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could i get linx on NHS?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 5/28/2012 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi the main reason i have gerd is because i was mistakenly put on benzos or diazapam which i am now coming off after a long hard fight but my question is since it was the fault of the nhs and their awful gp practice that i have gerd would they fund the operation if needed?
Posted 5/29/2012 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
paul29

I am not familiar with your healthcare system but I would suspect you would have a very difficult time proving that you were accidentally put on Valium and that it caused you to have GERD. 

There is a theory that some medications can cause heartburn by relaxing the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), allowing stomach contents to reflux back up into the esophagus.

Medications that may cause heartburn by relaxing the LES:

Anticholinergic drugs (urinary tract disorders, antihistamines)

Beta-2 agonists (bronchodilators [Inhalation] -- asthma)

Calcium channel blockers (high blood pressure)


 

Diazepam (anxiety disorders, seizures)


 

Nitrates (angina)

Opioid analgesics (prescription pain killers)

Theophylline (bronchodilators [oral] -- asthma)

Tricyclic (psychotherapeutic agents, antidepressants)


Posted 5/29/2012 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Paul,

Most NHS people have never even heard of Linx! I carry one of the leaflets around with me so I can show people what I've had done when I have to tell them about it. I've even seen a Gastroenterologist recently who looked blank when I mentioned Linx. I expect it will be available on the NHS one day, but who knows when.

Regards
Posted 5/29/2012 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Kitt ( and am thinking of you Kitt - read your latest post - on holiday this week so just doing a couple of quick posts): I think they would argue that drug induced GERD would be reversible in time and if surgery was needed they would offer the best the NHS currently provides, which could be Nissen. You could ask if any of the teaching hospitals have started doing LINX but I think it's only available privately.

Having said that, if you really could prove you had been inappropriately treated then you would have a compensation claim that would possibly enable you to fund your own LINX. You need to discuss with a medico legal solicitor as to whether you have any basis for a claim. Read through some solicitor's websites and work out who does medical negligence claims and who offers an initial free consultation - that would be enough to tell you whether it is worth the further stress and turmoil of pursuing a claim.

Hope you recover soon,

MMM
Posted 3/11/2013 10:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Paul, I hate that we have to be the guinea pigs sometimes. I have had a few mishaps myself. It may be worth finding out some more information on this if you feel better care could have been taken. You could try and find out then at least you have the information there to have a look over. (If you are based in the UK like myself) The Claims Connection is a helpful website I have found:

http://www.theclaimsconnection.co.uk/medical-negligence-services.html

I have asthma myself, but get a lot of acid and bad heartburn and with the constant coughing from the acid etc, it makes my asthma worsen. Have to really keep away from a lot of foods and drinks as they seem to set if off.

Post Edited (Martin Murray) : 3/11/2013 4:30:45 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/11/2013 10:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi paul there is a complaints procedure called PALS try them they are on web site. I have lots of problems with nhs but its all weve got unless we have lots of money best wishes Rita
Posted 3/11/2013 11:06 AM (GMT 0)
Was you GERD incorrectly diagnosed as anxiety?

Same thing happened to me, but I refused tranquilisers when I was offered them, I was already on anti depressents which were an anti anxialitic also.

I think you're right to hold them to account if they have made your situation worse, afterall if you had a surgery that went wrong and caused you pain then you could be entitled to compensation.

With my experience of the NHS id be very surprised if they do LINX, most dont even believe GERD symptoms are possible on PPIs in my experience.
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