Hi Bob!
Yay! That's a step in the right direction. Greyghost is a great handle, but Bob is much more cheerful, and if cheerful was ever needed it's right now.
Not ordering a barium swallow, endoscopy, manometry, and 24hr PH monitor IS malpractice. No serious and experienced Nissen surgeon would even consider doing this surgery without these tests. They are the tests that determine whether or not a Nissen is the answer to the problems that are being experienced. They inform the surgeon as to what he/she will be doing...a partial wrap, a full wrap, the extent of the hernia if there is one--it gives all the information that is required to make an informed decision regarding the surgery.
Perhaps a legal action is required to provide you with the funds you need to move forward in finding doctors who can help improve your quality of life. I don't have a clue how you'd go about
finding a reputable attorney to take your case, but I do know that many firms will do the work without upfront payment...they just take a percentage of your settlement. Perhaps you can contact a legal aid office (they help people who can't afford representation), and see if they can point you in the right direction.
Hang in there, and do NOT give up. You must pursue whatever leads are out there in search of a solution.
Until then, stay with your friends here at Healing Well! We'll be your cheering squad
and provide whatever support we can.
Good luck, and take care of yourself.
Denise