Posted 12/8/2017 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. It seems most people have laproscopic surgery. I had the open surgery 5 1/2 weeks ago to repair hiatial hernia, partial wrap and lengthening of esophagus. I would like to hear from others who have had the open surgery. My main symptoms prior to surgery were shortness of breath and hoarseness. They said that 1/2 of my stomach was trapped in my chest. I am feeling rather alone in the process of healing because I don't know of anyone who had the open procedure. Below are some of my main concerns:
--Does anyone get short of breath after this open surgery(this was my main symptom prior to surgery)
--Does the hoarsenss of voice continue this long after surgery?
--Is it normal to still be very sore when turning over and getting in and out of bed.
--I am still wearing the abdominal binder which makes me more comfortable. Should I still be wearing it at this point?
--Anyone struggling with constipation? I continually fight this. I think I am not getting enough fiber and it is hard to get enough water in during the day and I imagine this is the source of the problem
--I am fairly slim; but I now have a sort of "inner-tube" bulge all around waist area. Doctors saw this but did not seem concerned. Is it muscle damage, soft tissue damage, gas,?
--Also, regarding the shortness of breath. I have been cleared of heart and lung issues so it was thought that the large hernia was the cause. I still get breathless with light activity. I can go down stairs okay, but coming up many stairs is very difficult. Is there something about the motion of stair climbing that would aggravate this breathless feeling? I am discouraged because this was the very symptom I was hoping to get help for. I am praying that it will get better with time and healing.
In many ways I am doing well. I am 70 years old and happy to have come through the surgery. The incision has healed well and I do not have any trouble with swallowing. Diet is coming along okay and am still on soft diet. I do light housework and walk 1/3 mile each day although I still tire easily. While I am thankful for all that is going okay, I am concerned about the above issues and hope that someone has had the open surgery and can tell me what to expect at this stage of recovery. Thanks in advance for any help. Have a nice day.