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Posted 12/13/2012 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone!

I haven't kept up with this forum but felt that I had to write again.

For those facing Nissen surgery, just some advice that I hope will head off some problems that I have experienced. I had the initial surgery in May and have recovered very well from that except for an incisional hernia which was repaired in July. I am now facing another surgery to correct another hernia in the same area.

When you have a pre operative conference with your anesthetist, be sure that he understands that you must not throw up following surgery! When the nurse escorts you to the operating room, tell her also that you must have medication to prevent you from throwing up after surgery. When you get into the operating room, announce to everyone that you must have medication to prevent nausea!

I did discuss this with my anesthetist and thought he understood what I was saying. Apparently not as I was sick and wretching in the recovery room. I was still unconscious so did not know this had happened. The first incisional hernia developed in the recovery room!

When this hernia was repaired, it was done as "open" surgery rather than laparoscopy. I believe that the surgeon repaired a hernia but did not realize that there was another which has since become larger.

I hope this does not happen to anyone else. Be proactive and talk to everyone involved in your surgery. It may solve some problems before they happen.

Sandy
Posted 12/13/2012 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry that happened to you. They should of been aware of that danger.
Posted 12/13/2012 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandy,

Thanks for sharing that good advice.  That's the great thing about this forum!  It seems to me that the surgeon who was responsible for doing your Nissen should have covered those bases for you.  A Nissen surgeon knows you shouldn't be retching or vomiting during the early weeks of recovery.

We definitely are our own best advocates.  Thanks again!

Best wishes,

Denise

Posted 12/13/2012 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
I was really shocked when the anesthetist talked to me in July just prior to the incisional hernia repair. He asked if I had been debriefed about "what happened" after the Nissen surgery. He told me that I had been sick in the recovery room. Also said that I was delusional and they had quite a time keeping me in bed.

When I first noticed the incisional hernia about a week after the Nissen surgery, I thought that I must have done something wrong, like lifting something too heavy. Guilt! Actually it was not my fault and I should have been monitored more closely.

Now, I wonder what this next surgery will bring - other than a new surgeon and a new anesthetist! I know, sour grapes!


Thank you for the responses and reminding me that there is a support team here!

Sandy
Posted 12/13/2012 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandy,

Good luck with your next surgery.  You'll be ahead of the game with all the experience you've had.  Your experience should be a lesson to all...advocate for yourself, and don't be afraid to speak up!

Take care,

Denise

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