OK.  Remember each person's surgery is unique to them and patience is a major issue post op.  Be realistic and do not put a lot of pressure on yourself while your healing.

May I suggest you write down all your questions for you surgeon and ask them now so you have a frame work to go by. Remember your Dr. will give you a rule of thumb but in reality it does take time to heal from major surgery. 

One small piece of advice - don't get on the Goggle Merry-Go-Round as you will always fine info that will contradict the previous info you read.

Here is one more link you may find informative:

Pre and Post Op Nissen Fundoplication Information:

 

http://www.oregonsurgical.com/patient_prep_gerd.htm

Caution:  This link is for your information only and should never take the place of instructions given to you per your surgeon

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