Posted 2/4/2018 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hello. Hope this finds each of you doing well. Three months ago, at age 69, I had the following: repair of 8 cm hiatial hernia, Toupet wrap, and Lengthening of esophagus. The surgeon did the hernia repair by laproscope but then had to convert to open surgery to do the other procedures. So in addition to the laproscope procedure, I had an open, vertical 5 inch incision from base of sternum to navel. I am doing well in many ways, but I do have some issues I would appreciate your input on. I realize that many of you did not have the open procedure, but am hoping that someone may have some input to share with me.
My concerns are:
--At the base of the sternum, I have a very tight, pulling, tired feeling. I suspect it is muscular and tightness from stitching of the diaphragm. The incision does indent a bit at the base of the sternum. It gets really tired and achy feeling when I sit for long periods with gravity pulling on it although walking does not cause much problem. It causes aches into my back between shoulder blades.
--The musculature all around my rib cage is sore and the abdominal muscles are still quite sore when I turn over in bed and get in and out of bed. That whole core muscle area and the rib cage just feels tired and achy, heavy and sore and aches into the back as well. I am back to doing my walking and I do light housework, but any bending, stretching, or just living in general seems to make it all more and more uncomfortable. Wearing the binder gives me a lot or relief and the feeling of that extra support is helpful but I wonder if I should be wearing it as much after three months.
--Overall, I am doing well. I am eating well and regained the weight I lost, my swallowing is fine and I am back to my walking routine. I still have occasional hoarseness and still get some feelings of tight breathing, but I wonder if this may be related to the tightness I feel in the diaphragm area.
--So, basically am wondering if anyone can relate to the muscle type issues at base of sternum, rib cage and abdomen and if this is to be expected at 3 months and if I will ever move about freely again without this discomfort. I would love to be able to hear from someone who had both open and laproscopic done at the same time, but I think this must be rare so I will appreciate any input anyone can offer. Thanks for reading my long rambling and I send prayers and best wishes to each one in each stage of recovery. God bless.