Hello All! Surgery Concerns

Hey everyone, I am new, I am 22 years old(male), and I have been having heartburn issues for the past year and a half. My condition is different, because these attacks have led me to the ER about 5 times. I did not feel a burning sensation, i felt horrible sharp chest pains and shortness of breath (throat closing up). I have eliminated all possible heart/lung reasons by seeing specialists. My GI doctors (3 different ones) are at a loss for me, because they can not figure out my problem. My doctors tried the 24hr pH test (i kept it in for 12), little reflux shown, barium swallow normal, endoscopy normal. I have bad motility issues also. If I get nervous for an event, or even a girl I have butterflies for, I have horrible bouts of nausea(or in my throat that makes me feel nauseous) which ultimately makes me avoid any situation that causes nerves in fear that I will vomit in front of people.(horrible habit I never use to have until this reflux problem) If I stop taking my Dexliant(only pill that works), I feel my heart attack pain and shortness of breath, unbearable. So that makes it very obvious to me that regardless of the tests, there is clearly refluxing/motility problems. My doctors believe me, but basically give up. So next month I am going to Mayo Clinic to see what they want to do. I'm already assuming I'll end up getting surgery. But I have read peoples stories of recovery. Here's the thing; I am 22, I work 30+ hours a week at a pizza joint, basically my only fun is going out with friends and drinking alcohol on weekends. I simply do not have time to deal with months of more stomach problems, eating liquids, and being on a very strict diet. Let alone not being able to go out on weekends and party with my friends because my stomach will be even more irritated by this surgery. My job is very stressful, and requires a good amount of physical labor. I also enjoy biking and getting some exercise on my spare time. I can not sit in my room for 6 months to 1 year complaining to you very very nice and informative people about my tummy problems. Please help me with your feedback on this big mess of words I created.

Thank you so much!
-Jay

Hi Jay, welcome.

For me you still dont know and there are tests to do. As Joy said you dont know if surgery is t he option. I can only tell you about the nissen surgery. If they take yiu down another path, or decide on more tests, then that will sort of decide itself. Lets say you are a candidate... My situation is different, I am a 37 year old dad with a l lovely wife and a 2.5 year old daughter. I do have a memory of weekend drinking and going out, and understand. So here's the thing...

- You dont have to hide in your room
- I was able to have a drink (one) after about three months. I have not tolerated lager (im English so our bud or fosters) at all. I still cant have those. My op was 8 months ago.
- I can have wine, spirits and beer. I have found that because my stomach is smaller if I go out with a friend,(rare!!) I tend to drink vodka and coke, or similar. The physical volume matters now, not the number of drinks. I drink a lot less now, but honestly when I do I enjoy it more. For you, yes you could still go out, but you'd have to be a little careful really, but you could still do it.
- It is a big change, for four months or so, then your life, it improves.

If you are a candidate find an experienced surgeon, and be realistic. If surgery can make your life better (dont expect perfect) then that is a good thing and worth the time. Who knows, it'll help with the social situations. Being sick in public is not a good habit! If surgery is not for you then report back, there are loads of people to give support to you here, they helped me, and still do.

Ask anything you like, best of luck

Kevin

Hey FML,

I feel your concerns but don't you think it would be better not to worry you're going to vomit on someone? ;)

Don't worry about the surgery yet, though. It is a hard road but the satisfaction rate is somewhere around 90% post-op, but we don't even know if you need if yet. Let us know what the Mayo clinic tells you!

Take care,
Ashley

Just FYI,

I am not endorsing any one facility but providing this as a resorce for the many members who ask about which facilities are best - according to this report:

http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/digestive-disorders