Couple Questions

I was just wondering if anyone can offer some help.  I have an appointment scheduled for the motility test and ph test in two weeks, and I’ve already been told more than likely I will need to have the surgery, but can any one tell me how long it will take after this test that surgery can be done?  I’m starting to get cranky because no matter what I do or eat bothers me, I’ve been on ppi’s for 5 years and on a stronger dose now and nothing works.

 

Also can anyone tell me how you go about researching surgeons?  I know Mark from MN said he was researching them, but I tried goggling but not sure I’m doing that correctly.  Thanks for anyone’s help!

Welcome,

I'm glad you've joined with us. Hope we can be of help to you. I recently had the motility test and was given the results while still at the hospital. Scheduling surgery after tests and treatment is decided is only a matter of matching schedules...hospital, surgeon, you. I'm likely to schedule in two weeks.

I don't know about the ph test. Doctors already know I'm out of sync so the test isn't needed to confirm anything. Our forum members likely can help you with qualified surgeons in your area (or your need to travel to a good one). It is important, in my opinion, that you KNOW that the surgeon you will use has completed many (100s+) of the procedure that you might need. You don't want to be part of the learning curve. I have recently been referred to different surgeons who have done over a 1000 and each told me they could not confidently do the repair that I needed, but referred me to the ones who could. I appreciate that up front honesty.

I've often asked surgical nurses at various hospitals, "who does this" and "whose the best at it?" I've never had disagreement from the nurses...they know...nor have I ever had any unwilling to give details both pro/con. Also you can check with the ACS (American College of Surgeons) and American Association of Gastroenterologists.

Hope you get answers fast!!

Best of luck to you!!

MNChick
Better to wait to get a good surgeon than to rush to surgery. I put up with GERD for 25 years. I was in a bad wreck with my stomach pushed up into my chest and still had to jump through hoops for 4 1/2 months of torture test after torture test before I could get surgery.

I was ready to jump to a different surgeon, but my GI said put up with it because mine was the best. And after the surgery I believe him.

Ask your GI who has the best results.

Oh- and to answer your question about how to reasearch. I called and called and called. Talked to mostly nurses, some patient referrals. Nurses were great--they completely sympatize with someone trying to educate themselves about the surgeons. Surprisingly candid. MM

Mark-

No worries what so ever!  Trust me I know how busy and hectic life can get.  Thank you SOOOO much for that information.  I will look into them as well as some others.  I saw there was a place in Maple Grove and was thinking about calling there and checking them out as well.  If I hear of any others I will share with you as well.  Again, I can't thank you enough for this.  I want to make sure I have a surgeon who has lots of experience with these.  Hope you have a great day!