HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Giant Paraoesephageal Heria Repair

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/26/2013 1:51 PM (GMT 0)

I am due to have this repair operation soon. I was admitted but the surgeon and anaethetists decided they couldn't proceed without an ITU bed, so I'm waiting to hear when that will be.

My problem is that I am going to Florida at the end of April with family, to renew our wedding vows.

It is a nine hour approx flight and of course, I want to enjoy the holiday.

Does anyone have any opinions or knowledge as to how long after the surgery would it be safe to fly? How long after the surgery can you eat relatively normally? How long before you start feeling better in yourself?

Or do you think I should put the surgery off until after the holiday?  

Posted 1/26/2013 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi oldcrock,

Welcome to Healing Well!  This is a great place to hang out when you're planning a hernia repair/Nissen fundoplication surgery.  While everyone's recovery is unique, most people are eating most things at around three months or so.  I remember going on vacation after my fourth month, and we enjoyed going out to eat nightly. 

Hopefully others will be by who have more recent experience...I had my surgery in 2009, so some of the memories are getting foggy. I did just post an old thread I found that provides some information about my experience at about 4-5 weeks post-op.  https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2626223

My early recovery journal is here:

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

There are others here who have had paraesophageal hernia repairs, so hopefully someone will be by to provide that specific information for you.  My hernia was small, so my experience would be a little different.

At he end of April you'll be at three months post-op.  It's likely that you'll be doing fine, but there are no guarantees.  The flight won't be a problem.  You should feel pretty much back to your old self, but you'll still have to eat more carefully.

Again, glad you've joined us!

Best wishes,

Denise

Posted 1/26/2013 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Denise. I have read your threads and they are really informative. Put my mind at rest over a lot of issues.
I'll just have to wait to see when I'm offered a bed, as I obviously rely on the NHS in the UK so I have to wait.

Best Wishes
Chris
Posted 1/26/2013 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck, Chris!  Let us know how it goes. yeah yeah yeah
Posted 1/26/2013 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
oldcrock,

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  Pull up a chair and sit a spell as we love new members.

I am sorry about the predicament you find yourself in waiting for your ITU bed.  In Britain there are just 3.5 intensive care beds per 100,000 people, a fraction of the level of Germany and America.  I sure wish you were in the USA but we can not  change the facts. 

Do your surgeons put patients scheduled to have surgery that need and ICU bed postop on a list?  What happens if a major trauma or cardiac patient comes along and is given your bed.  I guess a good question for your surgery is to ask for a time line on the wait for a bed as well as how soon can you fly post op.

9 hours is a long flight so plan on getting up and walking around to prevent and blood clots from forming in your legs.  It is exciting to know you are coming to Florida to renew your wedding vows - how special that is and a early Happy Anniversary to you.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 1/26/2013 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Kitt.
Apparently they have to book an ITU bed for ops but it could be taken when I get there and I'll have to wait all over again.That is another reason why I may put it all off until after my holiday. Mind you I was hoping for some weight loss before I went so will now have to diet!
Florida is our favourite place in this world and it had to be there that we renewed our vows. My sister and her husband are also renewing their vows at the same time, so it is going to be really special. Best wishes to you Kitt and I wish I was having the op in America but barring a lottery win, it will be here in the UK
Big Hugs Chris
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply