New to this forum

New here, but have been reading posts for awhile. I've appreciated all the help & advice that people share. I am undergoing surgery on March 6th for the NF. I have been on 120 mg of dexilant & 600 mg of ranitidine daily for 4 months to try to control the reflux. I've been getting hive like rashes over the last 6 wks or so. Called the doc, but they said it probably wasn't the meds so keep taking them until surgery. Interestingly, both meds have this as a side effect. Anyone else have this type of issue w/meds? I have been weaning myself off of them since surgery is getting close - experiencing less hives/rash - go figure - but more reflux. I'm not a very big person - 5ft 3in, 128 lbs. - don't think my body can handle that much medication any longer.

Hi life is good to me,
I also had rash from ppi's along with swelling but no hives. You may be one in 5000 that are allergic to ppi's. I am also one of those people and I quit taking the ppi's and the rash an intense itching went away. The rebound was unpleasant but it wasn't as bad as what can happen if you are allergic to meds. Be careful with hives they can be internal and cause life threatening breathing issues.

FYI most docs have never heard of people being allergic to these meds of all the docs I have seen none had run into this before. Google allergy to ppi's you find info one these allergies - that was how I figured out I was allergic since those meds were the only thing I was taking.

I had NF on 1/29/2013 because I was allergic to the ppi's and am doing fine at almost 3 weeks post open. FYI when I told my doc I thought I was allergic to the meds we tried a different one for two days with same result so I was taken off all of them.

Good luck with your surgery it certainly helped me. Barb

Hi Southern Gal,
Welcome to Healing Well! Here's a link with a post by another member who had a large paraesophageal hernia and like you, didn't want a Nissen. She had the procedure you're hoping for.
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2637921

I had the Nissen four years ago, and though my surgeon told me I wouldn't be able to burp or vomit, I can do both. I have not found the surgery to be a problem at all, and it has been nothing but a positive experience. Even the recovery wasn't as bad as what I'd been experiencing with GERD.

Here's a link to some information about treatment options for GERD:
effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?productid=756&pageaction=displayproduct
Take note that there is a "partial wrap" option, which is done to ensure that there will not be bloating or swallowing issues.

Here is a link to the "LINX Club" thread here at the GERD forum:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2622256&p=1
The LINX is a very new procedure, and is just beginning to be accepted by insurance companies. I'm not sure you can get it if you've had a large hiatus hernia. I'm sure our friends at the LINX Club will be able to answer any questions you have.

Good luck with your search! I suggest you start a new thread on the new page introducing yourself and asking your questions. It will be easier to access your questions that way. Here's the link to the main page:
GERD - Heartburn

Hi Southern Gal,

With a Nissen, your stomach is "tacked in place" by the repair of the diaphram/hernia, which once its "hole" is repaired (that herniation of the diaphram is how the stomach slipped through in the first place), the stomach will stay where it belongs.

I had no gastric tube.

I had a full wrap, although some here have done very well with a partial wrap. The decision is made depending on specific patient needs. People who test to have some swallowing issues are recommended for a partial wrap. It's important to locate a surgeon who has done hundreds to over a thousand (depending on the size of the city) Nissen surgeries. It takes more than a skilled surgeon. It takes a surgeon who is experienced in the art of the Nissen fundoplication.

Good luck with your search!

Best wishes,
Denise

Hi Southern Gal,
I'll look forward to hearing what your surgeon has to say.
Good luck!
Denise