Laparscopic Nissen Fundoplication and Hiatal Hernia repair surgery
Posted , 60 users are following.
I had suffered with stomach problems for what felt like forever but was probably just a year or two before I finally insisted on seeing a specialist (Nov 13). I have previously been taking Esmaprazole, Domperidone and copious amounts of Gaviscon to no real avail. I suffered acid problems and a constant burning sensation in my upper abdomen. I had Laparscopic Nissen Fundoplication and Hiatal Hernia repair surgery in June 2014 and could feel the improvements from the moment I came round from Anaesthetic.
I thoroughly researched the surgery, recovery and surgeon’s available and even considered paying privately if the need required. By request I was referred to Mr Viswanath (James Cook University Hospital & Nuffield Hospital – North East England). After reading some of the blogs and information available on the Internet regarding this type of surgery I was under no illusions that the recovery would be very tough, Indeed my own GP advised me against this type of operation as did most of my family and friends however the pain and suffering was to such an extent that I knew I had little option but to undergo surgery.
I am very pleased to say that for me, the recovery has been less difficult/painful than I was advised, I put this down to two factors; firstly and most importantly the skill of the surgeon, secondly by being mentally prepared (remember that any discomfort and dietary restrictions after the operation are a temporary measure in order to fix your stomach, and by comparing that to the constant discomfort I was suffering Pre-Operation encouraged me to be positive each and every day).
I had never before experienced a hospital stay or surgery or anaesthetic and was very nervous however I can honestly say (to date) the hardest part for me was the thorough testing carried out to check if I was suitable for surgery and also the 24 hour fasting/dietary restrictions pre-op (an empty stomach for me was a truly painful thing - the acid was unbearable).
My surgery was first of the day and I was given the anaesthetic at 07:50, When I awoke from anaesthetic at 10:50 I was asked how I was feeling etc and if I was in any pain/discomfort, I wasn’t and asked for some water which I was given at hourly intervals on an incremental basis. After my first sip of water I managed a small burp (for me this was a major sign of the surgery’s success, I had read many blogs in which people were never able to burp again and therefore suffered from gas). I wasn’t in any pain/discomfort nor felt groggy in any way, in fact the constant nagging pain that I had felt pre op was gone. I managed to visit the ladies without any assistance walking and was discharged shortly after 17:30pm the same day. Amazing!! Unfortunatly another lady in for surgery the same day as me was not so lucky, when she awoke she asked for pain medication and when I left she was still struggling to swallow even the smallest amount of fluid. (I put this down to the pain medication but I’m not medically trained and am not qualified to say).
I was discharged with Tramadol pain killers to be taken as required alongside paracetamol, anti-sickness medication and Lanzaprazol (all dispersible). I took half of the Tramadol on the second day thinking it would help me sleep as I was finding it difficult to get comfortable lying down because of the wounds, but it didn’t and so I didn’t take any more. The first few days I took paracetamol every four hours along with the anti-sickness and Lanzaprazol but around day 5 I didn’t feel the need and only kept taking the antacid at doctors instructions (so the stomach has time to heal without acid causing any problem).
Food was limited to liquid only and I admit to following the dietary information very comprehensively (My advice if you want it - this is your chance to fix your stomach – don’t waste it by trying to run before you can walk). I kept a daily log of my food intake and although the first few days I managed very little, a small amount of yoghurt, ice cream and soup this soon increased as the week/weeks went on and the food diary helped me to monitor the improvement easily – which also helped boost my moral/positive attitude. Although a liquid diet sounds very restrictive, a little preparation can go a long way to making this diet easier and more acceptable. I made several batches of soup pre op, different flavours and thickness and froze them in different quantity pots – labelling them clearly, I bought several types/flavours of ice cream, and yoghurt’s and also drinks e.g Bovril, Hot Chocolate, Ovaltine and Horlicks and used full fat milk. I bought various tins of deserts e.g Custard, Semolina, Tapioca, rice pudding and thinned these down with full fat milk. By week 3 I was managing small amounts of soup with small bits and also a rusk with a cup of tea. After week 6 I stopped recording my food intake and continue to increase my intake on a slow and steady basis.
I’m not saying the recovery has been easy and there were/are times when it is difficult to swallow food and I know I still have a way to go, it’s still early days and as my intake is reduced so is my energy levels but in all I would say this was not as difficult and unpleasant as I had thought, and for me it was a big success and my life is much better for it. I am thrilled with the results to date (11 weeks on).
I would like to mention that I am pleased with the service received from the National Health Service, from the point of referral, through consultations and thorough testing to the date of my surgery took under 7 months. I couldn't fault the care received. Again I would mention the skills of Mr Viswanath and his team in helping to give me back my health.
My advice to anyone suffering - If surgery is a viable option for you then do your research & choose your surgeon, remain positive and follow the instructions given to aid your recovery. Don't be put off by the information available, there are success stories too. Best Wishes, Julie.
14 likes, 161 replies
kay_from_ok julieangel
Posted
Julie
I feel your pain. I had NF surgery about 18 months ago and I too wish I had not done it. I was vomiting over 20 times per month for over 5 years and no doctor was concerned because I was not loosing weight. Then FINALLY a new gastro doctor found a HH and suggested the NF surgery. They did a full wrap and I was not able to eat anything much for over 6 weeks. I lost 15-20 pounds, I too am 5.2 but I was overweight at 130. Follwing the 6 weeks I had about 4 months of good feelings I ate small amounts, stayed away from bread and cakes as they gummed up in my throat, but chips worked great. really almost anything crunch went down so much better. Then I began throwing up daily. Went to the gastro and he stretched my throat, said the wrap was too tight. The vomiting continued and the surgeon would not see me again. I began loosing weight again and sought out a new gastro. He did all types of exams and discovered my food does not digest,, thus the vomiting. This was 9 months ago and he and a new surgeon will not do surgery because they think the first surgeon messed up some things inside and the scar tissue is terrible and the surgery may not make any difference. I vomit almost daily (sometimes two-three times) and always carry a plastic bag, because I never know when it will come up. have been embarrassed several times. As of now I have lost another 10-12 pounds and weigh under 100. I have found that surgary drinks (like the slushy from Sonic) will make me vomit almost immediately and sometimes water will also. So I can''t necessarily omit sugar when water does the same thing. I have tried nutrition suplemental shakes as a meal replacement and sometimes that comes up too. no food is a real trigger, but I try to stay away from large amounts and only use child portions for most meals. I can only drink in TINY sips even to this day and so wish I could guzzle a glass of cold water, and yes ice is not nice to me either. So I have gotten used to drinkng most drinks with minimal ice or none at all. It took a while to learn to drink iced tea without ice but keeping it in the fridge and letting it set for about 10 minutes before drinking has helped and I'm now used to it. I never drink more than 1/4 cup of liquid with a meal though. The first surgeon said that i most likely will never be able to drink much during a meal and should not. I get to see the new surgeon in late October and hope he will remove or redo the wrap. The gastro wants to put in a jtube (feeding tube) and I am not excited about this option so am hoping we can come to another agreement. But it needs to be done the same time the wrap is done so we have to decide. Evenif it is only for 6 weeks or so as I recover this is no way to have to do things. I am so tired of vomitig so much.I must say my throat is sore all the time and it burns a lot from all the raw spots from the stomach acid. so not eating and having food bypass my stomach may be great! (HAHAHAHAHA). While I have maintained a positive output it is tough and I admire so many on this forum. I am glad I found others who have similar symptoms and I am not alone. Thank you for sharing with us your experience.
denise_91026 julieangel
Posted
hi Julie , im so glad I have found your post , I am due to have my surgery in a weeks time and I guess I didn't realise what a big life changer it can be , everything you have experienced so have I and I'm excited to hopefully stop the acid reflux which I have had for about 10 years , I have struggled to lose weight and feel that I have a ball underneath my chest , I haven't drunk alcool for 8 or 9 years and have slowly over the years stopped eating foods I like as they cause me problems with acid burning or coughing acid out of my throat and swallowing it to cough it up , I was worried about the damage this would have on my osophegus so I'm keen to have the operation, I hadn't thought about the after procedure regarding how long I might need to be on soft food and how much to eat but I guess I will find out, im hoping I will lose my 'food baby' as it's so uncomfortable with my enlarged liver , I will read your post many times I think to give me confidence about what's going to happen ,I will check out my surgeon to see the success rate , but have realised I have to have this done for a better quality of life , I just hope my surgeon is as good as yours , let me know how your doing now 12 months after your op ,kind regards Denise
mag2 denise_91026
Posted
Hi Denise,
I had my surgery 16 weeks ago today, it's still relatively early days yet and it's a slow process but I'm feeling much better.
I put a day by day log on this forum from day one through the first couple of weeks, I don't know how you can locate it, it might help you to read through it, so many different people have different experiences. I can slowly drink one unit of alcohol now which is great. Still on child portion sizes of food.
Good luck with your op.
Margaret x
denise_91026 mag2
Posted
glad your doing well ,I watched the operation on u tube this evening and saw how the patient was after day 1 and week 1 , good to know that his problems were fixed ,that's what I'm looking forward to , I will look for your blog , how long did it take you to get back to work , I've been told about 6 weeks but I'm sure it takes longer than that to recover completely, only 6 days to go and start my diet to reduce the liver for the op ,take care thanks for replying
hilary66829 denise_91026
Posted
Hi Denise. Im having the surgery on Oct 7th and cant wait to have my life back. Ive been put on a 2 week liver shrinkage diet and it was quiet difficult for the first few days, but now on day 7, I think I'm getting used to it, but, Ive only lost 1lb so far!!
Good luck with your op. Let us know how it goes. I will post after Ive had mine.
denise_91026 hilary66829
Posted
the hospital forgot to send me the diet sheet so shd get that today to start tomorrow that only gives me a few days ,after watching the op on u tube I can see what they want the liver shrinking, to keep it out the way , I can imagine with the retractor keeping it out of the way that it might get a bit bruised so might cause a bit of discomfort after ,but I'm just pleased im having it done and I'm hoping that I might even lose a bit of weight , good luck with yours I will message you after mine to let you know how I got on , but I think if ur happy to have the surgery then ur taking a positive attitude in with you which will help recovery ,
mag2 denise_91026
Posted
Hi Denise
I went back to work after 7 weeks, as I'm self employed and do a physical job ( housekeeper) I didn't want to chance going back too early, I'm still taking it relatively easy watching not to lift anything too heavy, the heaviest thing I lifted so far is Henry hoover. In the beginning I was quite tired but I'm not too bad now.
You were brave watching the video, I found it and couldn't click play, I love watching hospital programme on telly but couldn't watching what was going to happen to me..
mag2 denise_91026
Posted
I didn't have to do the liver shrinking diet before my op.
I lost a stone in weight in the first week and it's stayed off..
M
zena75822 denise_91026
Posted
Hi Denise
I had my operation on 13th August 2016.
I also had to do liver shrink diet 14 days before my operation.
I lost a stone before my surgery is did on the food option was hard as very restricted
I have also lost about another stone since. I was written off work for 4 weeks .
I work in office. Still feel tiered at work can't wait to get home.
I was unlucky and had bad reaction to the anisetic made me sick and blood thinking injection.
So had to stay over night should been day surgery.
The hospital and my surgeon was real nice and caring made sure felt okay before when the home.
I got rash round were had blood thinning injection and rash on my body from under books down body .
But surely you will be fine if was just the 1 in a million that had reaction.
I would advise to make sure you ask for anti sickness tabletso before leaving hospital as I got sick and had to get some from Doctor.
So better to have a hand in case.
I'm still only eating small meals too. I can still only eat size half microwave meal at one sitting.
I found rice Krispy with bit milk in morning okay now.
Found seam more sensitive to taste of food and smell.
I sure you will be fine. Good luck hope you have good Surgeon like mine
he called me after 6pm at home when I was sick and sounded as if he genuine cared to see if I was okay.
I found Maggie logs very helpful and reassuring.
Helped me through it
I also Google and watched the op as wanted to know .
I haven't put much on here lately since been back to work as tiered
When get home from work .
Good luck hope all goes well.
Keep us updated how you got on.
It will be about 7 week this Saturday from operation day.
Don't take any medication now.
Just don't rush it take every day as it comes.
I try and go for a walk in my lunch hour weather permitting.
can only do about 26 to 30 mins.
Find enough or feel exhausted.
Was walking 55 min when on liver shrink diet to try help the weight come off.
I'm still following these posts.
Wish everyone well that going down same road to get surgery done.
I waffled on too much already.
Good luck
Keep us updated
Zena. ..
mag2 zena75822
Posted
Hi Zena,
I'm glad you are feeling well and back to work, the tiredness will ease when you can eat more.
I'm getting on well now still on s small portions. I still have a bit of tenderness, but not having to take any painkillers now just the odd one.
Margaret x
zena75822 mag2
Posted
Hi Margaret
My 2nd day back at work and had to rush home as felt really sick about
4pm manged to make it to 5.30pm rushed out .
got home said I'm going for lie down as don't feel well call me in hour
so do my dinner with in 10 mins was in bathroom trying to be sick again.
My be did to much as went for walk in lunch hour on way back was bit struggle.
Think sitting in office chair all day didn't help.
Feeling better now but still getting fidgety in office chair have cushion on chair now.
I don't think I can actually be sick any more as you reach try to be sick but can't actually be physical sick.
Don't take any pain killers but keep ant sickness tables in bag just in case.
Take the tablet for wind still as get bit trapped wind can hear gurgle some times.
Eat Rice Krispy for breakfast as that seams okay gone off yogurt.
Think more sensitive to taste and for while have to go to bed if he was cooking anything smell made
me feel sick. But bit better now.
Eat shepherds pie, fish pie, spaghetti carbnara, ham mushrooms tagliatelle.
But only half the microwave portion at time.
Can eat chocolate.
was getting board eating same stuff looked up some suggestions on website
To get some ideas what could try so added the ham mushroom tagliatelle and spaghetti .
Tried scrambled egg on slice toast but get bit pain after thinking was bread.
Just got to be patent.
Still get bit tenderness on scars but bearable.
Just got to try be patient which I'm not good at as don't do sick.
Don't drink enough find hard to get enough drink down
. Keep sipping but only manage small bottle water .
Can only drink small tea cup of decaff tea or coffee.
Really miss that. But just can't drink it.
Coffee goes down better than tea.
Tried lucazade Raspberry one see if that helped
but took me all day to drink it.
Think maybe would be better if could drink more.
Last two day had funny pulse feeling in ear as if
you can hear your heart beat in ear strange feeling hope goes.
Just takes time can't believe some say back to normal quicker
but my be they didn't have 360 one done.
Just trying get to find food that is okay and don't get trapped wind or sick feeling after.
Sure we will get there just take every day as comes and try think new stuff to try.
Take care glad to hear you doing okay.
Was feeling bit crap being back at work to begin with but didn't want to be to negative
on here to put people off but think probably try to do too much to quick as my work
wasn't really covered when off and still working too fast can't slow down.
Need to take bit easyer change my old habits trying too hard to get all done.
Need to sit back bit and say not my problem you didn't get covered when
I was off sick will have to wait it's turn and not try rush get all up to date ..
Catch you again soon
Take care
Zena
mag2 zena75822
Posted
Hi Zena,
The nausea feeling happens less often now, sometimes strangely it's hungry and eating a little something clears it, Hungry feels different to before, so maybe you are hungry not sicky just a thought. If and when I have felt nausea coming on I get up and walk around have sips of water and an anti sickness tabs and convince myself it's in my head and I'm not going to be sick, it clears off soon, I wouldn't try making myself sick.
Margaret x
linda50790 julieangel
Posted
Hi Julie!
my name is Linda and I live in in a very small town in mid coast Maine in th U.S.
I'm scheduled for the same surgery next week on the 25th. The blogs I have read and video's that some people posted are enough to scare me to death
Your review is the first and most in depth information that I have read and
the Most positive. I have printed four copies to put up around my house to read when I may have tough days.
i want to say a huge thank you for helping me get through this.
many thanks,
linda
hilary66829 julieangel
Posted
Hi Denise
I had surgery nearly 2 weeks ago. I had my first attack of Reflux nearly 40 years ago. It went away for a good few years, then returned. The last 2 years, I had reflux. at home, everyday and nothing I ate or drank could calm it.
Since surgery, I am feeling so much better.
My incisions are a little sore especially if they rub on a shirt.
I am eating small amounts, and am now varying my diet.
Made stewed apple with a sponge topping yesterday and I managed a small amount. It was delicious.
Take care of yourself immediately after surgery and push fluids as much as you can.
Stick to Milk, yogurt, and soup for at least a week and allow your 'insides' to calm down.
You will soon know if you have eaten the wrong thing. Its like trying to drive a bus down a single track lane... gets stuck!!!
Ive made this mistake a few times and always have water to hand, to help wash it down.
I had a scan last week and all is well. The wrap is in place and fluids are passing through nicely.s
Amazing to see how narrow your Eosphagus becomes. Imagine it being the width of a straw, then it becomes clear what you can eat for a while.
Think Positive thoughts.
I am 63, have retired from work and had retired from life. I now feel energised and can think forward.
My aim is to take an exercise class in the new year and get rid of the middle aged flab!! I might even get back on a horse!!
Keep in touch....
hilary66829
Posted
linda50790 hilary66829
Posted
HI Hilary,
Thank you so much for the positive news. It's great to hear how well you are doing.
I'm 67 and have had severe Gerd No lung issues since I was thirty-two and finally found a doctor that listened to me and diagnosed my problem.
I have purchased puddings,soup,broth etc so hopefully will be prepared .
My surgery is scheduled for the 25th and the surgeon said it will take four hour which is much longer than I had anticipated.
I've been through surgeries and think I handle them pretty well, get up and move ASAP and stay positive.
It has been all of the horrific blogs and utube videos I've seen that make me have second thoughts about having the surgery.
After reading your report after only two weeks,I'm back to a positive outlook.
I hope we can stay in touch and keep each other posted.
do you think eventually we will be able to eat normal food again?
keep me posted!
talk to you soon,
Linda
hilary66829 linda50790
Posted
It was delicious. However, I did feel sick 2 hours later but I think it was taking my Meds too fast.
I think we can eat normally again but smaller amounts.
I wish you Good Luck for your surgery. Im sure it will all be fine. A MPA helps enormously.
I also have Fibromyalgia and my GP was a bit concerned that I would make a very slowly recovery, but far from it.
H
linda50790 hilary66829
Posted
Hi Hilary,
I made it through without any problems. Maybe a little sore throat.
My diet is pudding and broth. Tonight I made poached chicken and ate a small portion of the broth along with some meat. It was delicious
no nausea,no reflux and no cough! I now have a new lease on life.
Don't listen to the negative blogs.
Hilary, how are you progressing? At the rate of your recovery,you'll be eating Sunday roast any day.
i'll keep you posted and do let me know how you are doing.
as I mentioned I also have Barrett's and journals say it helps keep it at bay and progress so quickly.
write soon
L.
hilary66829 linda50790
Posted
I havent had any heartburn but I am still getting nausea.
I havent attempted to eat any meat or bread. Can cope with a very small amount of Spag Bol.
Glad you are doing well.
H
mag2 linda50790
Posted
Hi Linda,
I'm 19 weeks post op now. Not 100% yet but off ppi mess and laying down properly at night, I still get a little bit of pain in my chest and lots of wind top and bottom.
With food I can eat virtually most things just child size portions even they are sometimes too big.
I lost a stone in the first week and since then stayed more or less the same up a pound down a couple.
I still get the odd nausea feeling but it soon passed, I take a cyclazine tablet if feeling dodgy at bedtime which could be once or twice a week.
I've been to the doctors this week to have a blood test as I felt I hadn't seen anyone since week 7 after op and wanted to update on progress.
Best wishes to you with your recovery.
Margaret
linda50790 mag2
Posted
Hi Margaret,
Glad to hear from you. sounds like you are doing much better than some.
I'm doing fine,eating normally. No nausea . Pain in my shoulder and gas,gas,and more gas!
I sure wish I could get rid of some weight.Lucky you. What were your lab results?
my IPad is on the fritz so will write later.
Get well soon
L
mag2 linda50790
Posted
Hi Linda,
It will take a week to get results from blood tests, I'm expecting them to be all clear.
I think I might have over eaten or something the last few days I've felt some burning and a little pain in my hiatus hernia area, it may just be a lot of trapped wind, I will try some deflatine, I resorted to taking a couple of rani tagine yesterday which I didn't think I would be doing again, but I guess as my partner says " normal stomachs get heartburn sometimes too"
The pain you have in your shoulder is from the gas the surgeon put in during op to inflate you so they could see what they are doing, it will pass in a few days, take deflatine it good for trapped wind.
Margaret
mag2
Posted