reflux - should I have the linx procedure?

Good morning all,

First I would like to thank JPT for his prompt reply to my email requesting his 10 ways to beat LPR/Airway Reflux. I am 31 years old and work as a teacher, I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia in 2009 and since then I had the need to cough after eating but no reflux symptoms at all. Since July 2013 I experienced a constant irritation of my throat and after an endoscopy I was diagnosed with esophagitis grade b. After medication the problem improved however my throat feels sore after talking for more than 10 minutes. I have been drinking plenty of fluids, tea + honey, changed diet but to no avail. I am on omeprazole 40mg twice a day but it doesn't help with my throat problem or the constant mucus I feel at the back of my throat since July this year. I am having  the 24hr pH test at the end of the month to confirm it is reflux but my doctor thinks my throat/voice problems may not be related with reflux since the omeprazole should have helped. I had chest x-rays, endoscopy, nasendoscopy, blood test and everything was fine. I am very desperate and stress which doesn't help my condition. I live in London and if the 24hr pH test confirms reflux problems I am considering having the Linx procedure over the summer. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms to me? is the 24hr pH accurate or could it miss silent reflux or pepsin? I have checked the torax website but I am a bit unsure on how to choose the best centre for the procedure. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks

 

Morning Alcie,
I have read a few threads but not many since I just signed in today. My hernia is small (less than 3cm). I have visited 2 gastroenterologist so far and both recommend medication rather than any surgery but since my symptoms do not improve I am lost of ideas, at the same time I do not wish to take omeprazole all my life.

Sorry to butt in on your thread kyo. I'm in London too and have similar symptoms to yours with a 2cm hernia. I am awaiting an appointment for a surgeon to assess my condition at the moment.
I have LPR-like symptoms of burning/sore throat, blocked painful ears and generally not feeling well most days. But my PH/Manometry was "normal" which is confusing. Even my consultant said I display symptoms of severe acid reflux.

Justpassingthrough, can you tell me if the pepsin test is carried out in mainstream medicine? It's just that I've never heard of before coming to this forum.

Post Edited (Noelle3) : 12/3/2013 1:26:46 PM (GMT-7)

Hi kyo/Noelle, I found an unbelievably simple cure on Healingwell for my throat problems, Strepsils Extra Strength.

They must be the ones that contain hexylresorcinol, hexylresorcinol is said to help neutralize pepsin and acid.

Boots and others supply their own brand, containing the same active ingredient.

Let us know if it works for you.

FWIW, I agree with others on here who suggest very rigorous testing before you contemplate any form of surgery.

cheers

Phil

Post Edited (phil-uk) : 12/3/2013 4:26:49 PM (GMT-7)

JPT
Many thanks.
I've found the address of the company who test for pepsin in the UK. If I do the test and it's positive for pepsin would a surgeon or gastroenterologist accept that as proof? Or are they dismissive because it's not used as yet in the NHS?

How are your symptoms now and have you found much relief for them with alkaline water?

Hi kyo82,

I just had the LINX installed four days ago. I bought myself an expensive bracelet for Christmas :) Far too early to determine whether it is a fix or not, and I am of course still tender and healing, but if you have questions about the process feel free to send me a note and I can let you know what I experience as I go along.

Linxcat

Kyo82 hasn't posted anything since 12-3-13, so I am not sure if he/she is still around.

As for the sore throat it is most likely from the intubation tube during surgery. A lot of people get very sore throats after surgery from them. Some can even get thrush after wards.

Take care,
Bill