anyone had fundoplication surgery for their Reflux?

[ThatVikRinA22]

i am suffering terribly with a reflux cough, and am going for an endoscopy and another procedure (camera up nose to view throat) but i already take proton pump inhibitors and antacids....

im wondering about asking about fundoplication surgery as the cough is really really debilitating, painful and annoying. its ruining my life. i sound like a seal barking, im wheezy and its having an effect on every aspect of my life, my work is disrupted and it makes me vulnerable as i cannot run or fight, (am in police) and my sleep is disrupted every night. i wake every day with a painful sore throat and feel like i have something stuck in it.

has anyone else on here had it done, and has it worked to stop the symptoms?

thanks

[MrsB74]

Yes I've had it, and for the first five years I was drug and symptom free, but I hate to tell you the reflux did come back and I'm back on the ppi drugs! Having said that, if it wasn't for the post op recovery period I would definitely have it re done as I don't like to think of the long term implications of these drugs. I have young children and no family nearby, so can't really imagine no driving for six weeks etc. I'm not sure why it only lasted that long in my case, they thought it would last at least 10 years, so you may be luckier.

[ThatVikRinA22]

id been looking at the number that reoccurred - i think the percentage is quite high but at the min the drugs arent working - called doctor tonight and croaked at him - he now wants me to take another 4 products on top of the omeprazole and the ranitidine - not keen of taking oodles more meds but also cannot cope with the raw throat and barking cough - ive been miserable all day, horrible taste in my mouth, and couldnt eat my crisps at lunch as they just seemed to stick in my throat.
my voice has gone again too.
i think if they offer me the op id take it.

how long were you out of action for mrs?
anything i should know? whats the recovery like?

[MrsB74]

I would definitely consider the op given how bad you are feeling. I have to come off the omeprazole occasionally and just use ranitidine for a month or so (not pleasant as symptoms get worse, but bearable). When I go back on the omeprazole it seems to work again for a while.
Recovery wise I was uncomfortable for a few weeks, I had six weeks off work (I was able to work at home for some of that though) - I've had a c section since and it was a similar recovery process. I had to eat mushy foods for a little while, can't remember how long now. Solid foods, especially meat, can stick a little if you don't remember to chew it enough, but it's not as bad as it sounds, you just need to relax and it goes down. As my fundoplication isn't completely undone, just enough to cause some reflux, I still get this occasionally. You can get a bit bloated too, but I found none of the side effects anywhere near as bad as severe reflux!
Reading your symptoms, if I was as bad as that again, I would have the op and get your life back.

[MrsB74]

Oh and the taste in your mouth is truly horrible, I can totally sympathise on that one! Would be interested to know what other drugs you are given? In case I get another flare up.

Have a consult with the surgeon and see how you feel.

[chockbic]

What about the new Linx operation?

[MrsB74]

Just read up on the linx op - sounds good! Much less invasive. This is such a common problem there seems to be a lot of research and new treatments coming out.

[ThatVikRinA22]

Thanks - I now have no voice at all, and the 2nd chest infection in 2 weeks. One taped my lack of voice and cough to play to the consultant. My head is banging with the constant coughing. I feel absolutely terrible.
As well as the oneptazole and ranitidine I'm now on peptac liquid, and something that empties the stomach fast. - think Gp said medoxyl? Plus the second lot of ABs in 3weeks. I'm very wheezy and hot, think that's just the infection - apparently you aspirate with chronic reflux so infections are common. I'm just so fed up and work are not being terribly understanding. All I left work early and all I've done since is sleep.

[ThatVikRinA22]

*I taped myself, not one! Bloody iPhone just turned me into a posh bird!

[TapselteerieO]

This is something I am suffering from, going for endoscopy soon. I didn't get on with omneprazole(sp) felt like I was having a heart attack sometimes. My symptoms are not constant, it flares up every couple of weeks. I have been on motilium 3 x a day, to be taken 15-30 mins before meals & Zantac, twelve hours apart. I think they have helped calm my symptoms. Night time has been bad for me, feel swollen on my left side and find it difficult to sleep, with the reflux adding to the discomfort. Have been off the drugs because of the endoscopy coming up and have had about 2 reasonable sleeps since.

Going to have a look at the operations to find out more.

Poor you vicar, especially when you are not getting support and understanding from your work.

[Atozandbackagain]

Vic

Wet here (using NC).

Sorry to hear you are not feeling well - hope there's improvement soon. I'm getting worried about you. It seems that your health is taking quite a pounding at the moment in a way that it didn't before you secured the 'dream job'.

Tell me to sod off - but you need to start asking yourself 'Is it worth it?'

Is the constant pressure and lack of support causing these health problems? It's easy to say 'jack it in' and I know that's just too difficult when you have bills to pay. But your health is paramount - it's easy to forget that in the maelstrom of everyday life.

Take care
X

[ThatVikRinA22]

Hello stranger!
No you are right, my health at the moment is pants. One thing after another, and I guess stress has it's part in it. On reflection, unless something does change, it's probably not worth it. I'm at home worrying about rearranging interviews and knowing their are people waiting for me to progress their crimes, and I'm laid in bed with no voice. I need to make 2 calls today really. Possibly 3. Actually probably 4. But my voice had gone completely.

[PeachyPossum]

Hi Vicar,

I'm having this done in January as I have severe reflux. If you search on FB there is a closed group named after the procedure, join there and its full of loads of people who are waiting for, recovering from or have had the op.

my surgeon plans to make the wrap tight to lessen the chance of slipping. my symptoms are heartburn, esophageal pain (horrendous stuff), cough, sinus pain at the mo but also the ability to regurgitate full meals which is nice ;) The surgeon says it is best to have it to stop the damage to my lungs and esophagus.

Hope you feel better soon

x

[PeachyPossum]

OOhh, yes - had to have a 24hr ph test and a test that checks if the stomach valves close etc, thats how they gauge if you are severe enough, but also suitable for, the op.

[ThatVikRinA22]

what does the PH test involve please peachy?

[MrsB74]

Sorry to jump in, but the ph test is a tube put up your nose and right down your oesophagus, it has a little computer thigy attached which you attach to your belt. It is all left in for 24 hours to monitor your ph. I had to keep a food diary and press buttons on the machine if I felt symptoms I think. They did mine at a weekend so I didn't have to go to work with it in or take time off. It felt weird, but wasn't sore or anything.I presume it hasn't changed much in 10 years. As is typical with me I had a relatively symptom free day with it in!!! Typical...If my symptoms flare up again I'll be having this again too.

[MrsB74]

Computer thingy!

[ThatVikRinA22]

eeewwww.....

bloody hell. this all sounds like fun. not.

my voice is a little bit better today but still cutting out and sound like Normon Collier....feeling rough as a badgers arse. 2 chest infections in 3 weeks has really knocked the stuffing out of me.