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can you insist on having surgery if paying out of pocket?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 12/14/2013 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Have been suffering since september going to see a surgeon early january since I don't have to prove anything to the insurance (self pay) do you think I can pursue with surgery (pills are not an option since they help only partially and I get side effects). I mean is there a point of waiting which my just make everything worse .
Posted 12/14/2013 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Anna11

A surgeon will only perform surgery if it's necessary. You will have to have all the tests and then the surgeon will decide if you will benefit from the operation.

Maria
Posted 12/14/2013 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Maria I will be prepared
Posted 12/14/2013 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
I read some people just can't put up with this crazy disease and they don't wait too long I mean if I didn't have even one symptom free day since this started and I can't even imagine taking the pills forever wouldn't I be able to choose something which could resolve it once and for all. Besides even 80% improvement would make me extremely happy. I know it has not been that long that I have it comparing to others but it is not a way to live ... by the way I admire people who have for years and are able to still be positive I wish I was like that but every morning I wake up and see the pills on my nightstand I start crying. Sorry to be a cry baby.
Posted 12/15/2013 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
Anna11

Your certainly not a cry baby.

I had the my fundoplication in November and my symptoms only started in April out of the blue. I had to find out what was wrong with me so I had lots of tests and found I had a hiatus hernia which I believe caused all my problems.

Have you had tests yet and if so have you found out what's caused your problems ?

Take care

Maria
Posted 12/15/2013 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Trying to get everything done but its so hard . I wish I could just go and get it done in one day everything is so slow and I'm suffering. I know inside my heart this thing is not going away because of my constant symptoms and believe me I also tried lots of natural remedies. I can feel its progressing plus getting lots of new symptoms so I'm desperate and at the same time worried that the tests won't show how much I'm suffering. Do you think a surgeon will consider my feedback about symptoms as well I so much want the surgery .
Posted 12/15/2013 9:16 AM (GMT 0)
Annna11

Believe me I know your suffering.

What tests have you had so far ?

Maria
Posted 12/15/2013 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
I had upper Endo which was normal but it was in the beginning when I just started with the gerd plus I was on ppis. Was supposed to go for barium swallow went there and they said my Dr. did not/forgot to fax the order and then we called his office he was out of town so went there for nothing couldn't get it done. Its very frustrating how slow and unorganized the medical field is. I'm trying to be patient but since I'm not by nature its very hard for me. Going to the dr. on Dec.18 will demand to have all these tests done.
Posted 12/15/2013 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Anna

You will need to get a 24 hour ph test and a Manometry test. Your GI doctor will know this .

My endoscopy was normal also it didn't show my hernia. The best test for me which showed acid reflux was the 24 hour ph impedance test. Also the barium swallow which eventually showed the hernia.

Please make sure you get all the tests done and if the GI suggests surgery then research your surgeon.

I had my surgery almost 5 weeks ago and I'm sure it's not worked I think I'm having more pain than before surgery. I'm due to see my surgeon on Tuesday so will see what he suggests.

Maria
Posted 12/15/2013 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
I did research the surgeon mi found out about him from this forum couple of people had surgery by him. He is a great doctor according to all the info I was able to gather. His name is dr . Nathaniel Soper and he is among the best doctors in America plus has lots of publications and experience . I just wish I could get all the testing done I'm going to see this gi doc this week and all I need from him is just to run the tests I don't want no treatment since I've seen two other gi docs before and was already tried on ppis. Maria how would you know your surgery didn't work from what I read here you are still in early recovery period maybe it just need more time. What were your symptoms pre op if you don't mind me asking. Personally I'm interested in Linx believe it or not I'm literally having dreams about it.
Posted 12/16/2013 7:40 AM (GMT 0)
Anna

My symptoms started in April out of the blue. Started belching and feeling generally unwell. The following week I was just feeling ill like I'd got a virus. Couldn't eat or drink. The week after that I started retching and I started to eat something very basic cereal with skimmed milk then I'd get what I now know is acid reflux, horrendous heartburn that would last for 24 hours. I had heartburn, mouth nose and lips would burn. Every time I ate anything I would burn. I thought I'd become intolerant to all food.
I went for tests and eventually my ph study came back as acid reflux. High demeester score 33.9
I found a surgeon who agreed to the op. I couldn't understand why this had started out of nowhere. I researched that it could be a hernia although I had been told by my GI consultant that it wasn't a hernia because one wasn't seen on the endoscopy. I insisted on a barium swallow because I'd become convinced that it was a hernia.
I was really disappointed during the swallow when the doctor said that there was no hernia. Went for op and surgeon told me that the barium swallow did show a hernia apparently they look at the images in more depth after I'd left.
I had my surgery 5 weeks ago and so far no relief of symptoms. I still get heartburn and that acidy taste in my mouth and throat. My tongue is still white which to me proves that I've still got reflux.
I'm due to see my surgeon tomorrow so see what he has to say. I was so hopeful when the hernia was found I thought that once I'd had the op to sort it out I'd be fine but I'm not.
I do wonder if the hernia has returned. Not sure that all these symptoms can be due to swelling. I don't think swelling could actually cause acid to come up into my throat and mouth.
I was going to have the Linx and even saw a surgeon but he came up with some daft idea that I was over swallowing causing all this acid to come out of my stomach....absolute rubbish ! At the time they didn't know that I had a hernia though.
I really don't know how much more I can take of this pain. I've probably had about 2 days since op that I've felt reasonable.
I'm not sure that the surgeon will want to do tests yet but I'm absolutely sure that something is amiss.
So that's where I'm at at the moment.

Maria
Posted 12/16/2013 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
My insurance paid out over 46 thousand dollars for my surgery. I would think it would be a lot cheaper to pay the insurance premiums than to try and pay for it yourself.
Posted 12/16/2013 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Maria I'm so sorry to hear about your struggle what a horrible disease it is. I can't wait to get things going so I could have my life back. Please let me know about your appointment ill keep my fingers crossed:)
Posted 12/16/2013 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Diaas2 did you have the nf done because I'm looking into the linx. I'm thinking since its outpatient should be cheaper plus the hospital offers 30% off for cash patient. You know how they always charge the insurance waaaay more.
Posted 12/17/2013 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Maria-

A barium swallow will show if you are refluxing or if food is sitting at the wrap. I've had many of them and have learned a little what I am actually looking at, that's bad. When I was relfuxing you could see the barium go right back up into my esophagus. When it was stuck at the wrap you could see it just sitting there and after a while it would slowly trickle through.


Anna- They can do the nissen as an out patient too. Quite a few hospitals are doing it that way now. Usually just stay the night and go home in the morning. Less than 24 hours is considered out patient.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 12/17/2013 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bill at this point I don't even care about the bill I just want this feeling to go away besides I called the hospital and they said 30% off for cash patient its a nice discount considering it will come off a big amount hopefully if its li inx I will be out in no time heading straight to starbucks :)
Posted 12/17/2013 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
That makes sense that they'd do that. Yes, I had the nissen fundoplication done.
Posted 12/18/2013 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Anna

How are you? Have you had any tests yet ?

I went to see my surgeon yesterday. He's still convinced that it's all worked bit I don't. I have an acidy mouth and burning throat and chest.
He still wants to give it more time and see if all settles. He said he'll do an endoscopy in the new year if I'm still having problems. I don't know what they'll see maybe look to see if the wrap is intact or if the hernia is back.

I've got photos of what they did internally. The surgeon has explained it to me. He put 3 stitches in the hiatus and he did a partial wrap. He told me that he even put stitches in to clamp my stomach to the diaphragm so I can't believe that it's moved.

My next concern is the wraps not closing my sphincter and that's why I'm still getting acid coming out.

I guess I just have to play the waiting game and see if things get better like people have suggested.

Let me know if or when you have your tests and what the outcome is .

Take care

Maria
Posted 12/18/2013 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Maria I was thinking would you be able to get a second opinion about your issue . Did the symptoms improve at all after the surgery or they are the same/worse. I hope you are still in the healing process try to don't give up hope. I know its hard I woke up today and just started crying its my birthday tomorrow and things are so much different than last year :( I'm going to see this new doctor today will have to convince him that I went the. Ppi route already and I just need the tests done. Its all such a slow and tiring process. I'm trying to motivate myself but all the fears and anxiety is driving me crazy. I will write later what happens at the doctor. Thanks for checking on me Maria I hope things will get better for all of us . Anna
Posted 12/18/2013 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA - for tomorrow

I'm sure you'll get the tests. They can't stop you having tests to find out what's causing your symptoms.
My betting is that you have a hernia- your condition started like mine out of the blue. I know they didn't see one on the endoscopy but they didn't see mine either. If it is a hernia then you will get surgery with no problem because the hernia isn't going away on its
own.
I know what you mean about everything being different than last year. This time last year I didn't have a single health problem. I was quite fit and healthy. With Christmas just around the corner I keep thinking of past Christmases but this year will be so different than last year.
We always go to Sandringham House ( the Queens country house ) to watch the royal family going to church. It's a lovely atmosphere and you get to talk to the royal family. We won't be doing it this year cause I feel so awful most of the time, not unless things greatly improve for me.
Hopefully next year you'll have a much better birthday and be fully recovered.
We have to hope that. You'll have had surgery and I'll find out that my surgery was a success after all.
Take care and try to have a nice birthday

Maria
Posted 12/18/2013 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Maria finally going for the barium swallow tomorrow the other tests he said he will give me the doctors order but I have to find the facility (he said they are not common tests). I felt like I did most of the talking he never heard of Linx. I don't know why so many docs know so little about the reflux . It has been a really bumpy road . I feel exhausted just by thinking what is still ahead of me while still dealing with the symptoms. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes I wish I could really celebrate but my mood is down. Holiday season does not make it easier sigh...
Posted 12/19/2013 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Dr. Gordon does bravo monitor and manometry in her clinic in Barrington: http://www.gastrodr.com/drgordon.html

I hope you do find reasons to smile tomorrow - it is your special day.
Posted 12/19/2013 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much Laurie I will call them tomorrow . I really appreciate your wonderful post . Anna
Posted 12/19/2013 8:46 AM (GMT 0)
Anna

If your interested in the Linx then go on their internet page and there is a list of hospitals that do the procedure. It's best to get your results first to find out what's going on. If it is a hernia then the Linx can only be done if it's less than 3cm.

Don't be despondent if nothing shows up on the barium swallow. Remember that they saw nothing on mine on the day it was only when they studied the images later that they saw a slight hernia.

Good luck with the tests and they will find out what's causing all of your problems.

Maria
Posted 12/20/2013 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Maria I had my barium swallow today eeww hated that barium so much. Hopefully will get the other two done before the surgeon if not I will still go for the appointment show him what I have so far and then fax him the motility and pH study once done. As for the hospital and surgeon I'm going to see the dr who performs LinxLaurie thanks so much I called dr. Gordon's office today and their price for motility and bravo is great I will get it done there. The only issue was timing they are so booked. I appreciate the info like I mentioned their cost is half of the hospital cost.
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