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Upcoming Nissen Fundoplication - Looking for Guidance & Support
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!!
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!!
I had the procedure four or five years ago. It's a big surgery, I'd approach it with the attitude that you will have to make changes in your diet for quite a few months, and some will have to be permanent.
Regarding Caffeine, I drink coffee every morning now. I didn't for a couple of months after the procedure, however.
Regarding carb drinks, I can't and won't drink them. Beer, soft drinks, whatever is carbonated, I won't touch. I worry that I'll build up enough gas to tear loose the Nissen wrap. For me, it was an easy trade-off. My GERD was bad enough that I developed Barrett's Esophagus and acid was destroying my vocal chords, and my tooth enamel was eroded.
I'd suggest that you obey the follow up diet very closely, stay away from solid foods for at least two months after the surgery. Expect to lose about 15 or 20 pounds the hard way.
I haven't had to take any antacid product since the surgery, but I followed directions, and it has been a lifesaver for me. Keep us informed.
Regarding Caffeine, I drink coffee every morning now. I didn't for a couple of months after the procedure, however.
Regarding carb drinks, I can't and won't drink them. Beer, soft drinks, whatever is carbonated, I won't touch. I worry that I'll build up enough gas to tear loose the Nissen wrap. For me, it was an easy trade-off. My GERD was bad enough that I developed Barrett's Esophagus and acid was destroying my vocal chords, and my tooth enamel was eroded.
I'd suggest that you obey the follow up diet very closely, stay away from solid foods for at least two months after the surgery. Expect to lose about 15 or 20 pounds the hard way.
I haven't had to take any antacid product since the surgery, but I followed directions, and it has been a lifesaver for me. Keep us informed.
have my surgery booked for july 18th, 2013....very scared....is it true I can't have caffeine or carb drinks afterward.....is this a permanent change ?
I am waiting to be able to have a fundo done. My surgeon tried to tell me I needed it done years ago---sure wish I had done it back when I was 34 and not having other health issues. I have trouble swallowing food and have had to have my esophagus dilated 4 times, 3 times i have had a shotzky's ring, and now I have developed eosinophilic esophagitis, which my GI feels is secondary to the severe reflux I have had for 22 years.
I am now on high dose prevacid, 30 mgs 2x daily--i have fought taking PPIs for years, and I am also on a liquid steroid that I have to swallow twice a day to hopefully get my esophagus in good enough shape so I can get the surgery done.
I have changes in the surface of my esophagus from the EE. I have rings--called a feline esophagus, and I also have furrows that run up and down the esophagus---I'm not sure where each of these changes is located, but I have seen pictures of them.
My daughter had a fundo when she was almost 10 months old. She was born with a hiatal hernia (we did not know this until surgery) and her esophagus was getting ulcerated when she was only 8 months old.
She never had any complications and I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat.
My daughter is able to burp with no problem, but she cannot throw up. When she gets nauseated, I give her saltines and a pop to sip, just like I give the other kids. She also wants a bowl, like they keep nearby for throwing up---but all she does is spit in it.
My father, who will be 78 in 2 days, just had the surgery last month and is doing great.
I am now on high dose prevacid, 30 mgs 2x daily--i have fought taking PPIs for years, and I am also on a liquid steroid that I have to swallow twice a day to hopefully get my esophagus in good enough shape so I can get the surgery done.
I have changes in the surface of my esophagus from the EE. I have rings--called a feline esophagus, and I also have furrows that run up and down the esophagus---I'm not sure where each of these changes is located, but I have seen pictures of them.
My daughter had a fundo when she was almost 10 months old. She was born with a hiatal hernia (we did not know this until surgery) and her esophagus was getting ulcerated when she was only 8 months old.
She never had any complications and I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat.
My daughter is able to burp with no problem, but she cannot throw up. When she gets nauseated, I give her saltines and a pop to sip, just like I give the other kids. She also wants a bowl, like they keep nearby for throwing up---but all she does is spit in it.
My father, who will be 78 in 2 days, just had the surgery last month and is doing great.
Hi Keely,
Glad surgery went well for you. For a long time I wasn't sure I had done the right thing. Its been a year since my nissen was done. I think I've been able to drink cokes for about 6 months. But just start out small. I couldn't drink a big jug. And sip really slow.
Glad surgery went well for you. For a long time I wasn't sure I had done the right thing. Its been a year since my nissen was done. I think I've been able to drink cokes for about 6 months. But just start out small. I couldn't drink a big jug. And sip really slow.
Hi ya, I have come actions your post and was wondering if you have had the surgery yet? I'm a 39 ye woman and had the nissen 3 weeks ago, I have suffered with reflux fir years and I must admit since the surgery I feel much better and best thing is I can sleep at night which I wasn't able to do without choking! I'm still early days with my recovery and not eating much but hoping that changes soon as I miss my food, I have lost loads of weight but so far I'm glad I had the surgery!
If there is anyone also out who can tell me when can I start introducing carbonated drinks back into my diet as my doctors have given me no advise!
Thanks Keely
If there is anyone also out who can tell me when can I start introducing carbonated drinks back into my diet as my doctors have given me no advise!
Thanks Keely
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