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Should I get a Fundoplication?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 4/11/2017 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I'm a 30 year old male who has a Hiatal Hernia and severe acid reflux... my manometry test showed my esophagus is functioning at 50%. I have been taking PPIs for 6 years now... I currently take 40 mg of
Protonix twice a day and Zantac 150mg twice a day and still get GERD symptoms.
I was advised to get the nissen fundoplication surgery and they are looking to schedule it at the end of the month. April 26, to be exact... my wife is due to have our 4th child in the beginning of June, I had a few questions and hoping that some of you would be able to answer.

For those that have had it is the operation worth it? Is it successful?

What were the lifting restrictions and how long? Can I lift my 27lbs 2 year old?

Is it not wise to be having the surgery in April with a new baby coming in June? How long is the recovery?

What about mowing the grass and yard work? Cleaning the house?

I sing for a living will this cause any problems with that?

I'm not too concerned about the diet but does it hurt to swallow? I had the bravo test and that hurt... it felt like a chip was stuck in my throat.

I have had my gall bladder removed has anyone had both surgeries? Similar recovery time?

Thank you in advance with any help you can give!!
Posted 4/11/2017 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
My advice is to get a second opinion. If your swallowing function is diminished, then that may effect if you are a legitimate candidate and what type of fundoplication you should have.

I can't give you medical advice, but I will tell you that this surgery should be a last resort.

A lot of your other questions should be directed to your specific surgeon.

Gall bladder removal was nothing compared to the NF, not even close.

I didn't start to feel normal until approximately 6 months post-surgery, and felt like my new normal at approximately 1 year.
Posted 4/11/2017 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
SharonZ thanks for reply, at this point there is no other surgery that I qualify for I don't think.
Posted 4/11/2017 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Your doctors incompetent, if you are having swallowing issues now, just wait after surgery you will totally regret having this surgery. If your symptoms are not life threatening then stay far away from this surgery. A full nissen will make your swallowing symptoms worse and not to mention a new born baby coming. You will not be able to lift anything for the first 6 months. Look for eastern medicine alternatives. You better get an alternative opinion with a better doctor. From my own experience it was the worst decision of my life, im getting my nissen taken down the 21st of this month, I can tell you I also have a new born baby and it is soo difficult for me and my wife after this surgery. Look up nissen fundoplication on youtube and see how invasive it is. Also you need determine the worst case scenario coming out of this surgery and determine the risks and the rewards. If your hernia is not so severe that it is causing life or death situation then don't get it. If I was you, try to slowly wean off of PPI, which I know is not easy and try eastern medicine alternatives. If you decide to get the surgery then I would wait for your child to be born and way a couple of years.
Posted 4/11/2017 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hello The DifferentWay, I have had my gall bladder removed and a week ago had my fundoplication for a hiatal hernia. I can tell you this, the recovery time is completely different, for me at least. I hurt for maybe 2 days from the gall bladder, but I was back to "normal" by day 3, maybe 4. I am so far one week removed from the fundoplication and I still have 7 weeks of recovery to go, so yes very different recovery time. I never really changed my diet after the gall bladder removal, although doctors suggested I avoid fatty foods, as that what the gall bladder helps to break down with bile (your body still makes bile, it just doesn't have a place to store it with no gall bladder). However I am still on fluids only after the fundoplication, and I plan to be on fluids for another week or so before I can move on to slightly more solid food, like soft eggs and mashed potatoes. So, to sum up, very different recovery time.
Posted 4/11/2017 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Burninerine is it more painful recovery or mostly different from the diet? Are you happy you got it done?
Posted 4/12/2017 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with smlafleur. explore all your options, before settling with a nissen. if my body did not make the decision, for me. no way, would I recommend this.
Posted 4/12/2017 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks! What other options are there for treatment if PPIs and zantac are not effective and I'm not a candidate for Linx?
Posted 4/12/2017 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Sure, get a second opinion, but if you need the fundoplication get it. Sooner, the better with baby coming.

I had "wimpy" swallow (to quote the gastroenterologist who did the testing) and got the Toupet variety of fundoplication years ago and am SO happy I got it. It didn't help my swallow, but it didn't hurt it either. (My weak swallow was caused by having polio as a child.) Let the surgeons decide what variety of surgery you need. They're the experts, not us patients.

I researched and asked my surgeon about the different surgeries. He picked the right wrap for me, based on what I needed, not the latest fad. Toupet, a partial wrap, was also the most successful type for my condition at the time, and probably still is.

My recovery was long because I'd been in an accident and my stomach was stuck in my chest. I was a pretty beat up. I'm also a senior. If you are in good shape you won't have as bad a time as I had. You will be limited in lifting for a little while, probably OK by baby time, but get grandma or hire some help for a couple of weeks. Hire a housekeeper once or twice a week too! Call it a vacation, spend a few bucks, enjoy the baby!

Keep the housekeeper at least once a month. (Don't hire one from a service, local ones are half the price and do a better job. Mine is a grandma and her grandson. They don't use nasty chemicals, mostly just a little vinegar.)

Hire a local kid this summer for lawn mowing (18 or older).

You'll have pain for a little while, but it will pass. You'll be up and walking the next day. Your doc says you need this. He's got a lot more education than us forum folk.
Posted 4/12/2017 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Alice!! I appreciate your feedback and advice.... I want to be able to live with out constantly regurgitating in my mouth. I have been looking all over the internet and some people are very happy with results, others are not. I don't personally know anyone that got it done. The doctor said he wouldn't do the Linx on me because i could have swallowing problems, so they will probably do a surgery that will give me relief with hopefully little swallowing problems. My doctor is the best doctor for this in western PA where I live. That's why I went to him in the first place... the diet I'm not too worried about I am off and on low carb diets all the time, I am used to dieting in that way, it's more so the pain and not able to get around normally, work, or take care of my family. Thank you again!
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