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nissen fundoplication

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Posted 9/13/2009 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
I hated having the Nissen done. First time it was done with scope. Second time, open procedure. NEVER has my heartburn gone away. Now the doctor tells me 10 years after the surgery that this nightmare has came undone. I don't know if I should say this is a blessing or if this is the beginning of a nightmare again. I NEVER STOPPED vomiting. I choked on food, heartburn just as bad as before. Now my doctor says I may have to have this nissen done again. NOT! I have a mass in my esophagus, doctor says it is severe esophaghitis. And says it could be cancer, but can't tell until he does a biopsy. I asked why he couldn't and didn't do a biopsy right then and there, and his comment was "he couldn't, there was just a mass and nothing to biopsy". Now I am worried about cancer. But wait, heres the good part, I am having to wait until October to have the biopsy done. I wake up every day wondering now if I have cancer. When a nissen comes undone, what are the symptoms of this happening? All summer long I vomited bad! I felt horrible pains in my stomach then they would go away. I am thinking maybe it was this summer it came undone, but how could my esophagus be in such horrible shape in such little time? If I find out this is not cancer, I am NOT having the nissen done for the third time. No way. It was not a success for me, I hated it. Seems like there is something else that can be done. After the surgeries I was never heartburn free. So why bother?
Posted 9/13/2009 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Zora,
Sorry to hear you've suffered so many problems. I had the surgery done in February, and it has been a blessing. No, I'm not perfect, but I 99% better, and I'll take it. If I needed a redo, I'd have it without hesitation. I could not live with the uncontrolled asthma that was caused by GERD before surgery. My reflux wasn't terrible, but it was not controlled by medication, and the reflux was enough to inflame my lungs and create a very unhealthy situation.

Have you considered getting a second opinion with a completely different GI doc and surgeon? You could do some research concerning doctors who are most experienced in the procedure, and who might be able to sort out what has gone wrong with yours. You might want to consider going to a medical center that specializes in the procedure.

Again, sorry you're experiencing such frustration. Hope you find an answer soon.
Denise
Posted 9/13/2009 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Please get a second opinion. There is a solution out there. The Linx system is in trials now.

Joy
Posted 1/17/2010 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
dencha.... dear denise..u have posted a valuable reply...wich i appreciate.it is the one from the best replys i ever saw.thank you very much.il think twicw bfre going under surgery
Posted 1/17/2010 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Soliver38,
Welcome to the GERD forum! Do I assume from your post that your doctor has discussed the possibility of surgery with you? The Internet is full of very negative and hysterical posts that would scare anyone away from the procedure. While the Nissen Fundoplication procedure isn't perfect, it has been helping severe GERD sufferers for over 50 years.

Many people on the internet who have had negative results did not carefully research their surgeon, and have the prerequisite tests. Also, they tend to blame any future problems they have on the surgery--whether related or not. Often, people who post online are the unhappy patients who had their surgeries done by incompetent surgeons. (The happy customers go about their lives and don't bother to go online to post.) A surgeon can be excellent when doing other procedures, but doesn't have enough experience in the Nissen procedure to be able to produce the best possible outcome. A poorly done surgery can create a multitude of negative side effects (difficulty swallowing is one of the most prevalent--gas bloat, damaged Vagus nerve, the list goes on and on.)

So, bottom line...if you are suffering from uncontrolled GERD, get several opinions, have the 24hr PH monitor test, Manometry test, barium swallow, and even see two GI doctors if you need to. Ask many people what they think about surgeons in your area. Your surgeon should have done hundreds of the procedures. Also, insist that he/she doesn't allow a resident to actually do the surgery--you've selected a proven surgeon to do your procedure. Don't let him pass it off to someone who is just learning. I know they have to practice on someone--just not you!

Good luck, Soliver.
As you consider your options, be sure to stay around this forum and ask questions. This forum is filled with many people who have had the surgery. They were the only place I found on the internet where the conversation was positive and affirming. These are great and giving people.
Take care,
Denise
Posted 1/17/2010 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
As Dencha said, you need to have testing done to see if you need surgery and if so, what kind of surgery would be appropriate for you. Example: I needed surgery because I had a paraesophageal hernia (the kind where the stomach is stuck permanently in the chest, after a bad wreck). I was given a partial wrap (Toupet) because my swallowing is weak. This is not the same as a "floppy" wrap! I was sent to the particular surgeon because he has done several thousand and is well known internationally and has a rep for good results. (No bedside manner, didn't even come to the bedside, but technically a great surgeon) I wouldn't demand a particular type of surgery just because others had it.

I can burp just a little when my stomach is relaxed, but I can't force a burp. That's fine. No matter what kind of surgery, this is the result you want because if your new valve is too loose you also get reflux. I don't have reflux. My pain from the hernia is gone. I had no infection.

MamaKaren - My surgeon does second and even third wraps with scope.

I recommend reading all the info in the posts at the top of the forum. My surgeon's paper (an old one) is linked on one of the posts.


I had a lot of trouble getting tested for the surgery and was unhappy with haveing less than minimal followup, but I'm very happy with the result. I'm one of my surgeon's 98-99% successes.
Posted 1/20/2010 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
sewingqueen

 

This is my first time posting: I just had my nissen surgery 2 weeks ago and i've had compications already, I had to be readmitted to hospital due to bowel obstuction and infection and now i am home but am so depressed and regret having this surgery done. I've been told it is not reversible, does anyone know if that is true?  I can't stand the thought of living the rest of my life on soft foods cuz i'm so scared of eating anything else. I almost choked on a noodle!!!! If anyone would like to chat with me about similiar problems please send me an email at [email protected]  I would love to hear from anyone with the same thoughts or advice. thanks

Posted 1/21/2010 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome plastormie,

Please don't panic. You are at the peak of swelling from the surgery right now. At the point you are at my doctor was making me drink liquids. I didn't have noodles until day 17 and I choked on the first bite. I waited a couple days and ate it again. It did better.

It will get better. I'm at the month point and I'm eating more and more solids, but it's small portions. A good solid/mushy food is vienna sausages. It goes down very easy.

I'm sorry you had some complications, but it will get better.

Please post an introduction thread. Sometimes new people get lost in the shuffle when they jump in on a running thread without introducing themselves.

Joy
Posted 1/21/2010 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reassurance, i've been so scared that my life is going to never be the same again, I'm afraid to eat, i'm afraid to ever do heavy lifting again cuz what if i make something come apart, and i'm afraid of choking and noone around to save me. I still have this tight feeling up under my rib cage and across my abdomen, is that normal? Any advice is appreciated! And how do i post an introduction thread?
Posted 1/21/2010 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Plastormie.
Welcome to Healing Well! I'm glad you've joined our forum. We will give you lots of support and advice. Many of us have had the Nissen surgery and have lots of experience and advice to share.

Sorry to hear you had a bowel obstruction. Your doctor said it is a complication of the Nissen surgery? That's a new one. Well, now you're back on the road to recovery! You will do just fine.

You WILL be back to eating normal food. Trust us. It will get better. I had the surgery in February 2009, and can tell you that Joy is right. Your wrap becomes progressively more swollen during the first two weeks, so your swallowing gets worse and worse. Then after that two week mark, things start to go down, and gradually, your swallowing improves.

Please post a new thread on the main GERD forum page. Click the GERD-Heartburn link at the top of this page. That will take you to the main page. Then at the top of that page, click "New Thread" button. If you're still confused, go to the post by Kitt directed to New Members. She describes the process there. If you start a new thread, all the experienced post-Nissen members will respond to your questions and offer you advice and support.

Thanks for joining us! This is an amazing forum with wonderful members. We all support each other. They saved my life as I made the decision to have the surgery, and gave me lots of tips and advice afterwards.
I'll check on tomorrow to see how you're doing.
We're here for you!
Denise
Posted 1/21/2010 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not very computer smart but am trying to figure out this forum thing. LOL I do like knowing their are people who know what i have been going through that can help me through this scary time. Thanks to everyone trying to help me.
Posted 1/21/2010 11:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Plastormie,
If you'd like me to start a thread for you, just say the word. There are lots of member who, I'm sure, will be glad to help you through your recovery.
If Kitt sees this first, I'm sure she will do it. She's a whiz on this site, and takes good care of us always.
She's got a family health issue she's dealing with right now, so other members are trying to help her out and pick up the slack. Just let me know.
Take care and hang in there! You'll do just fine...it just takes time.
Denise
Posted 1/21/2010 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
Oops! Scratch that! I just saw your post. Great job!
Denise
Posted 1/21/2010 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Denise, I'm trying to learn, I've never been on a forum before, but this is exactly what i needed, a place to go to get support from real people who have gone through exactly what im going through. It's scarey thinking a person is all alone with something so invasive, but everyone is so kind here and helpful. Today the pain is better, they also removed alot of old scar tissue from previous surgeries, thats probably why the pain is lasting longer than just the surgery itself. Do you know how long it takes to be able to swallow pills again , like if i wanted to take an aspirin? I'm afraid to try it until someone is with me in case i choke. Thanks again.
Posted 1/21/2010 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
I could swallow my nexium after day three.
I had painful spasms in my ribs for almost three weeks.
Don't lift anything over 5 pounds for six weeks.
The tightness will ease as your body gets adjusted to the changes.

Joy
Posted 1/21/2010 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks joy, I too have had the spasms , and the tightness, good to know it will get better as time goes. But i havn't tried swallowing any pills, still scared since i almost choked on a noodle, now i'm waiting to try swallowing a pill cuz of that. But it makes me feel better that if you did, i probably will be ok when i do as well.
Posted 1/22/2010 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Stormie,
You can take liquid Tylenol or Motrin now. My surgeon sent me home with pain pills, but I crushed them. I know I have a loose wrap, but I'm not a fan of big pills. A couple months ago (8 months post op) I tried some Tylenol, but it irritated my wrap. I take smaller pills--vitamins, antihistamine, Singular, etc. I don't take calcium--I take liquid from a natural food store. I need to take flaxseed oil for dry eyes, and I take that in the liquid form as well. My surgeon told me that I'd know when I could swallow big pills again...when I didn't have to think about it.

I did buy acetaminophen suppositories when I recently had a stomach bug and fever, and would recommend them until you can swallow better. They worked great, and don't even go near your wrap!

Take care,
Denise turn
Posted 1/22/2010 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Denise, I have dry eyes, too, How does flaxseed oil taste? I can't take the big fish oil pills yet.

Joy
Posted 1/22/2010 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Denise, they did give me some liquid vicoden, but it tastes horrible, and i didn't want to stay on the hard drugs too long, so i make myself go all day with none then i do take it at nite so i can get comfortable when i go to bed and that way i get some rest. But i would like to try the liquid tylenol during the day, that would help that way i don't have to wait so long for pain relief and yet its not so strong. I just never thought of it. LOL I can't wait till tomorrow and find out what kind of wrap i have if it is loose or tight, it would be nice to know. I like what your doctor said about the big pills, it made me laugh, guess he is right, i'll know when i can, when i don't have to think about it and just do it. lOLOL
Posted 1/22/2010 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
As promised here is my update from my follow up appt. today! It went well i guess, they said for me to wait the full 4 to 6 weeks before getting off the soft foods or swallowing pills due to the extra swelling i have caused by the NG tube with the bowel obstruction and the scar tissue removal, and the hiatel hernia repair, plus the nissen wrap. They did say Denise i could take the liquid tylenol during the day to help with the discomfort. they also said the tightness under the rib cage would get better in time as well. They said mine was a "floppy Nissen", what ever that means, maybe you all know???? They explained that with the swelling the stomache shrinks, but since they did not remove any of my stomach as they sometimes do, that once the swelling is gone the stomache will be the same size again and i could eat the same as before only smaller bites and slower eating so the food doesn't get stuck. If it does get stuck they said to try walking around that helps it to go down and they do not want you to ever vomit if possible, that is why it comes undone. They said the wrap was stitched togeather and my surgeon hasn't had any redo's that they are aware of. So hopefully that will be true for me as well. Still don't know how long this Nissen thing is good for? Is it a one time thing? or even if it doesn't come undone it only lasts so long? I asked, but didn't get a straight answer.
Posted 1/22/2010 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
The time varies for everyone. I know one person who's lasted 25 years.

Joy
Posted 1/23/2010 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
thanks Joy, thats good to know! I can't imagine having to do this again. LOL Been rough. how long has it been since you had yours done? And how are you doing as well?
Posted 1/23/2010 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Dec. 22, 2009- was the day of the surgery

I'm doing very well. No pain. Once and awhile I get twinges when I overdo the eating or bending over.
The diet is a killer though. I miss chocolate, soda, and spicy foods. One plus is I've lost 15 pounds so far.

Joy
Posted 1/23/2010 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Wow joy, i'm glad you are doing so well. That gives me hope too. LOL How long since you had the surgery? Are you back to driving yet? You sound like me, i want a soda sooooo bad right now, but they said not for 4 weeks with any carbonated drinks. But i did fix the choclate problem, ice cream works great for me, it just slides on down, cools my stomach and tastes great. LOLOL
Posted 1/23/2010 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
I had the surgery Dec. 22, 2009. I was driving after two week mark. Could of drove sooner but I didn't feel like it.

Joy
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