Posted 8/30/2013 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everybody -- new here but not new to the Nissen Fundoplication. I had mine laparoscopically in 2003. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself health-wise. I was 49 when I had the surgery.
I had laryngeal esophageal reflux (LER) - none of the classic symptoms of acid burning, fullness, etc. I had an insane explosive constant cough, recurrent bronchial infections, reactive airways disease, sinus infections, pneumonia, etc. My wheezing was out of control so I saw a pulmonary physician and that saved me -- he did not think I had any true airway problems other than aspirating particles of food and liquid into my lungs on a constant basis -- He explained LER to me and referred me to an ENT who scoped me and told me my larynx looked like a fried doughnut from all of the acid.
I saw the surgeon and he performed the surgery - No fallout from the laparoscopy - 3 little holes in my stomach and one in the belly button. I had the typical paranoia that water was going to stay in a puddle in the back of my throat forever and I would have to live on pureed food. That all went away in time and with patience. I can eat just about anything now -- peeled oranges and some meats are less easy for me, though.
The only thing that bothered me and still bothers me is not being able to throw up -- I am not all wound up about it, though. I keep nausea pills on-hand in case of that and I have only had a couple of incidents over 10 years with stomach virus, and one food poisoning -- those resolved through another outlet, though. I still had the typical gagging, etc. which is no fun whether you can throw up or not.
My quality of life has been enhanced so much by this surgery.