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Fundo re-do is it possible or make it worse?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 5/13/2013 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
I would like to pick peoples brains, any help would be great. I had operation in 2001 by laproscopy although I was quite poorly afterwards it did its job, that is until 3 years ago when all symptoms came back. I have been backwards and forwards waited quite a while for appointments as is usual for nhs (here in uk) until today. The Consultant said he knew I had reflux, the barium x-ray showed it was very bad but because the endoscopy was clear and ph acid test was clear he thinks an operation could be a mistake. The difficulty was he was not a surgeon so he advised me to speak to one as a re-do would be worse than the original op. I cannot take meds as they upset my tum and the original surgeon dismissed me a couple of years ago, perhaps he does'nt do re-ops I don't know. I am very worried about another op I am 64 years old but suffering badly, having no holidays or meals out due to bad heartburn and reflux. Sorry this is so long any advice would be helpful my mind is in a whirl, I cannot carry on like this!
Posted 5/13/2013 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
hi reet22,i think we chatted before in another post you had.I have spoke to a few surgeons about a redo and they are reluctant to do one unless its something obvious that's wrong with the surgery ie, a slipped wrap or misplacement etc.Ive been told that each time a surgeon goes in there the chances of success get a lot slimmer so it isn't to be taken lightly at all.Im currently waiting on results after a failed nissen myself.Barry
Posted 5/13/2013 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barry. Thanks I understand what you say but until a surgeon goes in how does he know whats wrong with my wrap? The reason I'm back with new post is its taken 5 months for todays appointment. He did say my ph was 16 on a scale between 7 -21 any idea what that means ? Thanks Rita
Posted 5/13/2013 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rita,sometimes theres no obvious cause of why the wrap isn't functioning as it should,ive had a couple of endoscopies since my wrap and im told everything looks fine,a short floppy 360 wrap but im refluxing and have constant nausea.I think Bill one of the forums moderators had this problem with everything looking ok but he was still having problems and when his surgeon went in he found the problem with the wrap angled I think.It is a risk though to go in again with all the scar tissue that's there from the first op which makes the surgeon reluctant.Its probably a matter of finding a surgeon willing to do it,which in the UK is hard to do.Ive travelled to the mainland UK from Northern Ireland because of waiting times and general lack of concern. I don't really know much about ph scores Rita but theres plenty of members on here who do,hopefully someone can answer. barry
Posted 5/13/2013 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Rita-

Barry is right. My 1st nissen was done incorrectly and after 13 dilatations, 2 PH studies, 2 manometries, and about 5 barium swallows we finally convinced my surgeon(different from 1st) agreed an exploratory surgery was needed.
I have since had another redo also, not an actually fault of the redo or the wrap. I had an esophageal tear and what had to be done to same my esophagus tore the wrap apart.

As for a difference with a redo, for me it was basically the same as my original except it was done correctly. My last redo was done as an open surgery and was my easiest recovery of the 3. It is harder for the surgeon as they have to undo what's left of the original and redo, so the surgery does take longer. My 1st redo was just over 5 hours and my last was just over 6 hours, but that one was a mess.
For what it's worth, I won't go without a nissen if I can help it and would do it again tomorrow if I had to.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 5/13/2013 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Bill for all your help, living in a small country a surgeon to do this will probably be difficult but I've sent my first e.mail and will wait and see what happens. I dont even know anyone who has had this procedure so your help and advice is important to me, when people look all they see is someone putting on a smile they dont know whats behind it! Thanks again Rita
Posted 5/13/2013 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Rita-

I know the feeling. It took me 2 years and 11 months to finally get an answer to what was wrong with mine.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 5/14/2013 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
hi Rita,if it helps,i seen a team in Newcastle called Nugits,who are very helpful and understanding.Within a month of contact with them I have had all the tests carried out, CT scan,barium swallow,endoscopy ,manometry and ph studies.this has also been done on the NHS.Im waiting 5 weeks now on the results though I think their having trouble getting notes from my previous surgeon.Maybe you could try them? barry
Posted 5/14/2013 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barry I'm glad that you are getting help it was really quick for you to have all those tests perhaps very soon it will be sorted for you. I think it would be too far for me to travel with mine and my husbands job commitments but they look a good team pity there are not more like them around the country! Thanks for thinking of me let us know when your results are through. Good luck
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