Nissen Fundoplication Failed to Control my LPR.

Did your ENT do your surgery? Have you had testing done to see how wrap is? Are you back on PPI and if so are you better?

I had a toupet (partial wrap due to failing manometry) and small hiatal hernia fix March 2016 by a thoracic surgeon. I've had asthma all my life and my asthma got to be uncontrollable without PPI medication. I did not have a true LPR diagnosis, but my doctors sure felt the acid was creating my lungs to react. I wanted off medication, so surgery seemed like a good route. I felt like I was somewhat better for a month post-op and then when I could swallow normally all of my lung issues came back. I was like there is no way it's acid, so I went back to my allergist and she tried upping meds first, and then changing them and nothing helped. The only thing that has been consistent this month is when I would take an antacid my lungs/tightness/short of breath would go away. I've been back on Omeprazole 20 mg for a few days with big improvements already. This happens pre-surgery when I would go on/off PPI.

With you, I am disappointed and not sure what to do. I went to a competent thoracic surgeon and he now wants to do a barium swallow to see how wrap is. I'm with you, not sure I want another procedure and not sure that will be enough to stop my what I think are hyper-reactive lungs to maybe even low amount of acid. I had a very high DeMeester score prior, so maybe a full wrap would have been better, who knows?

You are not alone. Please keep us updated on any tests or follow up you have. Best wishes!

It sounds like you had a very good cardiothoracic surgeon. Are you in contact with the surgeon, or are you just working with a new GI doctor and your ENT?

I had many ear tubes as a kid from allergies and asthma. Due to that I have scar tissue and get ear infections easily. I've been to an ENT a few years ago when I was getting reoccurring ear infections, but now ears just feel plugged when I have allergies. I take Flonase for the ears and am getting allergy shots for being allergic to almost everything.

I did get a call back from my surgeon's assistant today. She said she will hold off on the barium swallow until I see the surgeon next week, especially since that test before surgery was normal. The only thing that showed high acid was the Bravo (PH test) prior to surgery. I told her that I feel the wrap would show it is in place but do not feel it's tight enough. I also had a toupet, partial wrap. The reason I think this is because when I was having trouble swallowing very early on (from swelling) I felt good and then when the swelling went away and could swallow anything fine is when my issues started. I told her that I went back on Omeprazole, so she said I need to see the surgeon. She did say that very rarely they have some that need another surgery, a tweeking of the original surgery. I asked if one does well on low dose PPI if they go back for another surgery. She said since most want to be totally off acid medications they usually will opt for another surgery. I don't know how I feel about that, but also do not like the possibility of lifelong acid medication, I'm 42.

Good luck with your new GI next week!

QiDoc said...
I actually haven't been in touch with the surgeon regarding this issue, though the subject is sure to present itself at my upcoming gastro appointment. As you have suggested in other posts, I don't want more surgery. I'm looking for a reason why my digestion is so poor. Good luck with that, right!?

Since my condition has been quite poor I've been using acupuncture to a good effect. It reduces gas and the globus sensation in my throat. Have you tried it?

I also came across a research article on Pubmed that suggested melatonin supplemtation may protect the throat from acid exposure....

Hi Qi Doc,

Just checking how are you feeling now ? Has anything improved with you ?

Have a 13 year old with LPR in my hands.


Thanks, Mita

QiDoc, how much weight did you lose after your nissen fundoplication? How long before you felt okay? Did you need a caregiver throughout recovery? Did you have full or partial wrap? I'm interested because of my ongoing lpr condition. It waxes and wanes until I don't know what to eat. I can not afford to lose anymore weight as I know most people do with this surgery. Hope you are doing better as time goes by. Any update on what your doc has to say?