Questions For ImStarryEyed and Jesper A? (Wondering about symptoms before NF)

Hi Ashley
My symptoms were quite classical LPR symptoms like;
Continual throat clearing
Chronic throat irritation
Hoarseness
Cracking voice
Excessive phlegm the throat
Constant sensation of something in the throat
Post nasal drainage
Blockage of the breathing passage
Spasm of the larynx
Heartburn

I didn’t have
Chronic cough and difficulty swallowing though

Some of those symptoms was finally relived after a year of seeing different doctors and finally getting a proper doze of PPI’s twice a day.
I did however still have Continual throat clearing, Hoarseness, excessive phlegm in the throat and post nasal drainage, which is why I got my NF in the end.

You are right that I have been happy about the operation, mainly because I had a good recovery. Many of the things I was scared of has been either no problem or a very small problem. Having said that I am unfortunately still suffering from some of the symptoms and I am still on the same doze of PPI’s as before the op. The greatest improvement I have had from the op is the post nasal drainage. It was a huge problem before and I am so happy that it has gone.
I am still getting hoarse now and again and also the throat clearing flares up. I am doing a diary and the past 10 days have been better than any previous 10 days, but my chest still feels tight like something is lurking just beneath the throat area :)

So, to sum it up:
- OP and recovery was much better/easier than anticipated.
- Some of my symptoms has lessened but I am still on full doze of PPI’s

I am going for a 6 month follow up in about 6-7 weeks. My surgeon did not want to evaluate too much on the op until it had time to settle. I’ll keep you posted :)

Hi Ashley!

I wasn't having any noticeable symptoms before my NF. At least none that I related to GERD. I was severely anemic due to the hernia that was bleeding into me somewhere. That was taken care of with 6 months of twice a day iron pills but until I had the surgery the bleeding continued.

I was told, after tests, that I had erosions in my esophagus and stomach. I never felt reflux or heartburn. I also have asthma. I'd never connected that to GERD but I guess it is related. I had to have the surgery because I had a large paraesophageal hernia that could be dangerous if my stomach twisted of folded on itself. Half of my stomach was in my diaphragm area. I could feel it and hear it gurgle but I didn't know it was dangerous until my surgeon really alarmed me that I could die.

I've had no problems with eating since the surgery (Dec 13). My surgeon said he'd learned not to make them to tight. He is very pleased with the outcome. I've really had no problems at all. I still don't have heartburn or reflux and I've been assured the erosions are healing. I'm not sure about the asthma. The surgery knocks you out of commission for a week or so but it's not too bad.

I'm glad I did it so I don't have to worry about that dang hernia. It can come back, so I'll have to watch it, but my surgeon said it would be a long time before that could happen, and hopefully won't.

Best wishes to you in your decision!
Starry