Can I hear some positive Nissen stories...

Ok guys, I have I believe is LPR. My symptoms is not typical...I get a burning sensation from my stomach to my mouth basically. Initially 9 months ago I had chest tightness, slight regurgitation, and later it went up to the throat and then mouth. It doesn't feel like liquid but more of a vapor.

I know lots of people who had asmatic symptoms is considered a form of lpr and got better through surgery with a nissen. I met with the surgeon and I told him my symptoms. I wasn't responding to the ppis. He said he can help me and can make me go from a 10 being the worst to a 2 as far as quality of life.

My Demeter score was about 23 and I have normal motility. Most of my reflexes was upright. I'm going to go through with the surgery no matter what but wanted to hear some positive stories. Thanks

Hi Maximus ..

I remember you were looking to get LINX done from Italy last month - right?I'll be curious to know how you've moved away from that direction to Nissen. What about TIF? You think it may not be enough to tighten the LES?

Thanks.

Maximus,
I had nissen with large paraesophageal hernia repair on Dec 13th. Yesterday I ate a large chopped (raw) veggie salad. No pain at all. I have never suffered from heart burn or reflux but my asthma has disappeared. I am cautious when it comes to lifting and chewing but I have to remind myself I've had surgery. No complaints, no problems 5 weeks post op.

Starry

I had my Nissen on 11/22. I am doing great, I couldn't be happier with the results. I've said it quite a bit on here, this surgery has changed my life. The last couple of years have been hell.

I'm back to eating everything, meat, bread, and foods I could never eat before. Only problem now is I am starting to gain weight since I can eat anything. I've gone a little crazy enjoying all of the foods I haven't been able to eat for years.

A couple of my symptoms were LPR symptoms (though I was never officially diagnosed with it, the term was thrown around quite a bit). Globus sensation and excess mucus in the throat. Those issues took a while to decrease (as the surgeon explained), now at 2 months out, I'd say they are 75% better. Most of the time I don't notice it. I am confident that in time they'll be completely gone.

Other symptom was classic GERD chest pain, constant pain all day long. That cleared up very quickly.

You'll read lots of negative stories online, but like with anything, people who are enjoying the benefits of the surgery are not online talking about it. They are too busy out enjoying their new lease on life! Its great that there are a number of folks who had positive experiences with the Nissen stay around here to share their stories.

Also, I've read every Nissen related post for about 3 months. You see a trend with almost every single case. The first few weeks are rough. You even have thoughts of regret. The diet sucks. The pain is no fun. The recovery is slow, and you feel countless odd sensations while your body tries to figure out what the heck happened. But, over time the posts become more positive, people are eating more, pain is decreasing, energy is returning. You finally realize, Denise (who is amazing on here) and everyone was right, things get better!

Hope this helps,
Tony

Post Edited (bowecho) : 1/19/2012 3:38:52 PM (GMT-7)

Its hard to say, every surgeon is different, but my surgeon used hard data to convince me. He knew he could help me because out of X number of Nissens, he's had this much success with people that have my symptoms. Seeing those numbers helped convince me. Your surgeon could be doing the same.

I saw 2 GIs. One thought the surgery was a good idea as long as you carefully choose a surgeon with experience and a record of success. The other felt the same and actually referred me to the surgeon I used.

maximus808

Beware of anyone promising you an 80% improvement in your life style.  I am surprised that you have someone telling you that.  It is usually not what a surgeon will say re any surgery.   How much your life improves is subjective. 

Am I correct in assuming you have not met this surgeon in person yet ?

My surgery was over two years ago and although the GI wasn't sure it would help my lpr I found an excellent surgeon and had it done.
I haven't regretted one day of having it done. My healing was atypical. I was off pain meds in four days. I did restrict my diet for 12 weeks. My surgeon was strict with my diet plan. My GI released me at the 4 months mark.

I have no complants.

Also, what kind of physical and eating limitations do you have after a nissen. I will go over this with surgeon but wanted to hear actual stories. Like when did you get back to work, exercise, up and about, etc. thanks

Also, what kind of physical and eating limitations do you have after a nissen. I will go over this with surgeon but wanted to hear actual stories. Like when did you get back to work, exercise, up and about, etc. thanks

When did to the gasx?

Also what symptoms did you have? Thanks.

Just getting nervous.....I know I need this but just hoping it helps

The weird thing is that I had the chest burning several months back. PPIs didn't help much. It's like a constant symptoms but it changed over the months to what experiencing now. I strongly believe it is malfunction of my les or digestion. I have signs of dental erosion as well. I just hope nissen can help allievate some of the symptoms. I'm definitely willing to take that risk I just hope it helps. It definitely helps hearing more positive stories though. I also like to think that a majority of successful stories don't post on the web as well. All we can do is be hopeful.

Is the gasx usually taken before meals or only when you feel gas pains?

Also, do recall if your ph test showed lots of upright refluxing?

I majority of my reflux is in the upright position. Not really sure how if even if I should be interpreting the motility test but my symptoms are pretty constant....burning sensation from the stomach to my throat mouth. The weird thing is if I put pressure on my abdomen like near my chest it subsides.

I trust my surgeon that he can help me but I'm still cautious.

Have any of you had similar symptoms that got better from surgery.

I know asthma is an atypical symptoms and a lot of asthma suffers get better through surgery. I don't have asthma but I hope surgery helps