New Member scheduled for Nissen

Hey Everyone,

This is my first time posting here but after doing a lot of research on Nissen's, this forum seemed to be the most updated. I am 32 and have been suffering from GERDS since I was 18 when I was diagnosed with it after it put me in the hospital for trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. One the 3rd day the Dr's did an Endoscopy and located several ulcers in my esophagus and said I had GERDS.

My family doctor treated me for about 8 years but every new medicine that he would give me would last around 2 years and stop working. Finally, he referred me to a digestive disease doctor. He continued with medications and performed an Endoscopy on me every two years. Again, around that time the previous medicine would cease working. Eventually, I ended up taking the most recent medication, Dexilant (formerly Kapidex). I started off at 30mg, then 60 mg. Back in December it stopped working and he then put me on a cocktail of Dexilant, Pepcid, and Protonix. That cocktail worked for 3 weeks and quit working in January.

My GI Dr. said I was a great candidate for a Nissen and referred me to a surgeon trained in performing the procedure. I hesitated at first and decided against it, but the symptoms were getting worse. My last Bravo gave an above average reflux reading every 15 to 20 minutes with or without food. He told me that there were no more medications on the market so I went and saw 2 highly recommended surgeons in my area. After choosing the one I felt the most comfortable with, he scheduled me for the motility test (which by the way calling it hell would be an understatement) and then he also did a stomach emptying test on me.

I am scheduled for the surgery in June. I understand that sometimes the Internet can be the worst of enemies but it seems like for every 1 feel good story that I read, I am reading 9 horror stories. Needless to say I am not wanting to have the procedure done to stop taking medications, nor am I wanting to have it done because I have had reflux for 6 months so I think after suffering from it for as long as I have, I would possibly have a more positive outcome. But needless to say, after reading forum after forum, this procedure really has me scared. I had a ventral hernia repair done 4 years ago so I am well aware of the recovery that comes after a laproscopic procedure and I am prepared to handle that. But I just can't get past wondering if the side effects of a Nissen is better than living with GERDS which has just become a common part of my life?

The surgeon was very positive (of course). He did tell me the recovery would be long, that I would not be able to burp or vomit, and that after 10 to 15 years the surgery MAY become ineffective so it wasn't like he blindsided me, but I am still very hesitant to have this done.

I am not sure if I am looking for support, reassurance, or just a reason to run but any comments would greatly help me either way.

Thanks everyone!!

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 4/19/2012 8:37:14 AM (GMT-6)

Try not to run!

Dr Google is very dangerous. What side effects are you worried about? Some people do have poorer outcomes, with any treatment for any condition, and many others dont.

Is it not more likely that bad outcomes are posted more than good? Tell us what you are worried about. I had my hh repaired and wrap done in august. Id do it again tomorrow, I got my life back. I might not be perfect but I am much improved, it worked for me. What are your main concerns?

Kevin

I had the full wrap Nissen procedure done 12 years ago, the positives outweigh the negatives.

The only two complaints I have are you can't belch and you can't puke. To counteract the inability to

belch depending on diet etc. I take a product called Mytab For Gas which is Simethicone 80 mg antiflatulent, the relief from bloating is quite instant.....The other complaint is I can't physically puke, the only time this

becomes an issue is if you get food or drink poisoning or if you get a stomach flu .When this occurs I lay flat on my back and and with my hands push from the top of my stomach (with a little pressure) to the bottom of my stomach forcing the contents in your stomach to receed back down and then you let nature take it's course.

The stomach flu takes an extra day or two to run it's course.  They told me at the Clinic an option would be to

go to a Hospital and get your stomach pumped out However I talked to someone who did this and it wasn't a very pleasant experience.

If you have serious GERD issues I would recommend the Nissen procedure, but get as much information as you can about the two issues I talked about.

Good Luck and hope this is helpful

Tom

SCj,

Welcome ~ New Friend from all the members here... on HealingWell.com . I wanted to stop in and let you know I am glad you have found us and also it is good to see the great responses you have received from some of our wisest members.  Once you have made up your mind about having  surgery you are halfway to a good outcome.

When reading online experiences,  keep in mind that many people who have had the surgery do not join online groups for support especially people who have done well and have no desire to join a group to say they had a great outcome.  Also, each person comes with their own unique set of problems and perhaps co-exisitng medical conditions which all make a difference in how well they handle their surgery.

Keep talking with us as well. There is 100% acceptance and support here from those who understand.

Kindly,

Kitt