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Posted 4/5/2010 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,
about a month ago I went to Lenox Hill hospital and met my new Doctor. I wasn't happy with the one I was seeing. I sent the new Dr. my latest lab report which shows I have low grade barretts. The Dr. told me he wants to take a look inside and also do a motility test and a Bravo PH 48 hour test. I was advised that one week before the examination that I would have to discontinue all PPI medication. Well today is that day. First time in 7 years that I haven't taken a nexium. The really bad part of this, is the fact that the Dr. told me himself that this is going to be painful for me.
I know Im going to loose a great deal of weight because food is going to make it worst. Anyone have any suggestions how to deal with the discomfort? My logic is not to eat. Any advise would be appreciated.
After my tests my Dr. told that I can get surgery and I have two options depending on the size of my HH. If the HH is under 3cm than I have an option of getting the Esophyx that he performs personally or the Nissen Fundoplication. Has anyone here had a Esophyx or Nissen performed at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC? If you have email me let me know your results or post them here.

Thanks,

Tracks83
Posted 4/5/2010 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Discuss the Hill procedure also with him. It's a 270 degree wrap, not as tight.

Try liquid protein drinks to help you get through it. Don't do the chocolate flavor though.

Best of luck.

Joy
Posted 4/6/2010 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
Usually you are allowed Pepcid up to 3 days before the test and a simple antacid like Tums up to the day before unless you have a nasty doc like I had for my second go-round.

I had a Toupet which is basically a partial wrap Nissen. It's about as tight as the Hill, which doesn't use the stomach for a wrap but just stitches. The tests are necessary to figure out if you have acid at all and how well you can swallow. I had the partial wrap because my swallowing is weak from polio and I wouldn't have been able to push food past a full wrap. I needed the operation because I was in an auto wreck which pushed my stomach into my chest and left me with a wide open LES.

Not fun but you'll get through it.
Posted 4/6/2010 11:06 AM (GMT 0)
hi tracks -

BE CAREFUL about THE ESOPHYX!

my friend's esophyx just failed and there are lawsuits out there about whether it can be reversed? or repeated? or repaired?.   not to mention the true success rates (I've heard crazy numbers as low as 10% and as high as 80% so who knows)

The company is marketing it very heavily, but is getting sued (http://pghfirm.com/page.aspx?Pid=31) and they are in ho***er with the FDA.  (http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm205429.htm).  Also, if it fails, ask your doctor if your only option is the nissen, which may make you consider the nissen first - looks like only option a failed esophyx is the nissen - good luck to you!

Posted 4/7/2010 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
It has an 80% success rate.

Joy
Posted 4/8/2010 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
My surgeon has a 97% success rate and has done 8000 wraps.  I'm one of them.  It wasn't fun, but if you want to go with statistics, I'd go for the better one.

If you get as far as needing surgery, ask what the doc's experience and success rates are.

Posted 4/8/2010 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
Who is your doctor? email me - thanks
Posted 4/9/2010 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
So Tracks--aside from Tums and Rolaids, you can try a plethora of natural stuff to ease symptoms.
(note: some may work better than others for you, all of the below have worked for me.)

Foods

- raw or dried papaya or natural papaya juice
- raw celery
- ginger- up to 4gm
- 6-7 raw almonds
- pretzels (with sodium bicarb) sometimes with water
- dried mango
- slice or two of Gala/Braeburn apple
- cabbage/cabbage juice
- water and baking soda
- raw potato or potato juice
- raw natural pineapple or pineapple juice (pure)
- chew gum (saliva reduces acid). People swear by icebreakers Cinnamon

Health Food Store Supplements/Food
- Digestive enzymes
- Slippery Elm Bark Powder/ Marshmallow Root Powder
- DGL (deglycerized licorice)
- aloe vera juice
- for some people Apple Cider Vinegar (raw) works

Antacids

Also--if you can get your hands on Gaviscon (or similar) with Alginic Acid derived from seaweed. This can work to form a foam barrier at the top of your stomach. MUST have alginic acid. Note: Canada Gaviscon has it, US formulation does not. UK formulation is again altogether different.

MM
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