Hi Liz,Silent reflux is more challenging because it does its damage quietly. Typical reflux is much easier to diagnose, and GI docs more readily consider other options when medication alone doesn't work. If you are not responding to medication, there aren't a lot of choices. Nissen fundoplication is considered the "gold standard" for eliminating reflux.
Here is a great resource that looks at a variety of reflux treatments and discusses the surgical and non-surgical options:
http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?productid=756&pageaction=displayproduct
As far as running goes, it seems to me that it will only be an improvement once you're healed. Granted, your running will be restricted until you have healed, but once that occurs it should be a much improved experience. I don't run, but rather fitness walk, and before my Nissen that walking would rev up my reflux in a big way. Once I had the surgery that no longer happened. I can only imagine that running would be much more likely to bounce reflux out of your stomach than walking. In my opinion, the surgery would greatly improve that part of your life.
There is no guarantee regarding the length of time any given Nissen will last. This is likely because of so many variables in surgeons and patients. There have been studies that follow Nissen patients for 10 years and the general rule is that 90% of those patients consider their surgeries successful and continue to be happy with the results.
Here at the forum we've heard from one or two post-Nissen patients who had surgeries lasting 20+ years. Of course, that is always heartening. The vast majority of those of us who make the decision to have the Nissen do so after many years of suffering. Medication alone works for most GERD patients, which is why this surgery is not well-known among the public. For those of us who aren't that lucky, there aren't a lot of choices. Nissen surgery should be a last resort, after all other options are ruled out.
In my experience, those with silent reflux have the most difficult time with Nissen recovery. Since they haven't suffered pain in the same way as those with severe typical GERD, the challenges of recovery seem more daunting. Some of the atypical symptoms that they experience before surgery will be the last to disappear during recovery. While high volume reflux is stopped pretty much immediately after surgery, some symptoms that are caused by sensitivity take longer to improve. It sounds as if your silent reflux isn't all that silent, though, as you have some real GERD-related symptoms.
I assume you've had all the testing? What was the result of you 24hr PH monitor and manometry?
Those are very important tests that provide the surgeon with the information necessary to inform his/her decsions.
Good luck in your quest for answers!
Take care,
Denise