I have been living with reflux for decades. Finally, on new years day at 3am, I got up to get a drink of water and felt like I was having a heart attack. I knew it was the reflux becaue the first sip didn't affect me like the second one did. I kept having these pains and finally went to the Dr. after a couple of weeks. I have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and barretts, so I expected to get anothert appointment for another EGD. The Dr. sent me for a swallowing study. The lower esophageal sphincter was wide
open. He suggested surgery.
I had my gastric emptying. Eating radioactive eggs was probably one of the worst parts or the whole experience. Then lying on a thin table for two hours. the off for an hour. 5 minutes on again, then off for an hour, then on again for 5 more minuites. Then the manometry. Some people refer to this as the torture test. I didn't think it was that bad. They numbed my nose up before putting the tube down my nose. Then the EGD and Bravo. No prevacid for 5 days before, and for the next three days after. That was the worst part. The average the number of refluxes and amount for 48 hours. The normal is 14.1. Mine was 83 the first day and 117 the next day.
Finally, surgery scheduled next Tuesday. I have seen a lot of people be afraid of the surgery. I am not. Won't be that big of a deal. I don't think. I will have to adjust the way I eat. No more beer. At least for awhile. I realize that it will be normal to loose 15 to 20 pounds, and then most people gain it back over time. I am a 51 yo male, 5'9" and weigh 230 pounds. I gained from 185 to 230 in about 4 years. So I am going to try to take advantage of the smaller stomach and loose some weigh also. So, my wife has invited me to go to the Melting pot for one last good meal, then to Margaritaville for drinks and to listen to the music, this Saturday. Then surgery Tuesday.
Wish me luck, and I will keep my progress posted for those who are considering this, or will be having it done in the near future.
Jim