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Dysphagia 9 months post-fundo

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Posted 6/8/2019 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I’m wondering if any of you have had a similar experience to what I’m dealing with.

I had a laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with toupet fundoplication back in September of 2018 (toupet because I apparently had motility issue on manometry). Since December, I’ve experienced episodes of a full feeling behind my sternum that comes along with heart palpitations, and it usually starts after eating certain foods or taking certain size pills, and will last for days. The only thing my surgeon suggested I’ve found to be marginally helpful is drinking something carbonated to break up whatever is stuck, but even that is starting to not work.

I had a CT scan done in January from the diaphragm down that didn’t show anything out of place, according to my surgeon. I asked why we weren’t just doing a barium swallow instead, and he said he was confident there was nothing wrong with the repair.

The problem has been ongoing, but my GI and surgeon have both been pretty dismissive. It seems like certain things are getting stuck and not moving through the wrap, but I’m also concerned that the hernia repair has come undone and that’s what’s causing the issue, with the wrap transiently getting stuck in the diaphragm.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Trying to figure out whether to just grin and bear it or try to get help from different doctors, since mine are just writing the issue off. Thanks!
Posted 6/11/2019 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
Yes, I’m having similar problems. I had an NF, full wrap, with large hiatal hernia repair in April 2018. I was having continued problems with difficulty swallowing and occasional reflux. Six months later I had repeat surgery to repair reoccurring hiatal hernia.
Five months after that I had an EGD with balloon dilation due to wrap being “slightly too tight“ & causing serious difficulties w/ swallowing.
Now, four months later, an upper G.I. study has revealed an enlarging hiatal hernia as well as a paraesophageal hernia. I was experiencing sudden, unexplained, violent vomiting - 4 times in one week. Imagine that after having a NF! Terrible, horrible experience!
So on 7/16/2019, I’m having a Nissen re-do w/ esophagus lengthening.
Apparently I have a shortened esophagus which has caused many of these problems.
This next surgery better work because, as the surgeon said, after that, he’s out of options.
Yikes!
If I were you, I’d request an upper G.I. study ASAP.
Good luck with everything!
Posted 6/12/2019 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
I’m so sorry to hear what a terrible experience this has been for you! I am certainly hoping that the next procedure you have resolves the issue— I’m surprised that surgeons/GI docs aren’t more adept at ascertaining esophageal length or other physical abnormalities before they do these surgeries, since we’re the ones who wind up paying for it if they are incorrect!
Would you mind me asking what size hiatal hernia you were dealing with originally? Do you have any idea how it recurred, other than the shortened esophagus issue?
Posted 6/13/2019 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
I’m not sure what size my original hernia was - the report indicated ‘moderate’.
It looked enormous to me on the monitor during the procedure.
Incidentally, the first report also stated that my esophagus was shortened. Not sure why the surgeon had to take the long route to getting it fixed.
The surgeon didn’t use mesh to reinforce my diaphragm in the first surgery. Apparently that was one of the reasons that the hernia reoccurred. But, since hernias are occurring following the 2nd repair w/ mesh, I don’t think that argument holds water.
I certainly hope you get some answers and relief soon!
Posted 6/17/2019 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hey, I just experienced this I think, I was doing fine, but then I ate a chunk of meat, and it feels like its still there, 24 hours later, and my dysphagia has increased, so anything I try to eat now, seams to get blocked, do you think its food stuck? did you experience long amounts of time with food stuck?
Posted 6/17/2019 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
It probably is! I’ve had that happen to me (mostly with chicken and steak). How long ago did you have your surgery? If you don’t have too many problems with bloating, you could try a soda to help it dissolve (the carbonation is helpful, but if you have issues with gas bloat, it can make things feel worse). In the beginning I would have food get stuck for days— it was really unpleasant. Now that can still happen, but it’s less often. It will move through, but I’m sorry it’s stuck. That’s so uncomfortable.
Posted 6/17/2019 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Im having a barium swallow later today to be on the safe side, will let you know how it goes.
Posted 6/18/2019 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
My suggestion if there is any particular foods that are bothering you, back off of it and try again in a few weeks. When you start to feel better, it's easy to forget that you still need to chew food to an almost liquid consistency.

Sharon
Posted 6/18/2019 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
My suggestion if there is any particular foods that are bothering you, back off of it and try again in a few weeks. When you start to feel better, it's easy to forget that you still need to chew food to an almost liquid consistency.

Sharon
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