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what is up with the large amount of Nissen surgery failures??? Part 1 of 2

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Posted 4/17/2009 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Bill, I never got any anti nausea drugs but should probably have them. I have only gotten sick once since my surgery and I dry heaved for hours until it came out the other end. That was so awful. As much as I hate to throw up I would have given any thing for it to happen at that time. I have had trouble swallowing since I had the surgery but have it dilated about once a year when it gets worse. I don't think the current doc i have will do it any more as he thinks the wrap should loosened. Mine doesn't sound like it has been as bad as yours other than this last January. I can't imagine living with it like that for as long as you have had too. I cave in and eat stuff and drink stuff I shouldn't on occassion too even though I know how bad it will affect me. Barb
Posted 4/17/2009 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Talked with my doctor this morning and looks like the only thing left is to redo it. He is going to consult with another doctor to make sure there is nothing else that can be done. More waiting :)

Bill
Posted 4/17/2009 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear that Bill. You'll have to keep us updated, because if it works for you I may consider it in the future. I have a question for you about your wife. Did she have the the sharp pains by her belly button after her surgery? I didn't have any yesterday and then today I had one all of a sudden that took my breath away. That was kind of a shock. I see my PC next week so will ask him about it and then I see my gynecologist on the 27th. Take care and let us know whats going on with you. Barb
Posted 4/17/2009 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
Barb,
I don't remember her having any there. She didn't have any external incisions though either.

Bill
Posted 4/17/2009 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Wow I didn't know they could do it with out having a camera or any thing in there. I had the camera through my belly button and then the other two where to clip my ovaries off. My doc had to look around in my abdominal cavity and at the ovaries first before he could decide what to take and if he had to open me up more to take care of any problems in there. Barb
Posted 4/17/2009 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Barb,
Yep, they did it completely vaginally. The only incision was inside. We didn't realize they could do it that way either until the day of her surgery. Her doctor told us that she tries that way first and only has to use a scope if it is too difficult. That actually was weird for her because she didn't have any incisions outside to make her remember she had major surgery and she would frequently over do it. On another note, My doctor called back and her wants to go in and take a look at the wrap and redo it if something is wrong. He says it doesn't look quite right on the pictures from the barium swallow. So May 18th is the day. Oh boy, 6 days before my son graduates.

Bill
Posted 4/18/2009 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Wow the stuff they can do not days is amazing. I could have done with out the incisions. The one is really sore today from coughing all night. I had to go to the walk in clinic this morning as my lung capacity when I checked it was down to half of what it usualy is so I knew it was affecting my athma and you don't want to let that go. The doc said I have a sinus infection, but my lungs still sound clear so far. He also gave me some strong cough medicine that really works well. I just hope that between that and the antibiotic my stomach doesn't start up again.

Are they going to loosen your wrap or just repair it? At least you have a set date now that they are going to do something about your problems. Too bad it is that close to your son's graduation. Is it college or highschool graduation? My kids are already 25 & 22 1/2. My daughter went to school on line so there was no ceremony when she became a certified dog trainer. We got to go out to North Carolina for my sons graduation from Diesel Mechanic school in the Marine Corps. He's now a teacher at the same school. Both our kids made us proud. I'm sure your son will be really happy just to have you there. Barb

Posted 4/18/2009 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
It's high school graduation. As far as the surgery, they are going to go in and take a look and see if something is wrong with the wrap. The barium swallow shows something that is not quite right he said. Depending on what he finds will determine what exactly will be done. Anything from nothing to a complete redo.

Bill
Posted 4/19/2009 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill and Barb,
Being a parent & having kid - just the most beautifuly & happiest memories.
Our kids make us happy :D
Bill, hope your doctor get this fix for you so that you can go on with your life. Good luck, Bill. I wish you luck & a simple treatment & back on track. Please keep us posted.

Barb and Bill, I have a queston on the age factor regarding to Nissen Surgery...
I am 40 year old. The Dr. who perform the 24HR & Manemotry on me- she told me that I should seek surgery because I have regurgitation constantly -sour mouth & burn throat. She told me to bring the report to my GI and talk about surgery. So, I took my 24HR & Manometry report to my recent GI, and he told me that he will review it and see if I would need surgery. He told me that since I am 40 year old, he does not want to consider me for the surgery. He say if I am younger like may be 20+, etc., than it is better - in other word, younger people tend to have more to live for - the recent GI told me that. I told him that I am constantly expose to sour taste while I am on high doze of med. He told me to take more & higher doze to control my symptom. I am not sure how much higer of dose should I go. Right now I am on protonix 40 in the morning & 40 in the evening. Should I fire him & get another opinion...
Thanks.
Marie
Posted 4/19/2009 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
Marie,
I was 35 when I had mine done. I say fire him. Can you go to a surgeon on your own without a GI's referral? If you can I would do that, if not see if the other doctor can do it. I don't see how he could actually tell with a straight face you are too old to have quality of life. If the meds don't work, they don't work. Besides, my regular GI told me this past fall that they have found out staying on these meds too long causes other problems with the liver or something. When I finally had the first PH study done and they saw the levels I didn't have to ask about the surgery, my GI recommended it over going on PPI's 4 times a day.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 4/19/2009 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
Bill, you made me think maybe I should have them do a barrium swallow. The doctor always says that my wrap is in place and working right when he does the scopes but I don't see how he can tell how it's working from that. I sure hope they get yours fixed.

Marie, oh my gosh I can not believe the doctor said that to you. Get rid of him. That is totaly disrespectful and out of line for a doctor to say to a patient. I was almost 39 when I had my surgery done, so it's not to late. You need a different doctor for sure. You have plenty to live for. Hasn't he heard of grand parents. That is by far my greatest and favorite roll in life thus far. I live for my grand kids 2 of them and one on the way. Good luck and let us know what happens with a new doctor. Barb

Posted 4/19/2009 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Barb,
I know that with the scope they can see pretty much if it is intact by the way it looks, but from what I have been told lately they can't see if it is were it is supposed to be for sure or working properly. And just because it seems good when they do a scope doesn't mean it is. All I've heard from the GI's for over a year is "it feels alright when I run the scope through it", well sorry it doesn't feel right when I swallow. They have showed me all 3 of the barium tests I had done lately and told me what they are looking for and what they see that does and doesn't look right to them.

Bill
Posted 4/19/2009 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
Marie,
Fire that GI doc. You wouldn't want him making decisions for your life with that type of attitude. I'm 56 (57 in June), and just had the Nissen on February 27th. Neither my GI doc, or my surgeon thought anything about my age as a factor. I can't even imagine a doctor having that attitude. It was my family doc and asthma doctor who have pushed me for the last four years towards having the surgery. Good grief, is your GI doc in his 20's? Sometimes "youngsters" don't think life is worth living after 30!
Good luck finding someone who values life in middle and old age! YIKES!
Denise
Posted 4/19/2009 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Marie,

 I am 44 years old (young) lol. When I went to my doctor 2 years ago, he said somewhere down the road you may be a candadtiate for Nissan fundo cnsidering your symptoms. He said he cannot rush this surgery as he is required by law to insure that he has done evrything medically possible to correct the situation. He put me on several diffferent prescriptions over a period of time. Nothing worked. Besides all the tests that revealed my diagnosis with no prognosis.

So I say, Since I was 42 when he explained this to me, There is no reason for you to be demeaned by your doctor. My doctor told me flat out, your quality of life is effected if we do not do this surgery, how will you go on and would u want esphagus cancer (as my father died in his 50's and he was his doctor.)

My advice to you, He is an idiot savant! Move on.

Bea

Posted 4/19/2009 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Bill thanks for that information. I will talk about this with my regular doctor and my lung doctor when I see him. I think it would be a good idea to make sure that it is working right since it has been since 2003 when the surgeon did a barium swallow and it showed some acid coming back up and that it was hard to clear my esophagus with one swallow. It's something worth exploring further. Barb
Posted 4/20/2009 7:41 PM (GMT 0)

Thank much for everyone support :)
I think the GI I saw is in his mid 40. I am going to get 2nd opinion. I have HMO. I am going to see if I can get another GI from the same insurance. If not, I am going to change my insurance eventually to PPO.

Thank much guys, I feel much relief after hearing everyone support. :D

Marie

Posted 4/20/2009 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Marie you can always count on the wonderful people for support. The people I met here helped me through my discouragement after having a stent put in my heart at age 42 in 2005. I don't know what I would have done with out the encouragement and support of the people at this site. I was so down my boss was the one that had suggested I look on the computer for support and I was very lucky to find this wonderful site and all the helpful people to support me. Take care and good luck with your quest to find a caring doctor that listens to you and treats you with respect. They are out there. Barb
Posted 4/21/2009 1:12 AM (GMT 0)

Hi all,

  Marie - I agree with everyone.  Get a second opinion.  Especially since you have such a willingness to learn all about this you will have a lot of "ammo" if you find a doctor who gives you a hard time!!   We're all here for you girl!!  Or shall I say "old lady".   I guess since I'm 40 I should get a geriatric doctor also?? tongue   Thanks for the trial info on the website.  I not only watched it, I called but missed when the lady called me.  I was talking to someone at the hospital today (I went to the community hospital over the weekend to get into the system this way I'll have backup if my insurance doesn't pay much for surgery..I hope!!!).. and they also had similiar symptoms and were very negative unfortunately.  When I said I had a "sore throat"...(It's just irritated from the acid) he said...that's cancer symptoms.  Like I wanted to hear that even though I know it can be.  It got me so I cried 1/2 the drive home.  Then, I start "concentrating" on how it feels when I swallow and I get more worried.  I have times throughout this trial that I can get really down.  But, I somehow pull myself up although not as much as before. 

  Barb - I'm praying for your new pains as well as for Bill's upcoming surgery and Marie's new doc :-) .   I swear Barb, we're given new pains so we don't think as much about all our issues.  I pray they get resolved for you.  The shooting pains in belly sound like they may just go away.  The other, down lower, sounds surgically related but more due to soreness.  Please let me know how your feeling.  I didn't hear about mental illness drugs helping but BRING EM ON.  I'll try anything at this point.  I guess I feel like the clock is ticking and that I am pressured with this disease ya know??  I wish I could take my time more.  Get this.....I never mentioned much stuff about having issues with having daily bowel movements.  I work for a doctor and his daughter (another doctor) wrote me a letter to bring to any doctors I see.  It says she thinks I have Hirshsprungs disease.  It's where you don't go but every several days and then it is larger and hard to have movements.  It is diagnosed as a child but sometimes missed.  She is a PHD so is pretty smart but who knows.  I remember being a kid and having a "chart" and taking mineral oil.  After talking to my mom and knowing how I've been for so long and hearing about tests I could of had that my mom thought at the time were invasive  I think the doc might be right.  Other gastro's never really made a diagnosis because I never really mentioned it but when talking to the holistic doc, he said that that is a MAJOR problem and might be why no meds ever helped.  Although now, I'm sure my LES is flapping in the "wind" 24/7 and my whole digestive system is a mess.  I just got done drinking major prune juice (not something on my diet but I'm miserable) and nothing.  I do get luck with an herbal tea but it has senna and I'd rather just use prune juice first.   Oh, what happens with Hirshprungs is that your nerves at the end of the colon don't work so you don't feel a need to go until lots of stool pushes and by that time your extrememly bloated and everything is like concrete shocked    I really don't care what I have I just want to be able to go.  I'M AFRAID THAT MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH ME BEING A SURGERY CANDIDATE!!  Barb, you are such a trooper and been through so much, I feel like a big "punk" because I'm so scared of all this stuff.  I went to a prayer meeting (I was born Catholic but go to Christian functions etc. sometimes) Sunday and it felt so good I cried.  It was so cool.  And then today after work and picking up meds at the county hospital I got really down.  I had to turn down a major opportunity for major money.  A brother of a man I use to do nursing for called me but I was honest with him and said at this time I can't make any major commitments.  I mean, it would be on my own not where I could call someone to take my place.  And...besides, I would have to drop other less committed jobs that I am currently comfortable with at the time.  I mean money will be very very tight but If I can get a handle on this THE SKY IS THE LIMIT.  And I dont mean financially.  I just love to help others and hate to have to turn things down.  I guess you could say I'm a workaholic.  :-)

Bill - My prayers go out to you also.  May 18th is really not that far.  :-)    I had to laugh when you said that the docs said that "everything felt right when they ran the scope past it".  Then you thought..."It doesn't FEEL right when I swallow".  It's not funny...but I would be saying the same thing.  When I was at the community hospital and told the doc about the bitter taste (It's just red tape to go to ER so you can get in the system), he said "i've never heard of 24-7 bitterness" are you sure??.  He was nice enough but I said "oh, make no mistake..it's definitely there ALL the time.  I hate when a doc makes me feel like I don't know what I'm talking about.  I almost feel like pulling my college grades out (although getting ancient) or something but that's just me!! :-)    I wonder how many times a nissan can be done?  I'm sure many times and I know you'll be fine.  Your in good hands.  One question bill...I know you go to Loyola for some things but didn't you say you get your surgery done near you in the Quad cities??  Is the same surgeon re-doing it or will it be another guy.  Is it the same surgeon that "widened" your esophigis when you had trouble the first year? 

Okay guys - take care - I'm going to pray for us later this evening - thanks for listening - tracy tongue

Posted 4/21/2009 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tracy, hang in there. I have been through a lot over the years, but put my trust in God and have a good sense of humor about things even the bad things. I also look for the good in every situation and there always is something good that comes out of every thing. I had a mom that dwelled on the bad things in her life and eventually killed herself and I vowed never to be like that no matter what. I love life no  matter what comes my way and I don't intend on going any sooner than I have too. So I will fight for the best health care possible so I can stick around for a long time to come. I found out last night that my new daughter in law might be having twins. I'll find out for sure in a few weeks. We'll also find out what she is having too Boy/Girl or perhaps one of each. Twins do run in my family. Thank Good ness I didn't have any. Lol. tongue

I feel sorry for you having constipation that bad. I had it really bad a few years ago when they talked me into taking Welcol for cholesterol. It was so bad that I was eating so much fiber that i was bloated and I couldn't go unless I used an enema. It didn't do any thing for my cholesterol and when they wanted to increase it I said for get it I'm off of this stuff. Can't they give you a stool softner? Maybe you should just take time each day to sit on the can and read or something and then maybe you would go. I don't think the drugs for mental illness would help with that problem as I was told that they can help supress the feeling in the esophagus of stuff coming up. It didn't work for me though and I think that's because there really is crap coming up as I choke on it and at times it fries the crap out of my throat. If you hear any more about those drugs let me know. I only tried the generic  of Elavil. Barb

Posted 4/21/2009 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
Tracy,
My daughter has the same problem with constipation. She is 14 and has been that way since about 5 years old. Our new family doctor, who is awesome, told us she basically has a "lazy" colon and it's not her fault. He told us to try Miralax. It's over the counter, you mix it with water or what ever and it is supposed to be tasteless. I haven't tried any, but she doesn't complain any about it. Our other family doctor told us "she was lazy" and didn't want to go. WRONG! Anyhow, it has helped her a lot.
I had my original surgery and dilations done here in the Quad Cities, but this one is at Loyola. He said he is finally convinced he needs to go in and see what's wrong.

Barb,
Congrats on the grandbaby news. I just asked my wife if her incision hurt like yours and she said hers was numb and doesn't remember it hurting. That was for an ovary though.

Bill
Posted 4/21/2009 3:03 AM (GMT 0)

 Good luck Bill

Hope all turns out well when you go for your check up. 

 My son had the same problem as your daughter but grew out of it.

Our pediatrician at the time came into the hallway to and xray screen and showed us our son's opicture of his tummy and all I saw was this black stuff and the doc said he was FOP .

I got really scared and asked what the heck that was and he told me .....Full of POOP !!

Honestly he had me so freaked out thinking my son had a terrible desease !!

I believe that more fiber in the diet , and exercise and finally my encouraging my son to try to go number @ at the same time each day really, really helped.

God bless, Anne 

Posted 4/21/2009 4:54 PM (GMT 0)

Please post in Part 2 which was started on 4/21/2009.  I will move the most recent posts to the new thread.

****Part 1 is closed………Please post in Part 2******

Link to Part 2:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1452070

Click on Link for Part 2

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