HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

what is up with the large amount of Nissen surgery failures??? Part 2 of 3

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic locked
1 2 3 4 56
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/22/2009 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
Anne,
When tney took down the bad wrap there were 2 holes in my stomach itself they had to repair. They have been very concerned about them leaking....well they dId. Unfortunately it happened after I went home.
Thanks for prays. I am hoping I make it to my son's H/S graduation Sunday. It's not looking good though.

Bill
Posted 5/22/2009 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
Bill,

 God, I was so sad.I am still sad. I am going to pray for you. geez. I am sorry .a 10? od thats awful. I hope they fix you up and bing you home. Sorry about the IV.Im rooting for you here in NY.

Bea

Posted 5/23/2009 11:21 AM (GMT 0)
Oh my Gosh Bill how awful. That's the thing that scares me about having surgery. I very rarely cry from pain myself in fact I can remember the few times as an adult and 2 of them were from my last surgery one right after when I woke up and they knocked me back out with drugs and then when I went to the bathroom the first time and sacared the crap out of my poor husband. I sure hope they can get this all figured out for you and get you back on your feet soon. Do you have any thing coming back up from them loosening it? They had wanted to unloosenen mine and do a half wrap, but the acid reflux getting worse was a big warning that I ddin't want to take a chance on. I'm having pain again after lifting all theat stuff for the brat frys the last 2 days. I'm kind of ticked I'm having pain issues again after being 8 weeks post op. Oh well will see how it goes and may have to talk to my doc about it if it doesn't get better.  Take care and I'll keep you in my prayers. Barb
Posted 5/23/2009 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again

Thank you so much everybody for welcoming me to the forum, you are all very nice. For the question about what LPR is: it stands for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux - LPR or Laryngitis as some call it. It is pretty much the same as GERD but with LPR it travels all the way up to your throat and do damage there. The throat is 100 times more sensitive to acid that the esophagus. Under here I will list something about it that some doctor has written about it. I got many of the symtoms named and really am seeking for a treatment option that will suit me. I am only 22 years and have had this problem with LPR Reflux for about 6 years!!! I really want to feel better very soon. I have considered the nissen but think it has to many side effects and have read that some with atypical reflux symptoms don’t get the same good responds like the ones with GERD. I am being tested in a hospital at the moment with deferent tests and will ask the doctors about the new Linx procedure and the Esophyx procedure, but I think the Linx looks much better.
Marie I really think it is interesting that you have signed up for the trial 2 of the LINX procedure and what to which you the best for your future. If you find the site you talk about it would mean a lot and I would be grateful to here from you in this forum if you get the LINX. I think many others would benefit to here about it, too.
So long….

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
By Sharon Gillson, about.com
Updated: September 27, 2008

about.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
See More about:gerdph testingendoscopyheartburn safe foodsproton pump inhibitorsSponsored Links
High Alkaline Foods Diet
Get The Full Alkaline Foods Chart & Start Alkalizing Your Body Now...
www.OfficialAlkalineDiet.com/Health

Ingredienser og råvarer
Råvarer til produktion af maling, lim, kemi, rengøringsmidler m.m.
www.alsiano.com

Vitamin U - Ulcers
Eliminates Acid Reflux & Heartburn. 100% Effective to cure ulcers.
www.uniflora.us
Heartburn Ads
Heartburn Treatment

Acid Reflux Home Remedies

Diet for Acid Reflux

Peptic Ulcer Causes

Reflux
There are two sphincter muscles located in the esophagus: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). When the lower esophageal sphincter is not functioning properly, there is a back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. If this happens two or more times a week, it can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
But what happens when the upper esophageal sphincter doesn't function correctly either?

As with the lower esophageal sphincter, if the upper esophageal sphincter doesn't function properly, acid that has back flowed into the esophagus is allowed into the throat and voice box. When this happens, it's called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, or LPR.

Can you suffer from LPR without experiencing any heartburn or other GERD symptoms? Yes! Many people with LPR do not have symptoms of heartburn. Why? In order for refluxed acid to cause heartburn, it has to stay in the esophagus long enough to cause irritation. Also, the esophagus isn't as sensitive to irritation as the throat is. Therefore, if the acid passes quickly through the esophagus but pools in the throat, heartburn symptoms will not occur but LPR symptoms will.

Symptoms of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux are:
Continual throat clearing
Chronic throat irritation
Chronic cough
Hoarseness
Excessive phlegm the throat
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Constant sensation of something in the throat
Swallowed food comes back up
Post nasal drainage
Weak voice
Cracking voice
Blockage of the breathing passage
Spasm of the larynx (voice box)
Wheezing
Heartburn
Diagnosis
Your doctor may do one of the following tests to determine if you have LPR:
Laryngoscopy
This procedure is used to see changes of the throat and voice box.

24-hour pH testing
This procedure is used to see if too much stomach acid is moving into the upper esophagus or throat. Two pH sensors are used. One is located at the bottom of the esophagus and one at the top. This will let the doctor see if acid that enters the bottom of the esophagus moves to the top of the esophagus.

Upper GI Endoscopy
This procedure is almost always done if a patient complains of difficulty with swallowing. It is done to see if there are any scars or abnormal growths in the esophagus, and to biopsy any abnormality found. This test will also show if there is any inflammation of the esophagus caused by refluxed acid.
Treatment
Treatment for LPR is generally the same as that for GERD. There are basically four treatments for LPR:
Lifestyle changes.
There are several lifestyle changes you can make that can reduce, and sometimes prevent, acid reflux from happening. Read more about these lifestyle changes.

Diet modifications.
There are certain foods that rarely cause heartburn, and foods that should be avoided. Find out what are the Good Foods and what are the Bad Foods.

Medications to reduce stomach acid or to promote normal motility.
These can include Proton Pump Inhibitors, Histamine Receptor Antagonists, and over-the-counter remedies.

Surgery to prevent reflux.
Surgery to tighten the junction between the stomach and esophagus. The surgery most commonly done is called the Nissen Fundoplication. It tightens the junction between the stomach and esophagus by wrapping the top part of the stomach around the junction between the stomach and esophagus and sewing it in place.
Posted 5/23/2009 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Barb,
Please be very careful with the lifting. Even at 8 weeks you could hurt yourself.
I haven't had any reflux at all. There wasn't any present on the baarium swallow either. I wish I would have asked more questioons before the first one. I am not sure, but I believe that surgeon hadn't done very many of these. I think his inexperience is why it was done wrong. He was the one who removed my gallbladder and all was well. But that isn't anywhere near as complicated as a nissen.
They still used a full wrap on me this time, but I believe he said he did it as a loose wrap. My wife just headed back home to go to my daughter's games this afternoon. She also forgot her meds when we came back up here. She can go a day or 2, but not anylonger. She takes synthroid and I can tell she is low now. She gets really tirred and doesn't remeber things well when her levels get low. She has been having horrible heartburn and forgot her prilosec. She had everything in her suitcase we brought here Monday, but she ran out the door without it Thursday.
If you have cinfidence in the surgeon who wants to redo your nissen I say go for it. Of course I realize you have t0 wait until you have sick leave back though. It sounds as if Teala is doing well after hers also. Unfortunately Rick is experiening some reflux again. I pray it is just an over sensitive reaction though. He should be getting his results soon.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 5/23/2009 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
 

Hi Bill,

Very sorry to hear about your recent issue.  You help and encourage us  & stay positive on many things here. We all pray for you here. I am sure god will watch over you and give you a little push over this difficult time. Stay strong and hang in there, Bill. You will be alright :) 

Take care,

Marie

Posted 5/23/2009 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
HI 887766,
Thank much for the information on LPR.
Gerd and LPR seems very alike! I may even have LPR - am not sure - I have to talk to my doc.

I used to have different health benefit. I went to see doctors at that facility and am always complain about pain in my abdominal area, but they never able to diagnosis me correctly. They put me thru ct scan, ultrasound, endcopy, colo and upper col things. I even told them I have strange taste in my mouth - something sour or something. It was a big mess. I guess my problem got worse over a period of time.
But you know, I never have acid reflux before, so I don't even know what it is.
They kept push me around and around to diff doc- so I don't even know what I have. The facility is so busy that they push me out of the facility faster than I come in. I wasn't happy with them so I change my insurance.

So recently I changed insurance, and do some research on the internet. Saw some similar symptom. I tihnk I am on the right path this time. I have to talk to my doctor with my test. It got worse.
I used to have sour taste come up. Now, I have burn throat almost everyday and sour mouth 7/24 with regurigation - source /acid come up even more when I drink or eat. My neck make click sound when I sleep on an elevated bed. I was on PPI (Protronix 40 morning and 40 evening) - they don't work for me. Right now, I am in pain - my throat may have an infection. When I swallow, it hurts pretty bad now. I am going to have a barium swallow test early next month and that will conclude my final test for Linx and the doc will see me afterward and detail me more where I stand. I will know more by next months. I will update more detial of Linx when I talk to doc next month. I will try to get many questions down to prepare to ask the doc regarding to Linx.

88, is your medicine work for you? Do you have pain when you swallow? Or Burn throat?
When I see the Linx doc next month, I will ask him about the LPR thing too.
Hey 88, if you have any question on Linx, you can let me know so that I can ask the doc next month too. I am trying to prepare many questions for the doc next months, in regard to Linx. This may help everyone here too.
Take care.
Marie
Posted 5/24/2009 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill, I hope you are doing better tonight. Did they have too go back in and do surgery again since the 18th? Did they find out what was causing all that awful pain since your surgery on the 18th? I am trying to be careful what I carry and do but I have to do what they want me to at work now as my lifting restriction ran out as of the 21st. I still try to do as little as possible with the lifting. Today I went scrapbooking and I carried my bags one at a time and made them way lighter than usual. I didn't have any more of the sharp pains. I have an awful feeling that the very small hernia I had in my navel has probably gotten worse. That's an awful thought. Right now I don't have any surgeon for my stomach problem any way as the one I had for my stomach and gallbladder was in a different network so my insurance doesn't cover him any more. I did trust him, I just didn't want surgery again. My stomach doc said that other surgeons don't like to touch wraps done by other surgeons because it is such a individual and unique technique. He said my insurance might make an exception because of this or they would say I had to go to UW Madison or Mayo, because that would be the only doctors willing to touch another doctor's Nissan Wrap.

Right now I am seeing a orthapedic surgeon for my hands, but that is mainly to find out what is wrong with them and what can be done so my lawyer knows how to proceed with my law suit as it is coming up on 2 years already. My hands are the one thing that don't get progressively better. I am hoping to get in to see another doc about getting a cortizone shot in my tail bone. It has been really bad lately and I am will to try any thing at this point. I want to be able to ride my bike with out pain and sit with out pain. It was rather bad today sitting and scrapbooking. Well I hope you are feeling better real soon. I'm praying you'll make it to that graduation too. Barb

Posted 5/24/2009 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
Barb -
I haven't had any additional surgeries yet since the redo on the 18th. He did tell me flat out yesterday morning that if I feel the same or get worse he is taking me to the OR to see first hand what is leaking. He is almos6 positive it is one of the 2 holes they had to repair that is leaking. So far they have just been resting my stomach and me to see if it will stop on it's own. I got a little worse over night and only managed about 2 hours total for sleep. One stretch was about 1 solid hour and since I have a PCA I got behind on pain meds. That woke up in pretty good pain, but then it's hard to get back on top of it. They did give me a boost of morphine to help. I am just waiting for them to show up.

Bill
Posted 5/24/2009 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning Bill

Gosh I sure am thinking of you today...woke up with you on my mind hoping to hear that you were feeling better today. You will be soon...I believe in prayer and you have so many people praying for you. I don't know if I mentioned that my 18 year old graduated last Saturday. I love my son so much ..I hope when he leaves in August for school that I won't cry too much. He is such a good guy and I love having him around. We found an apt for him and his buddy to share and it is very nice. They are both going to a technical school  in my state. I pray for their future. Well, I am off to do more last minute wedding STUFF!! LOL , my daughter gets married next Sat so it has been a busy month for me. I like it that way though and the plans are all falling into place after all thses moths and that is very rewarding !

See you later...rest well, get strong,and have faith.           

Posted 5/24/2009 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Anne,
I really appriciate the prayers. My surgeon came and told me my vitals are better and my white cell count is good also now.. He wants me to get another ct scan because I still don't feel thar well and my pain is still there. Atleast he isn't scheduling another surgery yet.
You sure do have a busy month. All good things. I am very proud of my son also. That's making it hard to be stuck up here today : (. But I need to remember that I have to get better so we can spend even more time together.

Bill
Posted 5/24/2009 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Anne,
I second Bill's motion! Wow! What a wonderfully busy and exciting month in your family. Good luck with all the wedding preparations! I also have sons I sent off to college, and it is hard to see them move on. It's a celebration that is bittersweet. Just stay connected...the internet is a godsend!
Take care,
Denise

Bill...
Good wishes.
Posted 5/24/2009 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill, do they know what caused the holes in the first place? How is the swallowing going? I hope they can get that pain under control for you and you can get some sleep. I haven't had any more of the sharp pains in my stomach since Friday night so it must have been from over doing it. I'm sorry you had to miss your son's graduation.

Anne, you are a very busy lady. My son just got remarried in March, but he's 1200 miles away so we weren't there. His new wife wants a church ceremony next year, so her and I are making the invitations. She is such a sweet girl. I'm glad my son got it right this time around. She has a little guy who will be 2 in august and my son has a little girl that will be 5 in October and together they will have one that is due Sept. 1st a little boy. I just wish they weren't so far away. It is hard when your kids move out though. Our daughter lives 30 miles from us. Our dogs helped alot with the empty nest thing.

Denise how are you doing? Hope your allergies and asthma are doing better. The tree pollen by us has been rather bad. My green car has yellow pollen all over it from our crab apple tree. I've been in the house all day just napping in my chair mostly. All the lack of sleep and extra activity from last week caught up with me. I was headed to the gym for a swim this after noon and they had closed early so guess I will have to go for a bike ride instead and walk the dogs. I'll go for a swim tomorrow morning after work since they are open until noon.  I haven't been to the gym since I had surgery. I've only been out walking and bike riding. Well I am off the walk the dogs. Take care every one. Barb

Posted 5/24/2009 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Barb,
The holes came from taking apart the horribly done first wrap. Unfortunatley they are in bad spots to get at. The new wrap is awesome! I can swallow normally and have zero heartburn. I found out tonight I amstaying at least one more week here. The hole is healing, but is a bubble right now. He wants to give it every chance he can to heal by itself. He says we are not out of the woods yet. It could still perferate and reqire surgery. He wants to avoid that because he is affraid he will have to take apart the wrap to fix it. I told him I didn't want him doing that because it feels perfect. He told me it looks perfect to him and his collegue too. He will go in I my symptoms warrant it. Like high white cell and h9gh pulse again or if I become septic. But he also said that would be emergency stuff and it would be a good idea to be close, not 3 hours away. That's why he was waiting for us outside Thurs. night. He wanted to see first how bad I was before the ER got ahold of me. He said he thought itwas way worse as sick as I was. He told me we got lucky. Michelle, mom and my sister agree I should stay. As much as I want to go home I want to play it safe, so I'm staying. I already have beenhere a week and have the PICC lime to make feeding,blood work, and meds easy.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 5/25/2009 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Bill,

 Can you sue the prior surgeon for this. I would. im sure its documentedabout the prior one  being a freaken mess.Look in2 that when your feeling well. you may bring to lite and save sum1 your pain.good luck

B

Posted 5/25/2009 2:39 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Bill,

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this problem.  It sure is true that unskilled surgeons can cause lots of problems when they do wraps.  Your first wrap is a prime example of that.  I'm glad you're in good hands now.  You've got lots of people wrapping their thoughts and prayers around you and your family.  Your stomach has got to feel lots of healing power from all of us sending it your way.  The more you can relax and stay positive, the more strength and energy your body will have to heal your stomach.  Keep thinking those positive thoughts and try not to get anxious and fight it. 

Nobody wants to stay in the hospital, but a three hour drive is just too far.  It's not worth taking that type of chance.  You're where you need to be.  Just follow the doctor's orders and keep that positive outlook of yours.  Say hi to your wife for me.  I know how hard all of this is on her...she's got to be pooped.  You'll just have to move over and make room for her in your bed.  Why not?

Have a good night and try to get some rest.  Are you able to get up and walk?  Thinking of you, Bill.  Heal well. 

Denise

Posted 5/25/2009 2:50 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Barb,

It's been a long time.  Glad you're feeling better.  Lucky you to be able to get out in the beautiful weather.  The pollen is terrible, and I've had some allergy/asthma setbacks.  Can't wait till the tree and grass pollen get past.  I ended up back on Z-pac, and a short course of prednosone.  Unfortunately because I was on Flovent 220mcg/high doses for about a year, I got adrenal insufficiency, and have some bad symptoms because of it.  After the surgery, my doctors were working hard to get me off the steroids, but because my lungs have been giving me trouble (flu, allergies), I'm still on the higher Flovent dosage (before GERD made my lungs horrible, I was taking Flovent 110mcg, which is a much more reasonable dosage.  Hopefully someday I can get back to that. 

One of the problems is that the steroids (inhaled and oral) have thinned my skin and made it a real mess.  It is so thin that it tears by just bumping it on something.  It also bruises really easily, and my arms are covered with ugly purple bruises.  It's like my skin is 90 years old--literally.  It was just getting stronger, when this latest asthma bout required a short course of prednosone--and now I have two big skin tears on my hand.  

It's not good.  I have to be patient, but this whole situation needs to improve.  My health is not that great, and the steroids are part of the problem.  My lungs have actually improved quite a bit the last few days (I've been off the prednosone since Thursday).  I've been outside the past two days at picnics, so that's a good sign.  Hopefully things are on the mend.  My voice is really hoarse though...allergies cause that every spring.

Hope you enjoyed your bike ride!

Take care,

Denise

Posted 5/25/2009 10:46 AM (GMT 0)
Bea, You are the 8th persson to ask that question. They said I should and if it would keep even one person from going through what I have the last 3 years it would be worth it. My doctor and I had a really productive talk yesterday. I like it whan they come ro your room and pull up a chair right next to your bed and talk to you face to face.
Denise, I am so taken aback by all the support I have gotten here.That makes it easy to stay positive. I decided I was going to do wharever he wants and make sure this heals correctly. It really helps how good the staff is here. I would have second thoughts about staying if the staff wasn't this great. The nurses and techs will take time to justm talk awhile as long as they are caught up on thier rounds.
I found a not so good side effect of not having a gallbladder, no solid foods, no questran, and not able to take anything by mouth. My bile induced diahrrea is horrible. Since I can't take any oral meds or eat, I just have to deal with it. They look at me crazy when they give the how to not get constipated speech and I tell them it won't happen with me. They each have since probably wanted to take that nasty foot from there mouth when I show them.
Take care,
Bill
Posted 5/25/2009 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill, wow you sure have been through the wringer. It makes me wonder though that if I had mine loosened half way that it would leave some sort of holes since it wouldn't be secured in the same place. Ugh the thought of surgery any kind at this point makes me cringe, especially after what you have been through. I'm so glad you are doing better. It's good that they are keeping you there to keep an eye on things. It sounds like you have a really good doctor that knows what he is doing. I hope you have gotten some more sleep. That's important to get better. I'm glad the hospital staff is so good. That makes a big difference. I liked the last hospital where I had my surgery a lot better than the one that is closer to me. Some times it is better to drive a ways to get better care. I'm glad you are getting the support you need to get through this. It always helps to have people that understand what your going through. The people on this site have helped me through some really rough times like when i first had my heart stent put in at age 42 and was really depressed about it.

I have a question about the galbladder thing you talked about. Did you have yours removed? If so where is the bile coming from? I am interested because I had mine removed in 2000 before my nissan, and I quit taking my fish oil and flax oil a few months ago to see if it would help my stomach problems any. I think it has, but I worry about my heart because I'm not taking those things and I don't take any thing for my heart because of the side effects on my stomach and asthma. I only take the plavix. I know the heart doc is going to have a fit about it when I see him on 7/2. I might start taking it again depending on how my stomach is doing. Take care and get some rest so you can get home to your family. Barb

Posted 5/25/2009 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise, I didn't know that steroids would do that to your skin. I just finished a short round of them for my hands. I also take them on occasion for my asthma. My stomach is rather upset at this point as I ate chocolate every day for the last week and the steroids on top of that didn't help. Oh well I'll get back on track this week. Sorry to hear your having all those troubles again with your asthma and allergies. It's terrible when you can't be out in the nice weather because of that. I never did get out for a bike ride. I might get one in this afternoon. I got to the gym this morning to get in a swim and a soak in the hot tub. I also do some arm and back exercises in the pool. That sure felt good to get in the pool and do my back exercises. Well I have to go finish up my pie for the cook out this afternoon. All my sisters are coming over. This morning we went to the parade to see our nephew march and play his horn in the band. Have a great Memorial Day! Barb
Posted 5/25/2009 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Barb-
I had mine removed in October 2005. I had a gallbladder attack that lasted 37 hours. I was so glad to get that out.
I got a private room finally now Michelle can stay here all day and night.

Bill
Posted 5/25/2009 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barb,
Yes, the long term high dose inhaled steroids are the biggest culprit. My asthma was so bad, that they felt they needed to keep it high. Now I'm suffering the consequences. I'm on lower doses now, but some of the side effects are long lasting, I'm afraid. My skin was just toughening up, and wasn't tearing--then I had to go back on for a short course of prednosone because of my allergic asthma.

Glad to hear you're doing so well...Enjoy your workout at the gym!
Talk to you soon.
Denise

Bill,
How great you've got a single room. Now you can relax. Do they have a comfortable sleeping chair for your wife?
Keep resting and healing!
Take care.
Denise
Posted 5/26/2009 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Denise -
They just got new ones in. They extend out about 8 feet or so. Unfortunately I had already paid for last night and tonight at a hotel and it's not refundable. oh well, atleast we are all set for the rest of the week. I've been cooped up so long I needed a room to my self. I was starting to feel better today. Then I decided to get a shower, go for a good walk, and visit some other people down the hall. WOW am I wore out and hurting now.
I am now starting to get thirsty for the first time since surgery day. They have cut down the regular iv to 10mil an hour because I am getting TPN through iv an I guess they think it is enough. My urine is getting darker with a strong odor. I also went from filling the bottle every couple hours to filling once every 24 hours. I think I am going to ask if they will turn the saline back up.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 5/26/2009 1:31 AM (GMT 0)

Bill,

 are you dehydrating there? It sounds like it. Are they taken your cbc and urine tests.You dont wanna be septic or dehydrated. Tell them to check that out. ASAP.

Bea

Posted 5/26/2009 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Bea,
I know I'm not septic because that's what they have been worried about and checking twice a day. I just talked to my nurse and asked about my hydration. She said it was just checked also and I am very well hydrated. We talked a bit And I believe it is from the TPN they are giving me. It'a a LOT of vitamins and other nutrients, including essential fats. I am having that pumped into me 24 hours a day because I can't take anything by mouth. It's been 2 days now that I have had this and she said it's common to get thirsty at this point because I was way over hydrated until yesterday. Makes sense to me.
It's strange having a room to my self. It looks huge! So how's things going for you? They came and pushed on my belly this morning and for the first time it didn't hurt. Of course an hour later I decide to get a little more active around this place and now the belly is really sore. Back on the PCA and get it under control. Which means more itching. Which means more benedryll and more blurred vision. But it beats itching all night.
Take care,
Bill
✚ New Topic locked
123456