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Waiting for surgery

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 7/5/2011 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
I have had all the tests and it appears that my LES is not functioning. This has caused severe symptoms of GERD for the past 5 years. I have tried several PPIs, and H2 blockers. My scope showed a hiertal hernia. I have been to the emergency room 21 times in the past year for severe chest pain; they perform an EKG to make sure I am not having a heart attack, give me a shot of morphine, prescribe one weeks worth of Oxycontin and send me home. My surgeon reports that I am a good candidate for Fundoplication. The problem is that I have been waiting one year for this surgery and they cannot give me a surgery date. I am depressed and hurting! Does anyone have any advice? I am a resident of Ontario, Canada.
Posted 7/5/2011 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
I've heard that some people go across the border and have their surgery in the USA to speed things up.

Is your bed propped up? Are you following the diet strictly?
Posted 7/6/2011 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi timespace,

I'm sure that it is extremely frustrating to wait for the surgery once you've decided it is the best option for you.

Have you exhausted all possible avenues that could speed things up? Are there others you could write to or call to express your frustration and discomfort?

Is it possible to get a second opinion to back up the first and get things moving?
Just thoughts.

I wish you the best, and hope things get moving very soon.
Hang in there!
Denise
Posted 7/6/2011 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your responses. Going to the US for surgery is cost prohibitive; our Government run health plan would not pay for it because the surgery is available in Canada.
Yes I am on a strict GERD diet which is causing significant weight loss that I can't afford; and my bed is propped up. It appears all that i can do is wait and suffer.

Post Edited (timespace) : 7/6/2011 8:36:51 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/6/2011 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi timespace,

Here's hoping you hear something very soon. Can you make things move faster if you continually bombard the powers that be with letters and calls? Can you make your problem theirs by being the squeaky wheel in hopes of getting the "grease"?

Hey, it might be worth a try. Do you have a trusted PCP who could help you figure out the best way to approach it?

Isn't your underweight condition another reason to move more quickly?

I don't know about you, but I'd continually contact them, no matter how annoying it is. Stay very respectful, but don't give up.

Whenever you need to vent, or ask for ideas, be sure to post on the forum!
We're with you!yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Denise
Posted 7/6/2011 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry to hear you are suffering needlessly. I too have (had...I had the ESOPHX TIF 6 days ago) a disfuctional LES (no hernia), very poor esophagus motility, and Barrett's esophagus. Deciding to have the surgery was not an easy decision but I knew what my life and future would be like if I did not have it. Your health care system in Canada is someting I hope we here in America will never experience....I truly feel for you. If you could have the surgery here do your research for someone who is very well versed in fundoplication. I've had it done 6 days ago and I am following their instructions to the tee. Ihope to be off of PPI's in 2 mths. I wish you well.
Posted 7/6/2011 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I, too, feel very sorry for you. I met with the surgeon on June 18th and had my surgery on July 1st. I can only imagine how expensive the surgery would be if you paid on your own. I hope you don't have to wait much longer. Good luck.
Posted 7/7/2011 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Timespace,

Don't feel too envious of our US healthcare system. It's wonderful for people who have great insurance (as I do), but millions don't have insurance, and not only do they have to wait, they have no care whatsoever.

One member here was suffering terribly but had a $5,000 deductible, and couldn't afford treatment. She was concerned that she would likely lose her house (the insurance paid 70% up to $10,000) were she to go to a center to find out what was was causing her to suffer so, as her local doctors could not figure it out.

So...it seems that the grass is greener, but it isn't always so. In Canada, do some people purchase additional insurance to cover things that the NHS doesn't cover?
Just wondering.

Again, sorry that you're suffering. Hope you get relief soon.
Denise
Posted 7/7/2011 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Purchasing additional coverage that the NHS does not cover is not offered in Canada. The Canadian government would be concerned that this could lead to private medical care. The government ideology is medical care for all of it`s citizens no matter their monetary status. The problem is that this does not work; as I am experiencing. The only exception is if a medical procedure is not available in Canada; then the government will pay for treatment in the US (this is a rare occurrence).
Posted 7/7/2011 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Would they cover the LINX procedure since it is only available in Europe? Id rather have that anyway.
Posted 7/7/2011 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi timespace,

I can see their point. I imagine it could undermine the idea of universal coverage. I found this interesting study online:

www.hcs.harvard.edu/~hhpr/currentissue/078-087%20International_Deber.pdf
(It appears that Healing Well links aren't working correctly, so you'll probably have to copy and paste the web address in your browser.)

I assume you're following up regularly to see if there has been any movement on your surgery date. I hope you are scheduled soon. Let us know!

Hang in there!
Denise
Posted 7/8/2011 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Timespace

I am so sorry to hear that there is so much time to pass before you can have your surgery.. it does seem you are doing every thing you can do to help until the surgery.. sorry there are no answers. I hope the time flies by for you, I know it is not good to wish away time, but whoever said that wasn't waiting on surgery to fix a medical problem like yours...
Keep checking on the possibility of moving the surgery up...
Keep your chin up.. keep us posted
Sandi
Posted 7/8/2011 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Good news! My fundoplication surgery is scheduled for Aug. 5. (Tentatively) Thank you everybody for your support.
Posted 7/8/2011 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah!
Glad they could move you up!
Posted 7/8/2011 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Wow! That is great news. I am very happy for you. I hope the time passes quickly for you. yeah Keep us posted. wink
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