3.5 months post partial fundoplication and disaster has struck

Male age 45, in otherwise great health, had a partial fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair mid November 2023 after many years of reflux issues. Operated on by a very experienced foregut surgeon south of Denver who is considered a national expert on such treatment.

Three and a half months later—after what was already a difficult recovery with prolonged dysphagia, intermittent low-grade fevers and moments of returning referred diaphragm pain—all the reflux and heartburn symptoms have come roaring back and then some this week. Had a barium esophagram two weeks ago when pain was less and it all looked intact, but things have gotten more severe in the last few days and I'm unable to sleep due to reflux pain. Had not needed or wanted a PPI since surgery, and swallowing had been fine for weeks, but that relief seems over. EGD with bravo capsule coming soon and will update for anyone interested.

Hard to describe how much depression and anxiety has accompanied this return of symptoms. Just feeling utterly cursed and doomed.

Thanks Sharon. These last few days have been my first reflux symptoms since surgery as well. That's why it's so scary. The pain up until now had been either ongoing but intermittent flares of the referred diaphragm pain in the shoulders, transient epigastric pain etc. -- all had subsided with a bit of ibuprofen. But what's happening now is not going away, much more painful, and much more indicative of reflux. Was basically unable to sleep at all last night without being propped up.

I did have an EGD with Bravo, manometry and barium esophagram prior to surgery. All confirmed I was an ideal candidate for a partial fundoplication. I had a small hiatal hernia. My DeMeester score was just a few points out of the reference range, but still abnormal. LES pressure wasn't terrible actually.