Laparscopic Nissen Fundoplication and Hiatal Hernia repair surgery

Digestive health
121

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

122

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

123

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

124

Hi, not sure if your still on the forum but going to ask anyway, I am seriously concidering either Nissan or Lynx and have done so much resrch on surgeons Mr Wajed comes up as an amzing guy and am going to have him do the surgery  if i 'm eligable which I pray I am . from your post you seem to share the feelings of many on his skills. 

I'm still scared stiff a syou hear so many horror stories of awfull gasbloat etc but by all acounts it does seem to be down to the experience of the surgeon.I guess what I'm trying to say is would you recomend him from your personal experience ?

Sorry for the ramble,

Thanks 

jane 

125

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!

126

Hi Jane, I read your post and I'm wondering what an LYNX is. Also I am to have a Nissen fundoplication surgery and I hiatal hernia on February 8th and was wondering if you could give me any tips on what I should be looking for or what I will be going through. I am kind of scared in one way because I'm afraid I am going to see one of those patients that are going to have problems I guess I'm thinking negative instead of positive. I'm also looking forward to having surgery because I'm hoping it will definitely help me feel better in the long run as I look back on all of this had it 20 years ago and did not know it I had every symptom there was and more and was taken to the ER and they just brushed it off as having the intestinal virus. It infuriates me two think that all this time I had a hiatal hernia and no doctor ever caught it and I have been through many test for other things. I don't mean to rant and rave I just was curious to know how I was supposed to feel thank you

127

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

128

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

129

Hello Dgarder.  I had the Nissan Fund procedure on 01/23/17.  My sergeon was among the best qualified for this procedure.  I have also suffered approx 15 years with Prilosec, etc.  The operation took about 2.5 hours and it's really nothing to worry about if you're in good health.  They screened me pretty thourougly and scrubbed the surgery the first time due to hign blood pressure.  I run and workout quite a bit but I guess I had "White Coat Syndrome".  After they got my BP under control, the went through with the proceedure.  I'm sure I caused my Hiatal Hernia by bench pressing way too much.  Tomorrow will be 1 week and to be honest with you there is quite some discomfort but you have to remember to eat what they suggest and stop as soon as you feel any discomfort.  I'm really glad I had this as I am 56 yrs old and probably wouldn't be able to tolerate it as well as I get older.  So far I've lost about 1 lb/day but I'm sure I'll  be able to put it back on once my stomach stretches out to normal size.  I was told that I could start running (slowly at first) at about 6 weeks and could also start working out at about 6 months but this time I'm going to keep the bench under 300lbs.  Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

-Mark

130

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.

131

Hi Julie - I came accross your report and would like to touch base with you.  I am having this proceedure next week and have tried not to read too much about it, but it got the better of me!  There are very mixed reports, but I have put this off for 3 years now and having so many reflux issues I cannot cope any longer.  As you are now a year ahead, has this altered your lifestyle much or have you regained some normality?  How long did it take to start eating a normal diet again and did you suffer weight loss in the early weeks?  I would really appreciate any comments you may have please?  thank you.

132

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.

133

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

134

Thank goodness for positives - I am tired of reading bad things on this and other Patient uk forums.  I, personally, would not do it, I would water it down.  You HAVE to have hope and some comments give you no hope at all, and that is not a good way to go forward with any op.

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.

135

Hi Guys , thats me 12 months in to my recovery from  Nissens.. So far so good..No medication at all required .. first few months I had problems with wind top and bottom ( bit embarassing on a 7 hr plane trip to Toronto having to visit the loo exery 30 mins). Decided to stay away from carbonated drinks, wind enducing foods etc..only had one episode of stuck food when I ate a dry piece of bread too quickly since then. Still get the odd rumble and grumble from stomach area but so much better than before. Had to learn just to slow down at the beginning of a meal and avoid drinking fluid at the start of the meal. I dont seem to need to eat as big portions as before so happy with weight as well.. all in all  pretty pleased with the result.. Wil keep looking back at the forum as it helped me greatly.

136

I am now 8 weeks post op and feel exactly like you described. Rumblings going on like volcanic eruptions are due and sometimes they do! But no acid and I have adjusted to smaller portions and chewing slowly. I find that a good breakfast lasts till 7pm so lunch is often just a cup of tea and a cracker. But I feel freat and cannot wait for my follow up and all clear in 4 weeks Need to mow the lawn etc etc

137

Mark where did you receive your procedure? I'm hunting round, researching etc to try and decide where to have this done. I cannot cope any more with the symptoms.

138

sounds awful, where in the country did this happen Meunier58121?

139

Hi Nezra, I'm Leonie in Australia, and I was sad to hear of your bad experience with laparoscopic surgery. I wish it had gone much better for you. I wonder if you would consider going back for another surgery, if you found a great doctor sometime down the track. I'm glad you've been honest about your experience and feelings, because not everyone comes out of this surgery in good shape. My doc says my hernia is too small to have this surgery, which is disappointing. But like you, I have constant nausea and can't eat properly or drink alcohol. I also have breathing problems. Despite this, My doc wants me to see a swallowing specialist. Do you have trouble swallowing ? All the best, 

140

Hi Julieangel and all,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to post here, about my problem.  Reading all your posts has been a real revelation to me. For a very long time, I've been having problems with my stomach.  I get pain, nausea, vomiting, inability to drink alcohol or digest fatty foods, and also I feel out of breath quite often. If I start feeling nauseous after eating, I have to take Nexium or else I will vomit for hours on end. Sometimes I have to take a double dose just to settle my reflux.  Anyway, Not knowing what was wrong with me, my imagination started working overtime, thus making me think I had an ulcer, gall stones and even pancreatitis. Doctors have been of little help to me, although they did tell me I had reflux. In regards reflux, I hadn't noticed any acid in my esophagus after eating, so I swallowed with no food in my mouth, and I felt the acid straight away. I had an endoscopy, which revealed a hiatal hernia, however, I was told that it was too small to have any effect on my stomach, so I wouldn't be given a referral to a gastroenterologist. I know obesity can make reflux or GERD worse, and that is partly the case with me. About two years ago, my weight increased after taking a drug for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. This definitely made my reflux worse. I'm wondering if anyone hear has trouble swallowing food, or feeling full very quickly. I can only eat small portions, or eat very slowly. I was given the drug Lyrica, after a knee replacement operation, and one of the side effects of Lyrica is inability to swallow. I think this symptom may not be associated with reflux, but not sure. Now my doc wants me to see a swallowing specialist, which i feel is not really my main problem, and only wasting time. I guess if I get it looked at, I can rule it out.  The thing is, that I can relate so well to everything I read on this particular thread, so I feel that I know what my problem is. I know that all of you here aren't doctors, so I'm not expecting some kind of diagnosis. It would just be nice to compare notes, and talk to you about how I feel.  This thing sure does ruin lives. All the best to all of you, and take care x (Leonie in Australia)