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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 9/19/2013 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
During my visit with the Gastro consultant on 6th September, he mentioned that surgery may be the only option as none of the tablets they have prescribed so far have helped.

I was wondering if anyone can help me out here, particularly if you are from the UK as our health system differs so much.
I will be having a 24hr PH test probably at the beginning of November (they can't do it any sooner due to waiting list I've been told).
1) What I'd like to know is what other tests are vital pre-surgery to give them an overall better picture of what's doing on?

2) If you were offered or have gone through surgery in the UK, did you meet with the surgeon beforehand and were you able to find out how experienced he was in the type of surgery you required? ie had he done tens or hundreds of the same type?

Finally if you are in the UK was your diagnosis and treatment hampered by long waiting lists?

Thanks.
Posted 9/20/2013 8:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Noelle3

It's Maria I've replied to you on the other thread.

The tests that I think you need are an endoscopy, 24 hour impedance test and a Manometry test.

I've not had surgery so I can't help you with that I'm afraid.

If I were you I 'd get all the tests done first to find out for definite what's wrong then see what the NHS offer in the way of procedures.

You will need to research the procedures for yourself cause knowing the NHS they'll only offer you the fundoplication as that's the one that most hospitals do. Just remember that they are now doing the linx in some hospitals in the NHS and as we are told we can be referred to other hospitals.

Maria
Posted 9/20/2013 10:36 AM (GMT 0)
Noelle3

Sorry I have just looked back at your threads and found out that you've had an endoscopy and you have a hernia so that's why you get the heartburn / acid reflux.

Maria
Posted 9/20/2013 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
The tests I had done pre-surgery was endoscopy, manometry, 24 pH test, barium swallow, and a gastric emptying test. All came back normal except the 24hr pH test. Get as many tests as possible to make sure you and the doctor/surgeon are happy to do the surgery.

Medication never worked for me either, I had the fundo op four days ago and still too early if it has worked yet, still have a dry mouth with a sour taste. My main symptoms before surgery was nausea, acid taste in mouth, dry burning throat, burning stomach with belching and out of breath a lot, never really got chest pain.

You meet with the surgeon before surgery where u can ask questions. I also googled my surgeon so I could have a read up of his experience. Most NHS surgeons have profiles online.

Yes, some NHS hospitals have long waiting times and between having appointments for tests and then returning to to see the doctor can take some time. I was lucky I guess as my 24 pH test was the end of January and my surgery in September, with numerous other tests in between.

Hope u get fixed up soon.
Posted 9/20/2013 1:58 PM (GMT 0)

Mcedge said...
Noelle3

Sorry I have just looked back at your threads and found out that you've had an endoscopy and you have a hernia so that's why you get the heartburn / acid reflux.

Maria


Hi Maria, yes, they found I had a hernia, but it is only 1cm which according to them is nothing and wouldn't cause reflux. They have completely ruled that out as a cause.

I have osteoporosis and took the first and only tablet for it called a bisphosphonate on the 8th May .. and since then I have had nothing but gastric problems. Before that tablet I had no issues whatsoever with my stomach!
Posted 9/20/2013 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Albez, Thank you so much for taking the time so soon after your operation to respond with that information. I may need to pick your brains as time goes by .. so hope you don't mind.

I do hope your recovery goes well. I will keep an eye on your posts and keep my fingers crossed for you. Take care.
Posted 9/20/2013 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah sure, pick a way any time, I don't mind.
This forum has helped me out a lot so only too pleased to help anyone out also.
Thanks for the well wishes.
Posted 9/20/2013 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Noelle3

It's Maria - I answered your questions on the other thread.

I'm confused do you suffer with heartburn/acid reflux or is it mainly stomach problems. If it's stomach problems then I'd ask for the gastric emptying test.
I can't see how the doctors can rule out the hernia not causing the reflux - it just could well be that.

Maria
Posted 9/20/2013 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry Maria for the confusion. Yes, I suffer with reflux and heartburn which is worse at night. Also sore throat during the night and early morning, hoarse voice regularly and intermittent cough.
Posted 9/20/2013 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Noelle3

Did all these symptoms start in May ?

Maria
Posted 9/20/2013 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, they did. I never had reflux/heartburn issues prior to this.
Posted 9/20/2013 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Noelle3

Same for me I never had heartburn /reflux before April . Never had any digestive problems whatsoever I could eat anything. I was quite healthy it all came as a shock really.
I'm pretty sure that yours is caused by your hernia because reading other peoples post a lot of them with reflux seem to have hernias in fact it seems quite common amongst them.

Maria
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