[Travelinglady]

Hi! I'm reporting in to say I'm having surgery on my hiatal hernia on Wed. a.m. The doc will get rid of the hernia and sew the top part of my stomach onto the bottom of my esophagus, so it will stay where it is supposed to.

Afterwards, I will be eating baby food and such for awhile. But no more powerful anti-acids and other meds that really aren't good for me. And the doc says I should even lose some weight as a result of the surgery. I ain't complaining about that part!

[lizardlady]

Good luck Payne!

[lynn P.]

Good luck with your surgery and let us know how it goes. Someone told me this is extensive surgery so I'm interested to know how long the recovery will be. I have Hiatal Hernia but haven't been on acid meds for years. I wonder how do the docs know when one needs the surgery? Anyone know what causes it - is it a genetic weakness or something else. Can it get better on its own if its not serious? Best of luck and I hope its successful PAYNE1.

[Wren_]

((((((Payne))))))) i hope everything will go well with the surgery and the recovery

[Travelinglady]

Believe me, I have studied hiatal hernias and the surgery a great deal. The surgeon will make five little cuts in my abdomen and do the surgery laproscopically. He's done over 1,000 of them and says it should take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

After about 6 weeks I will be able to start eating regularly. I should only have to stay in the hospital one night, assuming all goes well. After about three months, I should be totally back to par, being able to lift more than three pounds, do laundry, golf, etc. Of course, I can't do those things now because of back problems.

There is a hereditary component. Also, I think pregnancies can create them or make them worse. Being overweight doesn't help. I remember those factors because they apply to me. But babies can even be born with hiatal hernias. They don't get better on their own, but some people can have them and not have any symptoms.

I have had a hernia for over 20 years. My symptoms have been getting worse and worse. I have been taking the strongest prescription meds I can for a good while and monitored my foods, etc., and these things aren't helping. So, I was sent by my ENT to this surgeon, who evaluated me and determined that I am a candidate for surgery.

I didn't want to wait much longer because I am quickly getting worse. Aging plays a role in that, too. (I am 58.) I know people who couldn't have the surgery (such as my mom) because their hernias have gotten too big. The surgeon has to get somewhat close to the heart in doing the surgery--and in the case of really big hernias, it becomes too dangerous.

Lynn P., I probably told you and everybody else more than you wanted to know!

[Nobodyandnothing]

Good luck Payne. I will be thinking of you. Please keep us posted. (((hugs)))

[splitimage]

Good luck Payne, I hope the surgery and your recovery go smoothly. I found your description of the procedure really interesting as I've just been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and been put on prescription antacids.

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[Travelinglady]

Surgery is considered to be the last resort!

[kindachaotic]

Hope your surgery went well & the soreness goes away soon.
Know you'll post when you feel better.

[yellowted]

gentle hugs for payne1, hope your surgery went well, and you are feeling better soon x

[Travelinglady]

Thanks, all! I'm back from my surgery, and I'm not up to being on the computer. Hope your heath problems will get better.

[splitimage]

Glad you survived the surgery & I hope that you heal rapidly.

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[lizardlady]

Thinking of you Payne and wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Fresia]

Hope you are taking it easy and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Take good care.
(((((Payne1)))))

[Wren_]

hope you are recovering well

[kindachaotic]

Me too ^^^. You are in my prayers.