2nd Failed Partial Fundoplication

Hi,

I am new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself - although I do confess to being an occasional lurker over the past year or so

I'm 35 and have been suffering with severe heartburn for the past 10 years. My symptoms were managed well with medication until I fell pregnant with my 2nd child when they spiralled out of control and I could never quite get back on top it. Since having my son I have tried every medication out there with limited or no effect. Therefore, last September I opted to have a partial fundoplication to get some quality of life back. I was symptom free for 5 whole days. It was amazing, I felt like a new person and it really made me realise how much it had affected my life. It sounds strange but even smells will bring on my heartburn, I found it difficult to fill my car up with petrol due to the fumes and my husband has not been able to wear aftershave for years!

After 5 days my symptoms returned and I went through the typical testing processes, barium swallow, manometry etc... and my consultant advised me that although the acid levels had reduced they were still quite high and he suspected the wrap had slipped. I went through redo surgery one week ago to fix the wrap and according to the surgeon it went well. He told me he did the wrap a little tighter and added an extra stitch. However, when I got home the next day and started to swallow I have realised that it definitely hasn't worked again and I'm in exactly the same place as before. So I'm back on my meds (which still only take the edge off it) and currently processing the fact that I will just have to live with this forever. My consultant told me that my acid levels were so high it was always likely that I would still get some reflux however there is no relief at all - it's exactly the same as before. I have lost half a stone though so there's always a positive

Anyway, it is lovely to meet you all. I have read many of your posts over the last year or so and they have given me a lot of encouragement especially when I was terrified before my first surgery so thank you for that.

I've recently seen a few posts about the Fast Track diet and I'm considering trying that. If there are any success stories on here I would love to hear them.

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Sorry you are still having issues and since your re-do is so new I hope it's just swelling and healing.

I had a partial wrap and hiatal hernia fix 3/16/16. My chest/asthma like issues came back when my food started passing easily, around a month post-op.

I too had high acid on Bravo probe so I'm wondering if while it has helped, not totally enough. I went back on PPI for a week with some help but went off until I saw my surgeon. I saw him on Monday and he felt my issues are esophageal, since I did have motility issues prior. He is trying some meds for that if said if it doesn't help he will do another scope/Bravo and barium swallow.

I can understand your frustration. My issue has always been my lungs, feels like asthma without coughing or wheezing. I can relate to smells making things worse. I also have bad allergies and currently getting allergy shots. The frustrating thing is the allergist thinks my issue is allergies, but my surgeon now thinks it's my esophagus. Deep down I wonder if it's still reflux and I guess in time I will know for sure.

Please keep us posted on your healing. Right now so soon after surgery you are swollen, as you know, so I really hope when that settles down you will feel great again!

One question, why didn't he do a full wrap if the partial had issues? I'm now wondering if I would get a full if down the road I still have issues, but not sure my surgeon would do one with swallow issues, even though I feel like I swallow fine.