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
DawnC79 julieangel
Posted
Hi Julie I just had the surgery 8 days ago.
The pain, baaaaad acid reflux, food regurgitation, organ-twisting.... (An so on) pain had been going on for almost a year! I couldn't even get through a day at work without clutching my chest & crying. It was becoming a horrible way of life. I would spend days & nights crying. . Terrible 😔.
I was told I had a hernia --- & they thought it was a moderate size. I went to see a specialist (hours on the bus from my house & work) because my primary local doctors were just giving me medicine that was not only not working but making me super sick (all PPI's & antacids --- even simple Zantac gave me migraines).
The same Doctor that did my hernia/reflux surgery also removed my gallbladder in June of this year (so about 5 months ago). When I went into see the specialist I went in because of this hernia. The pain was getting so bad I needed to see someone that would help me in more detail. They ended up realizing that the gallbladder needed to be removed first before the hernia could be taken care of unfortunately. The surgeon knew at the time that I had a hernia but the gallbladder took first priority. Upon removing it the Doctor Who did the surgery realized the hernia was not only there and present but was extremely large . (He even took photos and gave them to me after surgery)
Per my insurance I had to have more tests (CT's, ultrasounds, etc) done to prove that the surgery was necessary. My surgeon knew that it was probably going to have to happen so they put in a request with my insurance; my first request was denied by my insurance. So I was required to do a few more tests (barium swallow, 24 hour PH -- not fun, etc), and these tests were done. The tests ultimately did prove that I needed to have this surgery. I am eight days post op surgery and I no longer feel the acid reflux & my stomach is no longer in my chest.
(my surgeon said after talking to me after the surgery, he told me that the hole was about three times the size than the normal hole of the esophagus area. Pretty crazy; No wonder I was in so much pain.)
I just too prepared prior to having the surgery with the proper foods I would need to have ready (I even bought those apple sauce baby food pouch things -- the doctor thought they was a cool idea). & My mom also came and helped me the first few days after surgery as I wasn't exactly sure of how I would feel. There is still some pain as the insides of me have been stitched so I am still in pain here and there but the acid reflux is not there which is a big deal. Feeling I am on the road to recovery and I am so far glad that I have made that decision.. I went on a lot of blogs, I researched a lot, and thought a lot about it beforehand. I even looked at reviews and surgeons who have done many of these procedures before I chose my doctor. They have been really great .
I am glad to hear of your success --- I was SUPER scared as well as I have also heard many not so happy stories. . Thank you for sharing your story.
It's good to hear you are doing well.
hilary66829 DawnC79
Posted
I also had my Gall Bladder removed last September. Its quite common for the two to be connected with our problems.
I still get some nausea if I have over eaten or eaten too fast but I have some anti-emetics from my GP.
Feel really quite well considering that I also have Fibromyalgia. I am so glad that I had surgery and I am looking forward to being able to eat Christmas Lunch or at leas some part of it
Hx
mag2 hilary66829
Posted
Hi Hilary
It great to hear you are recovering well.
I would say appart from the smaller portions of food I'm probably 90% there.. I've been having a weird sensation in my side the last month ish I've been to doc and had blood tests and all clear do I'm thinking it's hopefully just muscle as I'm back to working normally and it's fairly physical, it's in line with my scars along on right hand side.
Regards
Margaret
zena75822 mag2
Posted
Hi Margaret
Hope you are doing okay.
I'm not about 13 week down line after operation.
Not doing too bad. Still not realy eating bread.
Still on small portions food.
Did manage to eat a Burger king cheese burger the other week
as my daughter had appointment at St Guys hospital for dental
treatment and on way home we were starving as hadn't eaten
She was going to get a burger from burger king
i just fancied a cheese burger so thought I'd try one
we were at Waterloo station so not that much chose of normal
price food and just missed train so thought give a go.
I don't normally eat Mc Donald or Burger king
But tasted so good even though was like a mouse eating it
nibbles and making sure chewed well
was okay did get a little pain after but had drink water
and over all okay.
Managed one those Gingster pulled pork slice that was okay .
But last night X made some noodles with mixed peppers mushroom
He normally make quit hot so I get hump but he said he would
only put 1chill in instead 3 lol.
Was okay bit of after burn on lips but had drink sqash.
Thought nothing more as seamed okay but got terrible stomach
cramp at 2am then felt bit sick ended up trying to be sick for 30 mins then
went back to bed felt after while food felt if moved and pain went
managed to get some sleep.
Stomach was bit soar this morning more diafram sore
Think we're was straining when trying to be sick but nothing
comes up .
Know not drinking enough find it hard to get fluid down
well enough fluid like should be able to. ..
Suppose takes time, just impatient.
That and work been bit stressful at moment so probably didn't help..
Sure will be okay get odd pain . But nothing major.
Still not put weight back on .
Can actually fit in to a few dress is never got round to throwing out .
Luck fashion comes back round again as they are the shift pencil
type dress..
Lol just as well the were shoved to back wardrobe as came in handy
for work. Was going to throw them out before operation but when
surgeon said I'd lose about 2 stone thought may be would see if
fitted after when I'd lost the two stone.
Can't remember when last wore them either.
Posabaly before i had my daughter who is now 29 or when she
was small.
Some one at work asked me were got them in said God there old
They said they look new .
Just as well never throw them out as didn't want to buy new
clothes till got bit further down road and weight settled
incase put weight back on ...
Glady to hear you are still okay
And also the other people on here doing okay.
Not been on here recently as been so busy playing catch up
at work trying to get every thing up to date as work wasn't cover
when I was writing off sick for the 4 weeks.
Just have to try not let work wind me up which is hard at moment
and try not to do too much. Sure then I'll feel better.
Still not tried alcohol yet been over 1 year since I drank any
.my last was 4 Glass champagne at works 30th Anniversary do.
Then with spicy was in agony for rest evening but did let spoil
evening was just gutted as was free bar well for beer and wine
lol and I couldn't drink anything else only water as felt I'll.
Hope be able to have some.
Mind not drank any coke or anything fizzy .
When do drink like Jack Daniel and coke with ice .
or Mojo in summer..
Oh well hopefully will be able to by next summer ...
Slowly slowly should get there in end ...
Take care
Zena. .
mag2 zena75822
Posted
Hi Zena,
Great to hear from you again.
Have you tried the Kingsmill or Warburtons Thins? I've been getting them as they aren't as big as the small loaves of bread, either toasted or with a slice of cheese, for my lunch at work I have 1 pice and a bachelors cuppa soup, I'm still eating a lot of pasta as it's just easy and yummy. I can manage small portions of most things. Low alcohol ale on the odd occasion goes down well, I've even had a few baileys coffees.
I've been having this odd pain in my side but after blood tests came back clear last week I'm thinking (hoping) it's just muscle pain from being back to work full on again.
My weight has stayed the same I lost just over a stone. It's hilarious how my jeans all fit nicely and don't have to open the zip or button. I be quite happy to stay this weight now.
Best wishes to you Zena.
Regards Margaret
zena75822 mag2
Posted
Hi Margaret
Yes I did look at those thins as used to eat them before sometimes. I noticed that the now do a fruit one did wonder about trying them as could prahps toast on for breakfast make changes from Rice Krispy as try and make sure have bowl them before work as try to make sure don't skip meals as some times don't feel Hungary so could quite easy skip a meal but then feel a bit rough later . Used to eat lots fruit but eat banana or few strawberry can eat apple if chop it up small first. Did get one those little pot fruit like sell in supermarkets but too much as started to feel sick later .
Still can't really drink tea only very small cup. Coffee can drink more of at moment. Go down ok still only small mug.
Hopefully your pain is just muscle pain.try not to do too much. I go slight paid when I started walking at lunchtime when weather was better as used to walk for 55 mins in lunch hour and grab sandwich or have something quick when having to follow diet. But after back at work after operation could only walk 26 mins and last bit was struggle sometimes felt like pressure not chest stomach. And few times by 4 start get pain in side or stomach and feel bit sick. Think body way telling us we are doing too much as you forget. as Dentice said take care your body has been through a lot and needs to recover. Even though you body is strong and amazing heals it's self you need to take care of it . When though about it Think hes right. As people not been through the don't understand because they can't see anything as inside you and don't know what feels like. And don't realise every day can be different an feel ok one minute but rough the next event if for little while after eating or doing to much. Think managed to sleep bit better than was still wake a lot in night but have for year for no apparent reason except my mind don't switch off when I go to sleep. My Dr did say first after I saw her after operation try make sure you get rest try sleep when can so body can heal and don't over do it look after yourself. Lol
Suppose we need to be kind to ourselves and remember not to over don it .
zena75822 mag2
Posted
Hi Mags
How are you keeping now.
Did you manage to sort out your pain problem?
In the last 2 week had belts of trying to be sick . Once at work
which I've never been sick at work before alway managed to get home first. Go nasty pain which made my try to vomit but I can't actually be sick any more just go through the motion of reaching badly. Then on Thursday manged to get home but got pain and was trying to be sick again. Took some panodol solibal tables and anti sickness. Called Dr next day as still wasn't feeling right
and some time get lump feeling when eating and still not rally able to Drink as much fluid as should. Thought be best if can get appointment when still not feeling right other wise time you go you OK and nothing might show as to what's wrong if anything.
Was not my normal Dr as just got a Dr that had a spare appointment on Friday.
She has referred me back to surgeon and told me to take 30g Lansoprosol twice a day and given me some more anti sickness tablets. She said least that should help you over the Xmas till you can see you surgeon. . I did try the Breakfast thins I can eat them sort ok but sometimes get a bit pain but probably try to eat to fast before going to work. Need to take long and take time eating.
Well hope you are OK.
Happy Christmas to you and hope you can enjoy your Christmas dinner and some alcohol. She told me to stay away from alcohol but still haven't drunk any yet .lol
My daughter and her boyfriend are cooking Christmas dinner tomorrow so going to hers for kids to get presents. It their first time doing Christmas dinner. My granddaughter will probably have bigger dinner than me lol but remember to take anti sickness tables and stuff with me just in case. Sure will be OK. Just thought touch Base and see how you are doing. .
Hope you have great Christmas day....
Take care catch you again
Zena
mag2 zena75822
Posted
Hi Zena,
Sorry to hear your still having problems.
The pain in my side I was having has settled down a bit I think it's muscular.
I've not felt nausea for ages thank goodness.
I have a sore throat at the moment, I don't know if it's just a throat thing or something to do with operation, it feels like a lump, it's not making me nausea or unable to swallow just annoying.
I'm managing alcohol in small doses, bucks fizz at the moment, had baileys coffee this morning,
I've also had caramel latte late in the evening yesterday and all that woke me was one of my cats.
My belly is still tender around the operation site.
The weight I lost has stayed off, I lost just over a stone and a half, I don't have to worry about undoing my zip and buttons on my jeans hehe.
I hope you have a lovely Christmas and new year 🎄 🎅 🍷 🍷
Margaret
345chris julieangel
Posted
I have had this surgery done 4 ays ago at one of the leading health service facility in the caribbean, (Healty City Cayman Island).
I am optomistic, and hoping that my current simtoms will imporve soon, I was able to belch right away after surgery, but as most have mentioned, I was advised by the surgeon that I should only eat small portions, not to drink liquids until after eating, and it has also been deficult to swallow, but very early in my recovery time as this is day 4, and i was released from hospital today. I have a followup to see the surgeon in a week, and I hope things continue to impove, as i have been on reflux med nexium for over 7 years, and was told that this medication have been proven to damage your liver, therefore, I had to do my research on my options to improve my health, and in doing so chose for this operation.
Can anyone advise on thier current ststus after surgery, and if things have improved?
mag2 345chris
Posted
Hi Chris,
I had my surgery in June this year, somewhere on this forum site you can track down my day to day blog for the first month or so I can't remember of everything I ate, pain killers etc. As it stands today in recovery, I still have some phlegm, strange feelings in my right side which I'm putting down to mucsel as I've had blood tests and all clear.
I too was on nexium for just over a year after 11 years of taking omeprazole, I had hiatus hernia fixed too. Now I don't take any ppi messages although on very odd occasions I take 1 Ranitadine to make sure the little bit of phlegm doesn't have acid in it, I'm probably being silly as I've had 270 wrap done and shouldn't be getting acid... Best of luck with your recovery.
Regards Margaret x
kass21 julieangel
Posted
Hi julieangel. Such a great story. I've been dealing with stomach problems and acid for over a year and I currently take 3 kinds of meds, which is 9 of them pills a day due to how bad I'm suffering and I go to my GI doctor tomorrow to discuss options and I hope he will think about doing a surgery because I am very stressed about and always in pain and throwing up acid and I'm to the point where I am sick of being sick and in pain and I'm hoping he will agree with me. What are your opinions about surgery for me. I know you're not a doctor but I would like to know other peoples opinions about my situation. Thanks!
mag2 julieangel
Posted
Hello everyone.
Just wondering how you are all getting on now after surgery? I had mine last June, I'm getting a tiny bit of acid which is giving me a sore throat and a cough, my scars are still tender, also I occasionally have a little bit of pain in my stomach area, it doesn't stop me eating, I have no nausea.
Has anyone else got this?
Margaret x
zena75822 mag2
Posted
Hi Margaret and every one.I too had my surgery last August .
I think still getting bit Acid is don't get sore throat
but my voice gets bit horse from time to time .
I keep getting bit pain in my stomach areas too.
Feels like being crushed as don't know what to do when get pain.
Curl up on floor or try stretch I have had belts of trying to be sick
but can't actually be sick anymore just reaching.
Got last belt sickness last night but wasn't as bad as two
sessions in had before Xmas .
Went back to my Dr just before Xmas
not my normal Dr she has referred me back to see my surgeon
. Still waiting for appointment to be sent to me .
Dr put me back on Lanszoposol twice day said may be getting bit acid .
Got mouth have ulster again last week especially on roof mouth
that was sore. Wake up with that taste in my mouth again.
My surgeon did say I had very bad acid reflux before
so did the wrap quite tight.
Being to worry my be were was sick after operation due to reaction against anaesthetic and
blood thinner injection I did something as when try to be sick and can't feels like
coming from pit of stomach and feels like my ears going to burst.
Then seams to dialog what ever it is causing the terrible pain in get
And goes off but soar after were scares area.
Still on alcohol ban by Dr.at least till see surgeon.
Sorry you are still not feeling back to normal yet
but dose make me feel bit better as not just me
may be we are expecting too much too soon.
Was getting paranoid it was just me.
As sometimes feel fine just smaller portions for meals.
But then get these sickness belts out no were.
that can last few hours always seams to be in evening or later.
Never really in day.
But feel when I do actually see surgeon I'm probably be on
good day and nothing will show up. So still might not get
answers. Unless this is something that happens to others .
Would love to know how everyone else is doing ...
Hope you are all fine and back to normal what ever that is ...
Zena x
leonie20490 julieangel
Posted
Dear Julieangel,
I found your post after a search on the net, and was so happy to read your testimonial, in regards the Nissen Fundoplication you had. It was so thorough and informative, that I am now considering having the same operation. It seems that your GERD was worse than mine is, so you've been through a lot of pain and distress. My Reflux has just decided to turn into GERD, and it's not very nice at all. I think it would be a good idea to nip it in the bud now, because I've had reflux with nausea and vomiting, and with lack of appetite or several years now. It really does take away one's joy of life, and vitality. I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis and depression, so I don't need more diseases 😛
It was great that you were able to find a good surgeon, because if you don't feel 100% sure that you will be in good hands, it will cause far too much stress for you. I hope you are still fit and healthy, and continue to be for a long time.
All the best,
Leonie in Canberra Australia.
julie65078 julieangel
Posted
Barretts julie65078
Posted
Julie, Don't bother with the bad reports you may read. The few who have a bad experience are far more likely to post about it than the overwhelming majority who don't.
There was a report came out about a year ago that followed up over 100 patients who had Laparoscopic Fundoplication over 20 years ago. This is what it said:
"20 years later: laparoscopic fundoplication durability. - PubMed"
"Long-term results from the early experience with LF are excellent with 94% of patients reporting only occasional or fewer reflux symptoms at 20-year follow-up. However, 18% required surgical revision surgery to maintain their results. There is a relatively high rate of daily dysphagia but 90% of patients are happy to have had LF."
I had it 9 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. 60 years of reflux misery went almost overnight.
You may read my blog of it if you can find my personal website www ChrisRob co uk and clcik on the Barrett's tab.
mag2 julie65078
Posted
Hi Julie,
I had my operation last June, I was so nervous before I had it done but my surgeon reassured me I needed it.
It's a slow process recovery but now I'm medication free for the first time in about 15 years, I get a small amount of phlegm still nothing on the scale as before, my scars are still very slightly tender, and I still have a a lot of gas top and bottom.
I'm eating relatively normal now since about Christmas time and I can enjoy a drink too.
Best wishes for your op you will be fine..
Regards
Margaret
gwen45436 Barretts
Posted
Power of the mind is very strong and you need it to stay positive. Each individual is different but we all need positive feedback in order to gain confidence and move forward. Thank you for your post. We need it.
And yes, although I do not need it at the moment, go for it I say, and if necessary, I will.
G.