Hello everyone
I'm about to have my heller myotomy surgery for achalasia this Monday. Initially I assumed I would be able to return to work after a week however after reading online I've read that it can take 2-4 weeks. I'm a young, fit male and was wondering if there could be a possibility of returning to work a week after surgery, or should I extend that time.
Many thanks
It will depend on how surgery goes, your recovery and of course your job. I worked with children when I had my surgery, my gp signed me off for 6 weeks (you have to be careful with any surgery especially abdominal) and then it was the long summer break!!
Dear Matthew
This is a serious operation and you should not have been told that after a week you could return to work. I was told 2 weeks - it took more like 6 and then I had to return part time for a while. But, everyone is different and I was not a good patient at resting (I have a young daughter so out of the question really). The most important thing is to do all you can to heal after the operation - lots of rest and eat well. You will be advised about what you can and cannot eat but all soft foods - soup, ice cream, custard, smoothed bananas, cream rice - there are lots of tips on the website on this aspect. I do wish you the best of luck with the operation.
This is a major surgery and depends on work you do. The diet the post Nissan diet is hard be sure to stay on which give me little energy. I could not lift over 10lbs for 4-6 weeks . Your esphogus will be sore and swollen . Your gt will be sore and easily tire.
All depends on recovery. I myself ha a colon problem com meds afterward that put me back in hospital for 4day .O make sure to drink Mirlax every day ! But I can eat with now eat with out that horrible chest pain and eat food !
Good luck!
Hi Matthew. I had the same op when i was 12 back in the 80's so things may of changed since then but i was in pain for over a week and couldn't walk very far so you will need more time off work. The staff will make you get out of bed a day or so after surgery and sit in a chair which is bloody painful but is meant to help adjust your body or something.
I was cut open when i had my op but these days it is done by keyhole surgery so post-op may be less painful.
I was in hospital for 2 or 3 weeks after the op but that could of been down to my age.
Good luck with you operation.
Good luck Matthew!
Busy is good, but down time should be exploited too :o... cash in on some well earned peace and relaxation...
Wishing you healthy karma..
Neil
I had the HM back in 2012 and was in the hospital about 10 days due to some complications. However, I was out of work for the HM surgery for 2 weeks and I had a desk job at the time. You'll need rest and relaxation, but depending on your tolerance for pain, you should recover quickly. Best of luck!
My son was 17 when he had the heller myotomy surgery. He was back to school after a week. I suppose it depends on each individual though. Good luck!
I have a physical job and do a lot of lifting etc..I went back to work after 2 weeks and felt fine just limited my heave lifting for a couple more weeks then I was fine. 4 months post op and everything is going great!
Thanks everyone for your replies, it really helped. Pleased to say surgery was a success. Managed to drink so water today and it went down a treat. Also managed a short walk to the toilet and back. Not in any major pain and hopefully home tomorrow from the hospital.
Well done and i am glad to hear the op went well. I wish you a full recovery.
Thank you for posting this! I’m in a similar situation, I’m having my duregett in 2 weeks. I developed Achalasia (we think, my doctor & I) as a complication from having a gastric lap-band- a form of bariatric surgery. I was also told 2-4 weeks, but the more I read on this site, the more serious I realize this is.
I’m glad your surgery went well! Keep us updated....