Failed Nissen

Hi all,

I had a nissen fundo around 4+ months ago now and recently have had some of my symptoms return. For example today i regurgitated my food. Also i've had the feeling of a lump in the back of my throat for several weeks and a sore throat (which strangely i didnt have before the nissen but i hear is a symptom of GERD).
Is this normal and just a 'bad month or two'. Or would you recommend going to the doctors and getting checked out?

Thanks
Footymad

I agree with kitt. See the GI.

Hi Footymad,
So sorry you're experiencing problems. I hope your doctor can shed some light on what is going on with you. Try not to worry about the redo aspect. If a redo is the best solution to your problem, you would join many others who have gone through that. I read somewhere that about 7% of Nissen patients require a redo. While it's not fun being in that group, you're not alone.

I had the surgery in February 2009, mainly because my lungs were being killed by reflux, I coughed so much during the recovery that I suspect I began the process of undoing a stitch. After another lung issue last December, I began getting a sour taste in my mouth. I had a barium swallow that didn't show anything really, and since my lungs were managing just fine, I just lived with it.

In August I started getting lung symptoms again (not severe at all, but concerning). I decided I was going to be assertive about getting to the bottom of the reasons, since before my surgery, I let things get out of control until it was too late, and my lung problem sabotaged the chance of success.

I will gladly get a redo (if my testing deems it necessary) to prevent the problems I had prior to my first surgery. I will, though, thoroughly research the surgeons in the area to make sure they're qualified, experienced, and have many successful redos in their history. Redos are trickier, so it's even more important to have a highly skilled surgeon on the job.

Good luck with your search for answers!
Let us know what happens!
Denise

just a quick question.. does anybody know whether its possible to get a redo done laprascopically, or will it have to be open surgery?
Thanks!

Hi Footymad,
I was told by my GI doc that redos can be done laproscopically. They may have to switch to an open procedure if there is an inordinate amount of adhesions, etc. That said, most do not have that necessity.

If your parents are with you for a week or two, you should be just fine. It's just the first week that is the most important. Many go back to work after a week or two (I can't imagine going back after a week, but someone I know who is a dental hygienist, went back after just one week!)

I'll let you know what I find out, and you do the same!
Take care,
Denise

Babygirl,
sorry you're having problems! Hope things straighten around for you soon.

I too had a redo done lap.

bill

Hi Footymad,
Is that your GI doc, or your surgeon who said that? It's not correct. There are many revision surgeries done...I think it's about 4-5% who need redos, so it's not uncommon. After several revisions, they sometimes do other types of surgeries to solve the problem.

It sounds like you need to search out another, more knowledgeable practitioner.
Good luck finding answers. It's always a challenge.

I am on that search myself. I just moved to a new area, and I'm on the doc circuit...trying to get a fix on what's going on with me. I have multiple problems (allergies, asthma, a history of GERD/post surgery diagnosis of bile reflux, etc.) It's often not an open and shut case. There are a lot of gray areas.

I just got back from a ENT specialist who scoped my vocal chords. (I've been hoarse for over a year) My other docs were looking for a more definitive diagnosis than they're going to get...looks like likely reflux, but with allergies it's hard to say for sure.

You're not alone in your search for "the one" who has the answers! I think it comes down to a group decision, and a gut feeling in my case. We shall see.
Take care and keep the faith,
Denise

Actually, I was thinking about your post, and did think it could be that the food isn't regurgitating from your stomach, but rather holding up at the wrap site and then popping up from there. Sometimes when I drink or eat something, I can get a little burst of air from my stomach and I end up with some of what I ate in my mouth. I can tell it's not from my stomach, because it isn't sour like stomach contents are.
It's certainly a possibility!
Good luck with your search for answers!
Denise