Upcoming Nissen Fundoplication - Looking for Guidance & Support

[SCjason]

Hey Everyone,

This is my first time posting here but after doing a lot of research on Nissen's, this forum seemed to be the most updated. I am 32 and have been suffering from GERDS since I was 18 when I was diagnosed with it after it put me in the hospital for trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. On the 3rd day the Dr's did an Endoscopy and located several ulcers in my esophagus and said I had GERDS.

My family doctor treated me for about 8 years but every new medicine that he would give me would last around 2 years and stop working. Finally, he referred me to a digestive disease doctor. He continued with medications and performed an Endoscopy on me every two years. Again, around that time the previous medicine would cease working. Eventually, I ended up taking the most recent medication, Dexilant (formerly Kapidex). I started off at 30mg, then 60 mg. Back in December it stopped working and he then put me on a cocktail of Dexilant, Pepcid, and Protonix. That cocktail worked for 3 weeks and quit working in January.

My GI Dr. said I was a great candidate for a Nissen and referred me to a surgeon trained in performing the procedure. I hesitated at first and decided against it, but the symptoms were getting worse. My last Bravo gave an above average reflux reading every 15 to 20 minutes with or without food. He told me that there were no more medications on the market so I went and saw 2 highly recommended surgeons in my area. After choosing the one I felt the most comfortable with, he scheduled me for the motility test (which by the way calling it hell would be an understatement) and then he also did a stomach emptying test on me.

I am scheduled for the surgery in June. I understand that sometimes the Internet can be the worst of enemies but it seems like for every 1 feel good story that I read, I am reading 9 horror stories. Needless to say I am not wanting to have the procedure done to simply stop taking medications, nor am I wanting to have it done because I have had reflux for only 6 months so I think after suffering from it for as long as I have, I would possibly have a more positive outcome then others who rushed into the surgery. But needless to say, after reading forum after forum, this procedure really has me scared. I had a ventral hernia repair done 4 years ago so I am well aware of the uncomfortable recovery that comes after a abdominal laproscopic procedure and I am prepared to handle that. But I just can't get past wondering if the side effects of a Nissen is better than living with GERDS which has just become a common part of my life?

The surgeon was very positive (of course). He did tell me the recovery would be long, that I would be on a liquid diet for 2 to 4 weeks, that I would not be able to burp or vomit, and that after 10 to 15 years the surgery MAY become ineffective so it wasn't like he blindsided me, but I am still very hesitant to have this done.

I am not sure if I am looking for support, reassurance, or just a reason to run but any comments would greatly help me either way.

Thanks everyone!!

[Nessie1972]

Is there anyone out there who can tell me when I can have a glass if wine post op nissan ?
There seems to be a lot of info regarding drinking beers / carbonated drinks but nothing on non carbonated alcoholic drinks such as wine ?......

[momathens]

I had the Nissen 11 years ago and it was a rough couple of weeks but that was a very small price to pay for the 11 years of relief.  My nissen has come undone and am scheduled in 3 days to have it done again.  The relief is so worth the recovery.

[Flycaster305]

I'm almost five years post NF surgery, and haven't had the need for any type of  GERD medication.  As for repair of damage to the vocal chords, they aren't any worse, but I am not aware that they will repair themselves.  That said, follow up Endoscopies determined my Barrett's Esophagus symptoms have abated and maybe reversed.  The acid reflux had removed the enamel from my teeth and much to my horror, they turned black.  I had them re-coated where necessary, but there is no sign of that problem.
I'd stay completely away from ANY type of carbonated beverage.  The less pressure you can put on your LES valve and wrap the better, I'm told.  I keep Beano and Immodium close at hand, particularly Beano, as burbs now result in, frankly, farts.
  
I'd strongly urge you to continue to eat small meals.  Do you like fish or scrambled eggs?  they are a great protein source and easy to digest.  Just take it slow.  A family member with an eating disorder had the procedure, and what a mistake, she ate too much too early and forced herself to vomit, and you can imagine the result, she forced a failure of the wrap.  

I still talk like Louis Armstrong talked and Kim Carnes sings, but my women friends tell me I sound like Barry White.  I'll take that!  :)

[karajo]

It seems like I took Nexium about 6 - 8 months after the surgery.  This Feb. will mark 2 yrs.  

I am starting to get the cough and burning in my throat again.  But I'm trying not to take Nexium because I have osteoporosis very badly and I haven't gone through menopause yet.  

[avill012]

Can I ask, how long after the surgery did you stop the Nexium? Im two months out and have been told to stop, feeling a little reflux here and there, wondering if it is a mistake to stop so early. Also, did your esophagus vocal chord conditions heal, and if so how long did it take?

[karajo]

It's been a year and 4 months since I had the surgery.  I literally thought I was going to starve to death.  At first I could only eat a tablespoon of food (once I could eat food - which took maybe a month).  I found I really don't like cokes anymore.  There is definitely a recovery period.  I wished I would've been more prepared.  I would've bought some things like jello....and more jello... and maybe some more jello. They told me not to eat potatoes, but I didn't have trouble with them.  Actually they were a welcomed addition to my jello.  Eat very slowly and chew 100 times before you swallow.  Pills were my BIGGEST struggle.  I take meds I absolutely need and vitamins I would like to take.  But I would take 1 pill and wait 30-1 hour, and then take another pill.  It took me all day to take just the med I HAD to take.  This went on for over 6 months.  

I know all of this sounds scarry, but I finally was able to get off of Nexium (which I think has caused me to have osteoporosis at an early age)  I still had to take Nexium for a while after the surgery.  I still have some occasional acid reflux, but not to the point it affects me like it was.  The acid reflux was causing my vocal chord to be very red and irritated, thus causing me to have continual choughing fits all day and all night.  So in the end, I'm thankful I had the surgery.  But there for a while I actually thought about having it undone.  If you over-eat or take too many pills, you will dry heave all night.  Not pleasant at all!  Or eat and take (a) pill...more dry heaving.  Couldn't do both!!!  

The actual surgery was a breeze.  I had more surgery pain from the gallbladder surgery than with this.  Praying all go well for you.