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Linx procedure for GERD (7/24)17).

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Posted 7/28/2017 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
My procedure occurred on Monday 7/24/17. We are now just 5 days in. So far, I must say it's been a revelation. Heartburn has been reduced considerably. The first 2 days were horrible. No pain just nothing will stay down and so you vomit each and every time you try to eat. Trouble with swallowing is an issue but seems to be getting better. I will continue to update you as the days/weeks pass.

Feel free to ask me anything.

Best,
Posted 7/29/2017 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for starting this thread. Please keep us updated with your progress.
Posted 8/9/2017 11:14 AM (GMT 0)
Well, it's now my 17th day and I wish I had good news. This sucks! Everything I read about this procedure has not happened for me. I still cannot eat a meal, I've lost 14 lbs, the Dysphagia hurts like hell. If I had to do it again. I would not! The constant discomfort takes a toll on your body. I can't sleep more than 3 hours. My quality of life is so much worse today than it ever was while I had heartburn. The hiccups are constant. I just took a teaspoon of applesauce and there goes the hiccups. Burping is never ending. This sucks!!!
Posted 8/9/2017 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Before the surgery did you have a manometry exam? My manometry came back with 40%successful swallows this ending any chance of getting Linx.
Posted 8/9/2017 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
I did have the manometry. I don't believe you can have the surgery without it. I don't recall what the numbers were. However, my doctor did tell me that it was okay for me to have the surgery.

As I type this response. I should note that I had a decent breakfast (Farina) and I'm feeling okay. No hiccups but the slight burping is still there. I guess everyday will have different challenges. Have you had this surgery?
Posted 8/9/2017 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
No I have not had the surgery. My esophagus is to weak for a Linx. Dr said I would have nothing but problems. I would have to deal with saliva pooling at the LES junction.
Posted 8/9/2017 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
I see. I'm sorry to hear that. Have you looked into the Stretta? I'm hearing good things about it.
Posted 8/10/2017 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
18th day. What a difference a day makes. As of this morning, 8/10/17, I have had no hiccups or burping. I'm stilling eating soft foods....farina, pudding, etc. Feeling much better. The Dysphagia is still an issue at night. It keeps me up. Overall, I think I'm on the right track. Wow, what a difference.

Post Edited (ocamo) : 8/16/2017 5:32:41 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/14/2017 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
Please read my email to my Doctor on 8/2/17;

Can you please remove this device? I can't tolerate the non stop hiccups. My voice is hoarse and my throat aches. The constant hiccups (5/6) prevents me from speaking and is creating panic attacks. The medication does not work. I slept 3 hours last night. I've lost 8 pounds and still can't eat anything other than jello. I think it's time that we agree - I was not the ideal candidate. Can we please move on? It's been 10 days and my quality of life is worse than ever. Feel free to call me.

Best regards,

Well, I'm glad he did not listen to me. 21 days in and so far I am feeling great. Still a way to go but overall, life is good. Eating is good, not great. No pain, hiccups or burping. Feeling optimistic. YEAH!
Posted 8/16/2017 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
Day 23. Feeling pretty great. Nothing to report. Slept well, had breakfast - no issues. No pain, No lump in throat, No chest pain and most importantly....NO MORE HEARTBURN! If nothing changes..I would have to admit that I am totally satisfied. The Linx is as advertised. It is doing exactly what I was told it would. I am normal again. NO MORE NEXIUM, PREVACID, ZANTAC, GALVISCON, ETC.

I'll update you in a week or so.

Best,
Posted 8/17/2017 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi - I'm glad you are posting your story. I had high hopes for this device four years ago. Today I asked my gastro about it and he said it doesn't work as well as was hoped for MOST people.

I've been using prevacid or nexium daily for the past decade and still need famotidine and rolaids at bedtime. I asked him if there was ANYTHING better than what I'm currently doing and he said no. I am now undergoing radiation and the requirement to consume large quantities of water and than lay on my back is killing me.

Looking forward to your next update.
Posted 8/28/2017 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Roblee, do yourself a favor and find another Gastro. It is now day 36 and I am happier than I have ever been in 10 plus years. Last night, I slept so well that I thought today (8/28/17) was Sunday. My wife had to convince me that it was Monday and I needed to go to work. lol

Overall, I feel amazing. This Linx device is terrific. Most of the time, I forget that it is even present in my body. The eating must still be done a certain way. Chew your food very well (isn't that what the doctors told us to do when we were 5) and follow it up with liquid. Stop suffering and find yourself a good GI. You don't have to live like this. Look at my earlier posts. I was not happy for the first 2 weeks but since, I've been overjoyed with the results. I am 48 years old and I am now living a GERD free life. I'll be back on day 40, which is this Friday.

Best regards,

Post Edited (ocamo) : 8/28/2017 10:25:50 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/1/2017 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
Well it's day 40 and feel really good. No discomfort at all. Sometimes if I don't chew well, the food gets stuck and I have to wretch it up. However, if I chew well and sip water/liquid. I am fine. I've gained about 2LBS. I was 190 and now I'm 179. I lost a lot of weight early on.

Overall, I would say that this decision is turning out to be a wonderful one. I have no complaints. So far so good. I will see you guys again in a month. I an normal again. Great feeling.

Best.
Posted 9/25/2017 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
Day 64. I have gained back 10 pounds and feel pretty good. No medication for heartburn. Although, I still need an occasional antacid in the evening. I tend to wake up with dry mouth. I think some acid might be entering my throat area but slight enough where I don't feel anything. I will have this checked. Swallowing food is getting better. If I chew well..no issues. If I don't, then I may need to regurgitate the food. Not always though.

Overall, I feel great!
Posted 10/13/2017 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Occasionally, How are you feeling now?
Posted 10/13/2017 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry Ocama it was a autocorrect
Posted 10/13/2017 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Ocamo, Can I ask where did you have your procedure done? Why id you go for linx instead of Fundo? Did linx took off all gerd symptoms? How do we qualify for the linx?
Posted 10/16/2017 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
I had my procedure done at Weill Cornell NY Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. I chose the Linx simply because it's less invasive. The fundo is a big time procedure and cannot be reversed. I'm going on 3 months and I have no GERD. For the first time in 10 years. It has been the best decision I have ever made.

You need to see your Gastro to discuss coverage. He/she should look into this by simply contacting your Insurance company. Most Insurance Co. are now allowing this very simple procedure.

I hope I've answered all your questions. Feel free to email me if you have any further.

Best regards,

Mike

Post Edited (ocamo) : 10/17/2017 5:39:34 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/16/2017 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Mike, would love to know who you used at Cornell. I met with one Dr. there and have chosen one at NYU for either nissen or Linx. Have manometry and PH impedance coming up in a couple of weeks which of course may send me in one direction vs another.
Don't know how to private message here but would love to discuss if possible.
Posted 10/16/2017 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Please call Dr. Zarnegars office immediately and schedule an appt. His number is 212 746 5130 or 212 746 5111. He did a masterful job with me. Keep me posted and feel free to mention my name.

Best,

Mike Yulfo Ocasio
Posted 10/16/2017 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Scheduled! Thanks.
I had seen someone from general surgery; a well renown surgeon, but I wasn't a fan.

Were you able to get it covered by insurance?
Posted 10/17/2017 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
Yes. Empire Blue Cross/Shield. My out of pocket was maybe $100. All covered and I am so happy. Don't suffer from GERD any longer. You don't have to. The first couple of weeks after surgery if the toughest. However, once you are past that. The rest is relatively easy. If you decide to move forward, I'll share more with you.

Do it!!!

Mike
Posted 10/17/2017 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Mike for your reply. I'm seeing my surgeon tomorrow. Will update you.
Posted 10/18/2017 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
Mike,
My main fear, from what I've read, is the "small bites" issue and potential dysphagia. Granted, after my 24hr PH and manometry I may not even be a candidate for Linx and would have to go for a wrap. Seeing your Dr in a couple of weeks, just prior to those exams for a consult. Can always get him the data afterward.
Posted 10/18/2017 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
I totally understand your fears and concerns. If you are proven to be a viable candidate. I would strongly suggest you do it. Yes, the small bites are annoying but like everything - you will get use to it. In time, it will go away and you'll be eating the way you would normally. The Dysphagia is annoying as well but not painful. It's a weird pressure in your chest and in my case jaw but it last 5 to 10 seconds. It will come and go for a period. After 2 months, mine was completely gone. Dr. Zarnegar is really smart and an all around nice guy. Real calm. He eased all my fears and gave me really smart and detailed responses to any questions I had.
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