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Chronic Cough w/GERD history....

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/26/2011 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I am new to the forum. I have recently been referred to a surgeon for a potential Nissen Fundoplication. I wanted to give a quick history and see if there is anyone on the forum that has a similar history. I have had a chronic cough for upwards of 20 years. I am an asthmatic, diagnosed at about age 11. I am a 47 year old female. I have been on reflux drugs continually for over 10 years. My first signs of reflux were the feeling of a lump in my throat. I was given prilosec which at the time changed my life. Unfortunately it was as if I out grew the medicine. I have been on many different meds and have finally settled on 40mg Nexium twice a day and one Pepcid in the evening. I have been on this dosage for about three years. I have seen multiple ENT's, allergist and Pulmonologist who can not diagnose the cough. The Nexium with Pepcid controls the acid, but I still have rebound reflux and the chronic cough. If I miss a dose or two of the Nexium, my cough gets much worse. The main reason the GI doc referred me to the the surgeon is that my system has become resistant to absorbing Iron, B12, Folic Acid... I have had to have two series of Iron Infusions in the last couple of years. He is suggesting that the surgery may allow me to go off the meds, thus allowing my system to begin absorbing the essential vitamins and minerals. This all sounds reasonable and if it could help or even eliminate the chronic cough it would be wonderful. Thanks for any input and insight.
LuAnn
Posted 2/26/2011 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Luann,
Welcome to Healing Well! When you say chronic cough, is it in your throat or your lungs?

I also have asthma and GERD, and finally did have the surgery because my asthma was so bad that it become uncontrollable. I was on high doses of inhaled steroids and intermittent oral steroids. It wasn't a good situation.

I had the surgery 2 years ago, and after 2 months of healing, my lungs were the best they'd been in years. What a difference!

That's not to say that I don't ever have lung issues any more...I do, but not even close to as bad as they were.

I think my wrap is a bit loose, and does let some reflux up from time to time. Because of that I take Protonix 40mg before dinner even after surgery. The problem with getting the surgery for asthma (what they call "atypical" symptoms...cough, hoarseness, etc) is that a surgeon can't make you have zero reflux, or you wouldn't be able to swallow. There may be a bit of reflux, and those of us with reactive lungs can have problems when that happens.

People who just get lots of acid and food rebound are easy to treat. The surgery keeps solves their problem. If they get a bit of reflux, it doesn't cause any problems. Atypical symptoms are much trickier.

That said, I'm very happy I had the surgery, and would get a redo without a second thought if I needed it. My lungs are SO much better after the surgery.

I'm sure others will be by to share their experiences and ideas soon.
Take care, and good luck!
Denise
Posted 2/26/2011 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Denise. I forgot to mention that my voice is hoarse a lot and I loose it at times. Although I have had asthma for years and it is obviously affected by the reflux, my cough is more in my throat and airways. My lungs are actually in pretty good shape considering. My doctor did mention that some people still have to take ppi's after the surgery, but the hope is to get me so that I do not have to take such large dosages. The cough is something I have learned to live with. I kind of look at it as my crux to bear. But, I am much more concerned with the long term high dosage meds and what they are doing to my system. If the cough is better as a result of a surgery, that would be an added bonus:) I am still undecided, but if I could substantially lower my med dosages, potentially improve the cough and still prevent cancer of the esaphogus, then the surgery might be the exact thing I need to do.
Posted 2/27/2011 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I had the same thing happen to me... chronic cough, hoarseness, loss of voice...
I had the surgery and my chronic cough is long gone. I only cough now when my asthma is kicking up.
Posted 2/27/2011 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Poovey,

If you go ahead and have the surgery, take a look at the TIF incisionless Procudure: http://www.endosurgeryuk.com/

Dr. OZ also had an episode on TIF.

I just had it done this past Friday.

Still early to tell what results I will have.

I put up with bad GERD for 4 years.

I swear this GERD aged me inside and out.

Posted 2/28/2011 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Joy, Thanks so much for chiming in. I have had this cough for so long... It is so hopeful to hear of someone that had similar issues that had the surgery with such success. You have made my evening:)

Thanks Kansas - I will explore the options.

LuAnn
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