Is Nissen Fundoplication worth the risks?
Yes - best choice I made was to have this done. - 75.0% - 6 votes
No - worst choice I made was to have this done. - 0.0% - 0 votes
Didn't change anything by having this done. - 25.0% - 2 votes
Posted 3/10/2015 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all, I am VERY new to this forum so please bare with me. I have a lot of questions. I am scheduled to meet with a surgeon to discuss this procedure and truthfully I am scared to death. I have been reading a TON of information and other peoples experiences. I do realize that each case is unique and everyone's experience is different. I guess I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing. I have Barrett's Esophagus, GERD & a Hiatal Hernia. I have had this diagnosis for about four years. I am on 30 mgs of Prevacid ( Nexium gives me migraines). I constantly feel like I have an upset stomach, no matter what I eat. I can not eat anything after 6:00p.m. and I completely avoid spicy food all together. My nephew is an Esophageal Cancer Surgeon in the Baltimore area and recommended I look into this. My BIGGEST fear is not doing anything and then developing cancer later. Not to mention I am so sick of dealing with the discomfort. I have read different posts regarding the inability to vomit or burp. I have seen that this varies in each case. I am interested in hearing both sides of the spectrum as I am trying to decide if this is something I need to do. I must admit, after reading SO much I am leaning towards having this done. If you don't mind sharing, I would love to hear more about this. I don't want to get myself into something that is worse than what I have...but I am TERRIFIED these issues will continue to irritate my Barretts and lead to cancer.Thank you all so much.
Posted 3/10/2015 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Mamma-T-Mac,
Let me first say welcome to the forum as well as admit that I have not had the Nissen Fundoplication (NF) surgery. I was diagnosed with LPR 8 months ago and prescribed Protonix and Zantac. I am holding off on surgery and trying other options first. I say all of that to say this "there is a wealth of information on this site regarding the NF surgery and several members who have had this surgery or are in the process of having this surgery will chime in I'm sure." I believe there is a "wrapped club" for members who have had the surgery and have chronicled their recovery and healing process. I also wanted to mention (I am not a physician) but in my early research, I remember the incidence of cancer from Barrett's is relatively low like 1% or something like that and I believe that was in cases of non-treated Barrett's over the course of several years. Again I am sure your physician will fill you in with all the information you need. (At least I hope he/she would) I wish you the best of luck and continued healing.
Steve
Posted 3/10/2015 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your kind words Steve. Hope I hear from others.
Posted 3/10/2015 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
You most definitely will. I believe two of the moderators Bill and Denise are also in the wrapped club as well. It's going to be alright. :)
Pat Tall
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2012
Posts : 950
Posted 3/11/2015 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
M T Mac. Welcome to our forum. Here's a suggestion. Go to the Google search engine above and type in "for successful fundoplication members"
There are many comments by those who have had the surgery. It is very helpful in making a decision. It was started just for that person. Please know you are not alone. Ask lots and lots of questions and find out how many procedures your surgeon has completed. You want the mist experienced. Wish you the best. Please keep wring and asking. Pat
Pat Tall
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2012
Posts : 950
Posted 3/11/2015 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Here is the links
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=3132073
Avaolivia
New Member
Joined : Mar 2015
Posts : 3
Posted 3/12/2015 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
I had Gerd and a HH repair three years ago. It is important to get as much information as possible. This surgery can be very easy or you may be dealing with a different way of life after the surgery. My surgeon never mentioned anything to me, but my GP forwarded me of possible problems. I do not regret having the surgery, but life is different. What I eat, when I eat, how much I eat has become a daily challenge. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery.
Jenny 831
New Member
Joined : Mar 2015
Posts : 3
Posted 3/12/2015 8:19 AM (GMT 0)
I had a Nissen fundiplication twenty years ago. I had reflux so bad that I would vomit in my sleep. When I had the surgery my reflux went away completely and my asthma imrproved dramatically. I did experience the Ina I lily to vomit and burp and was terrified what would happen if I got the stomach flu. It on,y happened once and I was ok. I was als diagnosed with Garret's esophagus and it reversed over time with the elimination of reflux.
Unfortunately after twenty years my surgery has loosened pans I have serious reflux again with vomiting in my sleep. I may need to have the surgery redone because over time it loosens since it is a soft tissue surgery.
The original surgery really helped me though and I would do it again (I may have to).