Post op worries . Hiatus Hernia

[focused1]

Due to go in NHS hospital on Monday for surgery .Booked for overnight stay . Can anyone here tell me their experiences afterwards ? Vaguely told no driving for 2 weeks / off work about 4-6 weeks and pureed foods - How long for - unknown . Unsure whether medication will cease and about success .Thanks.

[Hidden]

I have spoken to one lady who had similar surgery and she was delighted with the outcome, and being free from the wretched effects of the hiatus hernia that had plagued her for years.

It will all depend on your individual situation. I have found that the effects of the anaesthetic can take some days to disappear, and it is natural to feel a bit sore afterwards.

I think one has to be careful not to overdo things afterwards because the operation involves surgery to the muscles in the diaphragm and these move about a lot when you are active and breathing deeply, and you need to give it time to settle down afterwards.

I hope it goes well for you.

[focused1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks and your info is helpful . I have been told to stay off work 4-6 weeks and to refrain from driving for 2 so your advice not to run round is sound . I have just been out to buy a Nutri bullet today as I have to eat pureed foods after surgery . I am also taking this as a new start to a much more focused healthier diet too.

[Kaz60 in reply to focused1]

I am going to see the surgeon on 25th Jan to discuss the same op. I am a bit worried about it. I didn't realise the recovery time was that long. Hope all goes well for you. Would like to hear how you get on if you wouldn't mind.

[focused1 in reply to Kaz60]

My main concern was being rushed out of hospital the same day because of bed shortages . 4 days on I am still tender and was constipated for 3 days which I was worried about . I felt better after a shower allowed on day 3 . I have 4 puncture wounds but no follow up for 6 weeks and feel however I am I will see consultant before I go back to work . My diet - liquids for week 1 is restricting and I wish I was told about it beforehand . No citrus , no onions , tomatoes , beans etc so nearly all branded smooth soups are out . Buy a nutra bullet - you will need it and as bananas tend to bloat I mix with berries and milk . Greek yogurt is good to blend with milk but I find 4 glasses or mugs per day of anything is enough . I have been bought a few bags of prepared mixed veg which is easier as I get on my feet. You can't have raw veg . The diet is same for those 6 weeks but I can progress to soft , then lumpy but not normal before consultant appointment .Ensure you get a pair of surgical stockings .I have to wear these for a week . I am trying to do without painkillers as when you wake up from a deep sleep and you have been lying in a funny position then you wake up frightened which way to move . I have had uncomfortable scary chest pain mainly when deep breathing but I have been told this is normal . Day times for me I am in less pain than at night .

[Kaz60]

Focused1. Thanks for your reply. Wow the diet really is restricted. I wasn't expecting it to be for so long. The chest pain must be scary not looking forward to that. Im fact im not looking forward to any of it but needs be. I will discuss everything with surgeon on 25th. Have been suffering with reflux for about 5 yrs but it got really bad 6 months ago & ended up with grade C Osophagitis. Now I'm just belching non stop & it's so embarrassing & annoying. I hope you are feeling better soon. Do keep me posted on your journey. Any tips will be much appreciated.

[focused1 in reply to Kaz60]

I think it is worth it . With being rushed out late evening and feeling groggy I phoned the Ward to ask about the thick plasters over my stitches . I have been told as no appointment has been made and the wounds are covered with clear plastic then I go ahead and remove myself . This is confusing as I have been given a pack of dressings . Next shower and off I tug ! It is 5 days after surgery . I have felt more comfortable not taking painkillers and sticking to 4 mugs of blended fruit milky smoothies or tepid blended mixed veg soup . I don't feel hungry . As you don't eat then expect digestion to be weird so constipation still looms . If you don't get a date from consultant then it helped me to phone up their secretary - say give it 4/5 weeks . I got immediate date from her and it helps if you say you can go in at anytime .

[focused1 in reply to Kaz60]

I admit I was over weight too . Yesterday managed a 2.5 mile circular walk and have lost 4.5kg since 8 Jan . Still eating liquid diet but gradually adding in a bit of cottage cheese and pureed sweet potato .I feel healthier and my husband says I have lost my greyish skin .

[Kaz60 in reply to focused1]

Thank you so much for all the info. I will have an idea now of questions to ask the surgeon. Did you have to wait long for the op once you had first seen the surgeon? Would like to get it over & done with asap. Im a bit overweight myself so will hopefully lose some after having it done. I dont get to many problems on Lansoperazole Im just constantly belching which is very embarrassing & actually wears me out. Will update after mt visit next week.

Many thanks once again focused1.

[focused1 in reply to Kaz60]

I waited about 6 weeks then phoned the consultants secretary and told her I was on the list and could she tell me how many patients approx were before me . I said I could come in any day at any time . She immediately booked my surgery there and then for 3 weeks later . After 10 days no paperwork arrived so I phoned general appointments who confirmed I was booked in and sent out a letter a few days later .You seem similar to me in that I had no problems eating with Lansoprazole but worked full time , was exhausted and had awful wind which I couldn't cope with . Now after the initial gas from operation I have none of this . Yes my weight I think contributed too as I am 5ft 1 and weighed in before surgery at 80kg .

I am using this as a wake up call . No medication for anything and weight loss . Feeling better and the pain from stitches is really easing to almost nothing now as I sit here .

Please update me . Good luck .x

[Kaz60 in reply to focused1]

I also work full time & am 5ft 1". I will keep you updated.

[focused1 in reply to Kaz60]

Hope your appointment went Ok . I am feeling fine but my consultant appointment is a bit later than promised and I was advised to see her before work return. Bit annoying .

[focused1]

Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. I feel so much better as it has really made me rethink what I eat and I plan to walk more and go to gym especially Zumba when get all clear from surgeon.

[Kaz60]

Hi focused1.

Well my appointment was a bit of a let down really. They won't operate untill I lose some weight☹. I need a BMI of 30-32 before they can do it. So I guess I'll have to join slimming world to see if that helps. Hopefully now I'm back in full time work I will lose some, I walk to & from so that helps. Glad your feeling so well after the op..nice to see it was worth it.

[focused1]

Hi Kaz60

Well I wasn't that slim either .Like I said I am 5ft 1 and before surgery I weighed 80kg and was weighed before my operation . In the 3 weeks I have been home I have altered my diet - well you are forced to as you have limited liquid options . This morning I am 75.9kg . I have MyFitnessPal app on my phone and that works out how many calories are ideal for you and you put in or scan via barcode all you eat then it works out how much sugar / carbs / fat etc and guides you . No need to pay for their premium service . The one I use is free. Link it to Accupedo a free step counter app and it minus how many steps you walk thus you burn off calories which are added to your total .

[Kaz60]

Thanks focused1 I have a health app on my phone but will try what you suggest as that sounds good. I really do want to lose some weight & feel healthy again.

[focused1 in reply to Kaz60]

I wish you well . I have a 1200 calorie limit but find it almost impossible to eat 800 on this soft / liquid diet unless I ate rubbish .