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Hello To All Getting Ready For Esophyx Soon

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Posted 10/6/2009 10:57 PM (GMT 0)

Newbie here.

Glad I found this forum.  I've already seen some really great advice and comments here.

I'm getting ready to have the Esophyx TIF done on 10/19/09.  I'm a 57 year old male and  I've been suffering with GERD for many years now and currently am on Nexium 2 x day with somewhat decent results but still have problems.  I was in the ER over Memorial day weekend this year with an acute reflux attack.  This was just one of many ER trips over the years but this one was severe.  That weekend opened up my eyes to the fact that I was just plain sick of suffering.  I saw a piece on the local news on the esophyx, so booked an appointment to learn more.  According to the doc, my prospects are good regarding the procedure.  I'm just a tad borderline on the BMI index but otherwise good to go.

I finally got tired of just taking meds that cover up but do not cure the symptoms.  My insurance (Aetna) is paying for the procedure.  I chose the esophyx due to the shorter recovery time (hopefully) over the lap procedure.

I'll post up my experience and recovery in hopes of helping others decide if the esophx is right for them.

Wish me luck.  I'm ready to be done with GERD and start a new reflux free life.

Posted 10/6/2009 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Lowdown

Welcome to HealingWell and the GERD and Heartburn Forum.


Support groups are a place for people to give and receive both emotional and practical support as well as to exchange information. People with health conditions, as well as their friends and families find support groups to be a valuable resource and get confirmation that their feelings are "normal", educate others, or just let off steam. IMHO joining a support group is joining a family.  Welcome to the Family.

We will be here for you before, during and after your procedure to cheer you on.

Keep on talking with us.

Again a warm welcome,


Kitt 
Posted 10/7/2009 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hey lowdown,
I'm scheduled to meet with a new doctor next month to be evaluated for the EsophyX. Let me know how it goes. I'm anixous to find out who else has had this done. I like the shorter healing time too.

Joy
Posted 10/7/2009 4:41 AM (GMT 0)

couchtater (nice handle BTW)

It took about 30 days from my initial consult to scheduling the procedure.  It would have gone quicker but I needed to have some additional testing done in order to get cleared for surgery and I had to work that into my schedule.  Getting the procedure cleared through my insurance co. (Aetna) by the doctor was no problem.   My advice is to take all your records with you when you go in.  That might save you having to go through testing you may not need.  I've suffered from GERD for years and never had a PH and motility test done ever.  The doctor said usually the insurance co wants this done but having all my records and pictures from my scopes going back years clearly showed that I had GERD so I thankfully didn't have to get one done.

Looking forward to having the esophyx done and hoping for a good outcome.  I just figured out that I'll be roughly 6 weeks post op at Thanksgiving and probably won't be able to gorge myself but that's a good thing in the long run.  Depending on how I feel, I'll try to give daily or at least weekly updates on my progress.

couchtater said...
Hey lowdown,
I'm scheduled to meet with a new doctor next month to be evaluated for the EsophyX. Let me know how it goes. I'm anixous to find out who else has had this done. I like the shorter healing time too.

Joy

Posted 10/7/2009 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
keep us up to date and goodluck!:D
Posted 10/8/2009 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
I've already sent him my files. The doctor who did my first scope didn't take pictures so my new doc wants to see for himself that I fit the profile.

I noticed you'd mention BMI. I told my doctor my BMI (41) and he didn't seem concerned. He said he's done 130 of the esophyX TIF.

Joy
Posted 10/8/2009 2:22 AM (GMT 0)

couchtater

My doctor's suggested cutoff according to her was no greater than BMI 35 and I'm at 35.2 but going ahead anyway.  I feel it's a good thing that your doctor wants to do a scope.  I like a doctor who wants to have a look.  The only reason I didn't have to was that I had my stuff from the ER and it was within 45 days of my initial consult so the doctor was OK with it.  She did say that she wanted a scan on my liver as I have a fatty liver but that turned out OK as did my cardiac echo that was done in te ER the same time as my scope.  She made it clear that if she saw anything in my records that she felt was questionable, I was having the tests done regardless.

couchtater said...
I've already sent him my files. The doctor who did my first scope didn't take pictures so my new doc wants to see for himself that I fit the profile.

I noticed you'd mention BMI. I told my doctor my BMI (41) and he didn't seem concerned. He said he's done 130 of the esophyX TIF.

Joy

Posted 10/8/2009 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
My last endoscope was December last year.

Joy
Posted 10/8/2009 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck with your procedure, Lowdown! We'll be cheering for you yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah on the 19th and waiting to hear from you when you feel up to it. I don't know much about the esophyX procedure, as I had the Nissen in February. If the recovery is similar, I'm sure you can get lots of tips and advice for pre and post surgery. We'll help you in any way you can.
Take care, and best wishes for a great result.
Denise
Posted 10/9/2009 3:19 PM (GMT 0)

skunker

I decided on the esophyx because of two factors.  The first being that it's incisionless.  I really feel the less cutting the better.  It's based on traditional nissen procedures so the end result should be close to the same.  The second is the shorter recovery time that's supposed to go along with the esophyx procedure.  I just can't afford to miss a lot of time away from work right now.

I realize that it's a new procedure as far as this type of surgery goes but I'm willing to go for it because I feel it's the right way to go for me.  I'll know soon enough.  I have a final pre op appointment with my Doctor on Tuesday and then just a few more days till "op day" on the 19th. 

skunker said...
Lowdown, why are you going for the Esophyx procedure and not the Lap procedure?

Posted 10/9/2009 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Lowdown,

Good for you and great answer. I know you have done your research and you are comfortable with your decision.  Also it is your personal decision and all of us here in the forum support you.
 

Gentle Hugs to you and Happy Friday !

Kitt

Posted 10/10/2009 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Lowdown, I'll be waiting to know all the details. I've heard so many things about EsophyX and I'd like to have first hand knowledge about all the details.
I've heard that you can eat normal after a month and the pain is gone after a week.

Don't forget your gasX and as for antinausea med to keep you from being sick and breaking a tie.

Joy
Posted 10/10/2009 3:28 AM (GMT 0)

couchtater

Got a transderm-SCOP patch from the doctor with instructions to place it on 24 hours prior to procedure.  My guess is to combat the nausea.  Don't really know how I'll react to going under as I've never had a "general" before.  I had a hernia repair when I was 6 or 7 but that was many years ago back in the 50's and I think they used chloroform or ether.  I remember they put a metal mesh type mask on me and asked me to count to a 100.  I think I got to 3.

couchtater said...
Lowdown, I'll be waiting to know all the details. I've heard so many things about EsophyX and I'd like to have first hand knowledge about all the details.
I've heard that you can eat normal after a month and the pain is gone after a week.

Don't forget your gasX and as for antinausea med to keep you from being sick and breaking a tie.

Joy

Posted 10/10/2009 4:11 AM (GMT 0)

Good luck Lowdown!

I'll be thinking of you and praying for a great outcome.

I am not a candidate for the Nissin so i am looking forward to hearing more form you on this other procedure.

Take care, Anne

Posted 10/10/2009 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
I had a twilight sedation for my endoscopy, I slept so hard they had a hard time waking me up. I didn't feel sick, just groggy. After it was over, they said I talked to the nurse, said I wanted a Dr. P, and fell back to sleep. I didn't know anything about it and was surprised when she walked back in the room carrying a cup of Dr. P.

Joy
Posted 10/12/2009 7:21 AM (GMT 0)
Couch, I did my endoscopy without any sedation, but I suffered a fair bit - my endo lasted longer than usual and while I could handle the tube, the stomach discomfort and pressure was out of this world. I had nightmares and waking flashbacks for a week after. The next will be with mild sedation - it just isn't worth the discomfort.
Posted 10/12/2009 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Acidstorm, They didn't give me all of the details about the manometry test when I was going to get it. I freaked out during it and had flashbacks for nearly a week!
I can just image how horrible it would of been if I had to do the EGD without sedation.

Joy
Posted 10/13/2009 9:57 PM (GMT 0)

EGD without sedation!!  No way I could do that, my gag reflex is too strong.

Had the final pre-op appointment with the doctor today and we are looking good.  The next time I meet the doctor will be in the OR.  Went over the details one more time and discussed the post-op diet.  As you would expect it's very restrictive for the first few weeks.  The surgery scheduler at the doctors office had the esophyx done and lost 35 pounds after the procedure.  I could stand to lose 35 pounds so as much I'm not looking forward to the restrictions, the added benefit of me dropping off some weight makes up for it.

We talked alot about following the post-op diet "to the letter".  Doc says that's the key to a proper result and healing.  So I'm sticking with it all the way.

Posted 10/14/2009 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Yea, I found a copy of the diet on the internet. It is very strict. I just hope I can survive it. I know I have to do it. I need to lose the weight, too.

Good Luck!

Joy
Posted 10/19/2009 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
Just checking in.

Well tomorrow morning (10/19/09) 10:30 am is the scheduled time for the surgery.  Got my gas-x and I'm nervous but ready to get it done.  If there's no complications, I'll check in and give an update as soon as I get home from the hospital.  Or maybe do an update from my room with my crackberry if I feel up to it.   The possible nausea is about the only thing I'm worried about, I hope they give me some good stuff for that so it won't be an issue.

Wish me luck and hopefully I'll be back soon.

Posted 10/20/2009 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck! I'll be back on tomorrow evening to check in on you.

Joy
Posted 10/20/2009 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Procedure went fime resting in my room. Had some chicken broth and gatorade.
Not too bad as far as pain. Sore throat, shoulder pain. Slight headache. Easy to walk around. Very surprised at how
Little discomfort there is.
Posted 10/20/2009 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
I was wondering if there was shoulder pain with it like the Nissen. I heard that your throat would be sore.
Take it easy and don't pop your fasteners.
Do you have any nausea?

Joy
Posted 10/21/2009 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I am brand new hear and really want some information.  I have been on Aciphex for 7 years with great results.  No scid reflux as long as I take it everyday.  The doctor want me to have this ESOPHYX procedure.  I was wondering If I should stay on the Aciphex another year and see better data on the procedure ?

Any advice would be appreciated..  Also what is the extensive diet needed after the procedure ?  I am a pilot that goes all over the world and could have a hard time sticking to the diet.

Thank you,

Divergcm  (mike 40 years old)

Posted 10/21/2009 2:25 AM (GMT 0)

Hi

I'm back at home now.  Left the hospital today 10/20/09 around 1.  Doctor was by to see me and said everything went fine.  I have no memory of the procedure whatsoever.  I remember a small glimpse of what might have been the OR but I don't know if I was going in or coming out.  The actual procedure took a little longer than normal according to the doctor.  She was with a new team and had to give them a quick rundown on what they were required to do.

OK now for the details I know so far.  I had no nausea of any kind and by the time I got to the hospital room post op, I actually felt fairly good.  Throat was pretty sore but not horrible.  Shoulder pain was present but not unbearable.  I'm surprised at how little discomfort I'm in right now.  I attribute that to the non invasive nature of the esophyx prodedure.  I'm coughing up some mucas and phlegm and the doctor says that normal. and should clear up after a few days.  Hurts a little to cough and really hurts if I sneeze.  The doctor says the pain will get somewhat worse over this week but right now it's ok.

It feels like a knot at the top of my stomach which is normal after the procedure.  My throat is sore but bearable.  I have a general feeling of tiredness.    The diet is OK so far.  I can do the broth, jello with no problems.  I'll try the yogurt, cottage cheese, and some strained cream of chicken tomorrow.

No lifting over 10 lbs for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

I'll check in again.

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