sliding hiatus hernia repair 24 March 2014
Posted , 18 users are following.
Hi, just wanted to say that I had my sliding hiatus hernia repair carried out Monday of last week and am more than happy (so far) with the results! I had the hernia for about 10 years taking the usual medication (espomeprazoland ranitidine) in varying doses depending on the severity of the discomfort. The op itself was apparently very straight forward with the repair and the nissen fundoplication (where they wrap stomach around your esophagus) taking around 1 1/2 hours - albeit a blink of an eye to me! I was in quite a lot of discomfort (discomfort though and not pain) for the first 3 days and feeling weak from the lack of calories but am now moving better and not feeling as though I need to rest all the time. I have also started using complan to build calories and strength. Eating still a little hit and miss and am trying different things to gauge my bodies response to textures etc but as long as you are eating within your limits (i.e. take each stage sensibly) don't panic when something doesn't feel like it's going down as with relaxation and patience, it does eventually. I know my experience won't be the same as everyone, but I am kicking myself for not having had this done years ago.
3 likes, 27 replies
Barnie
Posted
Was this done by heyhole and which hospital was it done at?
From what I have been told I think i have a fairly large sliding HH - was yours very big?
Many thanks for sharing your experiences
sallyann1964
Posted
Ron351
Posted
Ron351
Barnie
Posted
Hi Ron
I think it is an operation that the medical world does not like doing unless they have to so maybe that is why they have to be sure that we really cannot cope unless we have the operation. I hope you get somewhere with yours as it is not fair if you are in pain like that. I am lucky in that mine is reasonably controlled with the meds but I do not like the thought of being on these meds long term either.
I find if I keep my carbs low - and especially white carbs - then I do not have the acid nearly as much. I also use Digestive enzymes after a meal that I think may give me problems later and I have found them to be really helpful.
Good luck and keep us posted of your Mexican experience if you are successful.
Barnie
marie19160
Posted
Marie
smith84220 marie19160
Posted
jeanette51306
Posted
What kind of digestive enzymes do you use? I too use them with all of my meals and they definitely help me. I use prescription Pancreaze.
Jeanette
Barnie
Posted
I just buy ordinary Digestive Enzymes from a well known health shop. I don't have them on prescription and not even sure they would be available under prescription. Are you in the UK?
Barnie
Posted
Would you mind telling us about your experience of your operation and recovery etc - would you recommend having it done after your experience etc? Also how often do you have to have your Barretts checked ?
myles
Posted
Great to follow the post. I have just had some pH manometry tests done for acid level measurement and hoping to be operated on in the near future. I have only had my hernia for two years which is nothing compared to some of you but the quality of life has gone from exercising hard 4 times a week to nothing. Apart from the acid reflux style style symptoms, I'm wandering if anyone is suffering with palpitations/irregular heartbeat at all related to the hernia possibly trapping a nerve. This symptom is making me uneasy about trying to exercise again and hence have become very anxious. Seemed to happen as soon as I had the hernia and had no problems before, so am hoping the surgery will help the problem in some way.
Its good to read others perspectives on this.
Myles
sallyann1964
Posted
I hope you get your op soon. The discomfort of the PH tests are worth it. Yes I also experienced some scary palpitations and also light headedness and increase in asthma symptoms (especially at night) but when checked out with the doctor and my heart given the all clear, they were put down to the acid reflux.
I'm looking forward to being able to do some gardening soon without the reflux etc.
Best of luck
myles
Posted
Its certainly the mechanical aspect of it I'm wanting to get rid of the most. Not being able to exercise and play sport has been horrible. I'll be sure to post once I've had the surgery, hoping for positive results!
jeanette51306
Posted
The enzymes (Pancreaze) I use are by prescription. The bad thing is they are very expensive and most insurance companies do not cover them. I am lucky, as mine does. I have been using them since 1989.
I live in the U.S.
marie19160
Posted
Barnie
Posted
the Barretts under control too.
There is a good thread on here for Barretts too if you feel you want to have a look. There is lasering treatment for that but only when it gets to a more severe level - in the UK anyway. I am not sure what criteria you have in the States.