Hi everybody. So far so good with my hiatal hernia (large) repair and Nissen Fundoplication. My GERD spans about 20 years or more. I was on Prevacid for a good 10 years or so which resolved the more violent dramatic upheaval symptoms. However, in the past 4 years I have increasingly had throat clearing, coughing, irritation to my esophagus and vocal cords and food/acid reflux on some occasions. Taking the drug twice a day was of no help.
Question: My surgeon (who I see next week for a follow-up) said to stay on the PPI (Prevacid), the chief resident doctor (in this highly reputable, top teaching hospital) apparently said to discontinue the PPI as was written into my specific discharge instructions, and the follow-up hospital doctor who called to check on me also said to discontinue the PPI 'so we can see if the surgery worked.' And my "gut" was to discontinue the PPI. So that's what I did. I've read online that some patients have PPI "rebound" when they discontinue. I've read that some believe it's better to do a slow "withdrawal" from PPI.
I've seen a study or two in which roughly 25% need to return to use of PPI over time post surgery. I've read another study or two in which roughly 60 to 80% need to continue use of or return to use of PPIs over time. My conclusion is that the medical community really doesn't have a good handle on the question of post-surgical use of PPIs.
Please, fellow Nissen "fundopulators," let me know here or by PM what your experience has been over what period(s) of time post surgery. I'd love to hear your comments and observations about the advice you received and how you made out.
Also, how would you deal with the surgeon in discussion during the follow-up. Thanks.