Newbie chronic cough having Nissen

Hi my name is Toni-Ann and  I have been suffering from a chronic cough 35+ years ( I am now 50). I have been to many doctors over the years , including Allergists, Pulmonologists, ENTs etc. I have been diagnosed with allergies, sinusitis, asthma, GERD. None of these doctors helped me or really listened to me. I remember asking my allergist if I could be allergic to chocolate, because I cough every time I eat it. "NO, it is just that chocolate is so rich".  He should have know it is a number 1 trigger for reflux. Or I asked another doctor "Can my throat be sensitive, because I feel like the smallest tickle, sends me into coughing/choking fits"? her response "NO"   Well that is exactly what Vagus Nerve damage does and has done to me. I mentioned to that same doctor, that years prior I was on an antidepressants (for depression) and I believe than my cough had improved. Can there be a correlation?"  Her response, "What do you want to do, take antidepressants".  Hence again I am on a mild antidepressant, because that is the treatment for Vagus Nerve damage.

I was finally diagnosed correctly a year an half ago, with LPR and vagus nerve damage. She knew my probable diagnosis before she even looked at me, just by answering the questions, because she knew what to ask. Of course all her testing confirmed what she already suspected.

Although reflux medication has somewhat helped at times, she is now suggesting surgery. I am all for it, as a chronic cough might not seem so bad to people reading this, it is very debilitating. Just ask anyone that lives or works with me, or way back when went to school with me.

I totally trust her and the surgeon she is sending to me as he is a  Division Specialist in Esophageal Surgery at NYU. I meet with him May 1st.

I have found this message board, although scary at times, very informative. I have plenty of questions but my one question for now, how long did most people have to stay out of work? I do have  a desk job.

Sorry this post is so long, but I thought it might help someone that has yet been diagnosed

thank you to all who will take the time to read

Toni-Ann

 

I'm happy to hear you finally got the right diagnosis. I am only 7.5 weeks post op so cannot answer you return to work question really. My recovery has been somewhat unique so not one to compare to. I had hoped for a month off but I'm still off. I see my surgeon May 6th so I'll be about 10 weeks post op. I hope to go back by then at least up to 6 hrs a day until I can eat enough and build strength. Reading this forum though, people vary from 1 week to 12 weeks but the majority I think between 2-6 weeks. Depends on what you do and how many hours and your recovery. I say better to plan for more but need less. All the best. Please update us on what your surgeon says.

Debra

Thank you for all of your responses.
To theacidrefluxman, I have had both tests already. Actually had the 24 hr PH test twice, once without meds and one with. My scores even with meds came out as severe.

Les and Debra
thank you and hope you are both recovering well. I was hoping I would only be out 2 -3, wks, especially hearing I will only get paid $170.00 a week for disability. My bosses are really good to me though so lunch won't be an issue at all. If the tiredness and lack of energy is the main reason to be out longer, my plan for now is to be out the minimum time my surgeon says and work shorter days if necessary.
How long did you have to drink clear liquids, all liquids and switch to solids. Actually looking forward to losing some weight lol

Toni-Ann