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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 experienced the same problem before I had the Nissen Procedure, the internet horror stories weren't encouraging. However, after meeting the surgeon and seeing his notebook full of very happy people after having the procedure (over 90% positives) I felt more confident. I really had no choice, stomach acid was removing the enamel on my teeth, my vocal cords were damaged, and more. In my case, the LES valve that keeps acid out of the esophagus was damaged by a very violent retching session caused by a bowel obstruction.
I'm much older than you (70) so the timeline issue of the effectiveness of the surgery isn't an issue for me. It is something you should consider.
It became apparent to me that the people who followed the recommended diet following the surgery had the best results, those who rushed back to their normal eating patterns had the poorest result. I'm about 6'2" and weighed about 195 pounds prior to the surgery. Two months after the surgery (two years ago) I weighed 182 pounds, and now weigh about 190. I followed the diet suggested exactly as prescribed. I would stock up on items like Instant Breakfast, jello, Ensure. Cold foods were soothing, I think they cooled off the hot incision points. You will not be able to eat near as large a meal a year or two after the surgery, and I can tell you for sure, carbonated drinks, beer, high fat foods like pizza and burgers you won't be able to tolerate, ever. However, most foods that irritate a GERD sufferer like tomatoes, onions, acidic products will be back on you list of foods you can eat. I have red wine with dinner again. Recently I slipped up and threw down a glass of beer without thinking at a party, and I really suffered. You either can't burb or will burb in tiny amounts after the surgery, but you will fart more.
I'd procede with great confidence as long as you have a surgeon who has a lot of successful experience, you are ready for a two or three week difficult recovery period, and can accept a permanent change in diet. I've had several very intrusive surgeries, including surgery for a bowel obstruction, have had eight heart stents inserted, a pacemaker, plus finally heart bypass surgery. Heart bypass surgery trumps everything I've experienced, but the Nissen Fundoplication wasn't a walk in the park, it comes in second in terms of immediate discomfort after surgery. However, it was the most gratifying surgery I've had, I can eat whatever I want whenever I want now, just in smaller portions. I'd follow the diet exactly as prescribed, and don't rush eating solid food.
I can give you some other information should you wish by contacting me with a private message.
I'm much older than you (70) so the timeline issue of the effectiveness of the surgery isn't an issue for me. It is something you should consider.
It became apparent to me that the people who followed the recommended diet following the surgery had the best results, those who rushed back to their normal eating patterns had the poorest result. I'm about 6'2" and weighed about 195 pounds prior to the surgery. Two months after the surgery (two years ago) I weighed 182 pounds, and now weigh about 190. I followed the diet suggested exactly as prescribed. I would stock up on items like Instant Breakfast, jello, Ensure. Cold foods were soothing, I think they cooled off the hot incision points. You will not be able to eat near as large a meal a year or two after the surgery, and I can tell you for sure, carbonated drinks, beer, high fat foods like pizza and burgers you won't be able to tolerate, ever. However, most foods that irritate a GERD sufferer like tomatoes, onions, acidic products will be back on you list of foods you can eat. I have red wine with dinner again. Recently I slipped up and threw down a glass of beer without thinking at a party, and I really suffered. You either can't burb or will burb in tiny amounts after the surgery, but you will fart more.
I'd procede with great confidence as long as you have a surgeon who has a lot of successful experience, you are ready for a two or three week difficult recovery period, and can accept a permanent change in diet. I've had several very intrusive surgeries, including surgery for a bowel obstruction, have had eight heart stents inserted, a pacemaker, plus finally heart bypass surgery. Heart bypass surgery trumps everything I've experienced, but the Nissen Fundoplication wasn't a walk in the park, it comes in second in terms of immediate discomfort after surgery. However, it was the most gratifying surgery I've had, I can eat whatever I want whenever I want now, just in smaller portions. I'd follow the diet exactly as prescribed, and don't rush eating solid food.
I can give you some other information should you wish by contacting me with a private message.
Hi there,
I am glad that you have found this forum and hope we can offer some advice that would make your decision and ultumately, the operation and recovery easier.
The Internet is a scary place, but with a Forum like this, you can get first hand info on patients experiences and we do a service here because we care :)
I am 36 and had a Nissen Fundoplication done, 8 Feb. 2012. I have a very complicated and long history, but after extensive tests: 24hr Impedance PH study, 2x Manomatric studies (yip, this was not a nice experience) and a lot of Endoscopies and the opinion of 4 Surgeons - I agreed to the operation and I am very glad that I had it done and have now fully recovered from it.
Because I had severe GERD and did not get the operation sooner, I now have a long segment of Barret's Esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition) and damage to the muscle in my throat.
The operation itself is not to bad. For about 7 days it was painful and I had some complications with my bladder and bowels, but that is just my body that does not like anaesthetics. After 2 weeks, I felt much much better and almost no pain. 6 weeks latler I have lost 7kg's and ate normally again. I started doing my normal activities at 2 weeks post-op.
I am busy with treatment now for the damage to my throat and will be surveillance program for the Barret's. But I am GERD free and so so glad that I had it done. I was on 60-80mg of Nexium before the operation and now I don't take any Nexium!
You are still young and it is not an option to live on medication and you should get it done while you don't have permanent damage, i.e. Barrets, stricture, etc.
Let me know if I can be of any further help and I would be here post-op :) all the best,
I am glad that you have found this forum and hope we can offer some advice that would make your decision and ultumately, the operation and recovery easier.
The Internet is a scary place, but with a Forum like this, you can get first hand info on patients experiences and we do a service here because we care :)
I am 36 and had a Nissen Fundoplication done, 8 Feb. 2012. I have a very complicated and long history, but after extensive tests: 24hr Impedance PH study, 2x Manomatric studies (yip, this was not a nice experience) and a lot of Endoscopies and the opinion of 4 Surgeons - I agreed to the operation and I am very glad that I had it done and have now fully recovered from it.
Because I had severe GERD and did not get the operation sooner, I now have a long segment of Barret's Esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition) and damage to the muscle in my throat.
The operation itself is not to bad. For about 7 days it was painful and I had some complications with my bladder and bowels, but that is just my body that does not like anaesthetics. After 2 weeks, I felt much much better and almost no pain. 6 weeks latler I have lost 7kg's and ate normally again. I started doing my normal activities at 2 weeks post-op.
I am busy with treatment now for the damage to my throat and will be surveillance program for the Barret's. But I am GERD free and so so glad that I had it done. I was on 60-80mg of Nexium before the operation and now I don't take any Nexium!
You are still young and it is not an option to live on medication and you should get it done while you don't have permanent damage, i.e. Barrets, stricture, etc.
Let me know if I can be of any further help and I would be here post-op :) all the best,
1 Comments
About to have the surgery. Thank you for your candidness. I think you have helped me most. I knew before reading your comments and others that my best choice is to have this done before it worsens. I can thank God that though I have had some swallowing problems, I am still swallowing pills, etc. well, no stricture or damage to my Esophagus. But have a hiatal hernia, GERD now for over 20 years and experience symptoms on a daily basis. with periodic swallowing problems and shortness of breath. I have consulted all types of doctors up to my allergist, who ruled out asthma. Thank you for your comments. Mary
Hi...I have not had this procedure, but we do have a few members that have....and I am sure they will pop on to offer some tips and share their experience.
U can also find older threads with info by using the search this community feature at the top of the forum.
And I wanted to wish u all the best with ur surgery...do post updates on ur progress : )
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