HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Questions about Nissan Fundoplication?

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/7/2010 9:25 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Everyone-

 

I'm new to this board and have been reading about this procedure.  I've been dealing with gerd for almost 6 years now and towards the end of last year is when things got pretty bad.  Went in for my 2nd endoscopy and found out that I have esophagitis really bad and things are much worse then they were when they first did my scope.  They took me off the Prilosic and put me on Protonix (40mg 2 times a day) and now that really isn’t helping much.  I've been given carafate to help things heal a little bit but was told since I'm so young (about 2 weeks shy of 26) and being that my LES is really bad I will at some point in my life need to have this done if not soon. 

 

I guess what I'm wondering is when I'm done later this week with the carafate I will probably end up going in to have the ph and motility test done, but then how long after that will they suggest or let me have the surgery?  Other things I'm concerned about is what I've heard about not being able to vomit, but heard from another that she was able to so everyone is different I'm assuming?  There is always the scare of it not working and having issues but I was told I'm such a good candidate for it I shouldn't have a problem.  Of course I'm really nervous about having this done, but from what I've heard from people, how happy they are and are able to eat normal again makes me want to just try and get this done.  I'm assuming it’s a timely process so just am curious how long it took others to get it done.  Also does anyone from the Minnesota area have a recommendation for a surgeon in the St. Cloud or Twin Cities area? 

 

Thanks for taking the time to read!

Posted 3/7/2010 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
I did testing spread out over a year, before my GI told me I needed surgery. You probably can get it done faster than that, but my GI is so popular it's hard to get appointments with him.

I had the Hill procedure done (270 degree wrap). I feel great. My pain was mostly gone after four days. I rested for two weeks at home and returned to work on a strick diet for six more weeks.

Joy
Posted 3/7/2010 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Joy. Yeah I'm thinking it maybe spread out over a year since I had the scope redone in Dec, and probably won't get the ph test and such done until almost the end of this month. Did you have that test done? I mean they want you to go about your daily actives but I don't know that I'd want to go into work with that. With the Hill procedure is that still done the laparoscopic way?
Posted 3/8/2010 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I had the bravo test done. It's a capsule they attach to your esophagus that monitors the ph. Nothing hangs out of you.

Joy
Posted 3/8/2010 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
MNChick- I live in SW Minneapolis and am planning to have LapNissen done later this year. I am only 40, in good shape, have GERD and hiatal hernia mostly under control now--but just can't see taking these pills for the rest of my life. Also the things I enjoy most like running, weight lifting and the occasional forbidden food are out of the question as long as my GERD remains.

Your success mostly depends on the skills of your surgeon, thus selection is paramount. I am researching surgeons--already have a short list. Would be happy to share information via PM as I don't know if I am allowed to post names here.

Good Luck
MM
Posted 3/8/2010 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Mark-

Yes I did see in a previous post you did some research and was wondering how you even can find information on surgeons who have done this? I guess I just want to try and get my ducks in a row if I am going to have to have this and if it means being able to eat normally I'm all in. I've been to the point of even water bothering me so I'm sick of this! I saw that you found surgeons in Crosby, Mayo and Abbot. I know Abbot is a really good hospital but my father passed away there about 5 years ago and the thought of even stepping in that place makes me feel like I will have a panic attack. So I don’t think me having this surgery there (this being my first surgery ever) would be a good idea there. I guess if you could PM what you've found that would be so wonderful! I'd be so thankful of that!! Thank you so much for your time and sharing with me!

Jayna
Posted 3/9/2010 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Minnesota Mark

You sound a lot like me when you mentioned not being able to run and lift weights. I too have stopped running since developing GERD. I also have stopped playing racquetball, but I still golf. The other day I was thinking about how many new sets of golf clubs I could have bought for the same price I have paid for doctor visits and medication battling this condition.....and I have only had GERD for 13 months.

I am 39 years old, and am in good health except for GERD. This past November I got Epididymitis again. I battled that back in 2007 as well. I had to take 2400 milligrams of Ibuprofen a day to keep the pain at bay. I had to take two courses of Ciproflaxin to get rid of the infection. I started taking Trazadone for sleep because the pain kept me awake. Around Christmas time the Trazadone stopped working, so I got Zolpidem (ambien) to help me sleep. It helps me get to sleep for a few hours at least every night, but I do believe my GERD symptons have gotten worse since taking Zolpiden. By the way my epididymitis is much better, just get sore from time to time. However, it isn't anything as bad as GERD.

I live in Omaha now. Moved in July of 2009 after I got married. My wife has lived in Omaha for 15 years. We do hope to move to Minnesota next year.

MN Mark, you mentioned Crosby having surgeons with vast experience with lap fundo surgery. That wouldn't be that far from where I am originally from and if I move back to my home area, that is where I would go. I see that they do the Stretta procedure. It is advertised on their website. I have read that the Stretta procedure has been discontinued due to lawsuits. However, maybe it still is available and could be an option for you at Crosby.

Just chuckling about all of the people from Minnesota recently posting here on HealingWell. I still consider myself a Minnesotan, and we have MN Grandma, MN Chick and MN Mark. I also thought I read that the forum moderator Kitt is from Minnesota as well. Must be something in the water that gave us this miserable condition...or maybe it is the Vikings and their constant misfortune that passed it on to us.

Steve

 

Posted 3/10/2010 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Steve,

Yes--lol. I definitely get heartburn when watching the Vikings! :) WOW- almost all the drugs you mentioned you have taken are severe stomach irritants and have been known to cause heartburn. 2400 milligrams of Ibuprofen- ouch! Hey I use to have problems with sleep too--I can recommend Insomnia or Calms Forte by Hylands. Pick up at health food store. All natural, non-habit forming, gerd safe, and boy do those puppies work. Will allow you to get off the ambien. You could also take melatonin--I did that for the real rough patches.

As far as MIMIS--I didn't see where they advertise Stretta. I am sure they wouldn't offer something that has been banned by the FDA! :) They are mostly focused on lap band / gastric bypass surgery but according the nurses there they do a ton of Lap Nissens--referrals from all over the mid-west.

MM
Posted 3/10/2010 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Jayna,

Still researching--but once I am finished would be happy to share the MN list with everyone. I guess I will just post here if that is ok with the moderators (without links of course). As far as how I get the information--I am calling up and asking. Talk to nurses, try to get patient referrals, etc. I let them know I am shopping for a surgeon, most sympathize with you and your situation. They don't typically have an agenda so I find they'll openly share. MM
Posted 3/11/2010 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Minnesota Mark

Thanks for the tip about the sleeping meds. I do need to get off of the Zolpiden. I was wondering if that can irritate the stomach? It has seems like my stomach pain has increased since I started taking the Zolpiden. The doctor that prescribed the Zolpiden knew I was on a PPI for GERD, and she didn't mention anything about it irritating the stomach. Has anyone else taken Ambien and had increased GERD symptons.

I am no longer taking all that Ibuprofen. The last time I took an Ibuprofen was towards the of January. I always took the Ibuprofen after eating. I don't think I have an ulcer from it. Just have this blasted GERD.

I went and checked the website for the Minnesota Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery and they do list the Stretta procedure. It is under the link "LaparoEndoscopic (General)" You can go see for yourselves. I also thought the Stretta procedure was no longer available. I do think they do the EsophyX procedure in Crosby. I saw the doctors listed on the Endogastric Solutions website.

I would like to see a list of the MN surgeons who perform laporscopic fundoplication surgery. I never thought of calling and asking about procedures. It would be nice to get info without having to pay for an office visit.

I hope you can find a good surgeon if you decide to go ahead with the surgery. I can see your point of not wanting to take medication for the rest of your life when you are only 40. I am 39 I don't want to take meds for the rest of my life either, plus I don't get total relief from anyway even eating a strict GERD diet.

Steve

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply