EndoStim Procedure in Germany this summer

Hi Puppetman, will be watching your posts closely as Endostim is something I am considering and there are not many people who have posted on how the procedure went for them. Do you have LPR or heartburn symptoms? All the best with your surgery.

I too will also be reading any updates from you about EndoStim, as its something I'm considering too.
Good luck with the 24 hour test/results.

I sent an email to the listed contact, in my case Heike Vorbeck, and asked what information they needed from me, so I could to set up a consultation appointment. She is a delightful person to talk to and work with! Her english is pretty good, so you can call her as well. They will ask for a copy of all pertinent records for review. I scanned mine into PDFs so they could review everything. I was very impressed in my consultation visit, last one of the day, he took all the time I need to get my questions answered.
It is standard procedure in Germany to have a 24 hour Gastro Esophageal Reflux monitoring test before they do surgery, so be sure you have that in the records.

Look on the EndoStim web site,
http://reflux-behandlung.de/behandlungszentren/#frankfurt
to get her email address.
(Look for email link under AGAPLESION Markus Krankenhaus, I don't like posting email address on the internet directly)

I wanted to answer a question I had been asked.
It relates to restrictions on having an implanted device. The best answer I can give is to review the EndoStim manuals that can be found on their site at http://www.endostim.com/HealthCareProfessionals/Manuals/index2.html It indicates the type of conditions that can interfere with the device or cause problems. These limitations are probably the largest downside of the device, and why my doctor in Germany (and myself) looked at it as a last resort.
I am tentatively scheduled for surgery in about 3 weeks.

thanks so much for pointing out the link about conditions that can interfere/cause problems, that's so important to be aware of.
please keep posting, when you can.

Hi Strictmother,
They absolutely can replace the 24hr test with the Bravo test. In fact most places only offer it. It set my surgery back two weeks finding a hospital txt did the 24 hour test. I just didn't want to go through having an unnecessary endoscopy to attach the bravo tab.
Besides, if you take the right approach and decide to have fun with it, it can be kinda different having a tube sticking out of the nose. Sort of looks like the spice feeding tube from "Dune". Went to my favorite coffee roaster/coffee shop, and we experimented with various coffees brewed different ways to see the acid even difference while drinking them. It was a fun to experiment with drinking and eating and watching the PH levels both upper and lower, until the caffeine buzz was too much. (Only record lower point on the Bravo.) He even comped the coffee :)
Only two problems; 1. The acid reflux afterwards, but heck that is what the contraption is to measure, and it did. 2. It kept getting in the way of my spoon and fork and made a mess of eating.

I'll take the discomfort of the tube any day over having to have an endoscopy, (regardless of the potential fun value).

I do hope all went well today.
Rest up!

Had a "successful" surgery yesterday, meaning the implant went in just fine. Will take some time to get the muscle built up to se the results. My experience will not be typical, since it turned out I had significant abdominal trauma from sports, causing all my organs to be connected together from the healing. He had to spend a couple hours "dissecting" them so they could be moved out of the way. He indicated that the I will experience more surgical trauma than typical, so I will be more sore and heal a bit slower. Net impact was over 2 additional hours of time fixing old injuries I didn't know I had, meant having my abdomen inflated with CO2 longer than typical, which means longer for all gasses to leave my system. The main discomfort is shoulder pain, where the escaping gasses are the culprit. They use a non-narcotic pain killer which is adequate, since it has less impact on bowel function. I will be here until the bowels start functioning.
The least of the surgery ended up being the EndoStim II implant and 3cm hiatal hernia repair.
The day of the surgery I was limited to water and tea, no soft or solid foods. Today I was able to have some apple sauce and yogurt, and a pudding. Tomorrow I may even get some toast! I have to go slower due to my special case.
To be able to speak German would be a plus, but I have used the "Google Translate" app on my phone to great success to communicate. There always seems to be a person who can come and help translate if needed. I do not expect to get released until Saturday due the doctors concern about making sure everything heals properly before returning to the States.
I will be glad to answer any questions or cover any details about the procedure that I can.

Day 5 after surgery and I am on the mend.
What should I expect that is different than being in the US for surgery?
1. They did not practice "Preventative Medicine", (prevent lawsuits) and as such only prescribe and do what is needed. Not as much attention, but there when called. Saying I am hurting and could use some medication is nice, but have to say I need some medication, or it will never come. I think that was a language issue.
2. They use narcotics only as a last resort. They try to minimize all complications. In my case I never needed anything stronger than what was provided.
2. I was not disturbed during the night to take vitals, they actually let you sleep! Now when the cleaning crew comes to change sheets in the morning, you will be up and out of bed immediately and they are in and out.
3. The windows!!! The hospital actually opens windows wide for outside air. Was delightful. They are not concerned about patients or others jumping out, I guess here, if you decide to jump, that's your problem not theirs. No screens either. Cool night air was absolutely delightful.
4. As I said in the earlier post, not everyone speaks english. Not all the nurses either. Whenever needed, they did find someone to translate, but I found the phone app "Google Translate" to be invaluable. Don't leave home without it. There ended up being no language issues as long you don't try to make any jokes or use humor. Not sure if it is a German thing or a translation thing, but humor doesn't get you anywhere.
5. The rooms are very clean and basic. not the luxury type appointments I have gotten used to at home.

I would go back to this doctor hospital without question for surgery. Their biggest concern was my health and recovery.

about the surgery.
Day of the surgery they woke me and immediately began prep which involved putting in the IV, Shaving me from my neck to top of pubic area, and sending me off. The anesthesiologist came in and reviewed what was to come, as well as the doctor to confirm I knew what I was doing, and i was out before I knew it. The recovery from the anesthesia was easiest I have ever had. Not sure if it was the drugs used or her technique.

The biggest discomfort was in my shoulders, where the gas used to inflate the abdomen seems to accumulate on its way out. I actually took the pain medications for the shoulder aches more than for the surgical site. Second reason for the pain pills was to reduce the discomfort so I could take deeper breaths sooner. for the first couple days it hurt to breath deeply. They encourage taking pain meds for that purpose, but don't force an inspirometer device on you. You are responsible for your own breathing work.
In my case I ended up with 4 arthroscopic holes, which are tender to the touch. The 5th is the "pocket" for the EndoStim II device, which is between my rib cage and hip bone on my left front side. That area is very tender, and more sore than any other. I find it helpful to use a compression band around the area for support when walking any distance and when active. Since released from the hospital on day 4, (day 1 being day of the surgery) I have walked between 3-5 very slow miles (today being the 3 mile day since traveling to Dresden for a couple days to be with friends during recovery.) I limited myself in the walking since the doctor told me not to overdue it. He was most concerned that I keep moving around. Walking and movement helps the body recover and reduce the inflammation, and, as long as the area with the implant is supported. On one short (3/4 mile) walk, I didn't support it with the compression band to see if there was a difference, and I ended up walking with one hand putting pressure on the EndoStim pocket area to provide the needed support. (Probably looked pretty weird, but who cares). Just moving around my hotel room I didn't need the support.
In regards to the reflux, so far no major difference. While some say they have had some immediate relief, I am probably one of the ones where it will take some time. Doctor said to anticipate up to 2 months, based on his other patients experiences. I will begin trying to lower antacids periodically to see if I can tell a difference. I did notice that the morning taste in my mouth was not as bad as before, but still could tell was having reflux.
From a personal note, it really was nice to have my daughter with me for the procedure, would have done fine alone, but...
Once again, I will be glad to answer any specific or general questions you might have.
If anyone wants a personal referral to the doctor, I will be glad to provide it. He welcomes medical tourists like us.

Great to hear that you're already getting some relief and are recovering well!

puppetMan ,
Where in Germany did you do the endostim?
Did anyone heard about new procedure in US called muse system?
Only few places do it in the US, aim thinking of doing it.
I am surprise no one writes about.