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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 12/22/2013 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi when I found this forum almost a year ago I did not realise all the answers that just reading peoples stories gave to me. Now I know that having a fundoplication almost 13years ago(my history is in my earlier blogs) has left me with certain health problems that doctors put down to irritable bowel syndrome. Don't get me wrong having the op was the best thing I did although here in Uk I have not met anyone who has had the procedure. Then all those years ago I turned up at the hospital, so naive that I didn't realise I would be practically anorexic within a month trying to eat normal food (I was given sausage & mash my 3rd day in hospital) My poor husband took me to A&E because I was dry heaving and I was eating nothing. I was put on anti-biotics. In the end after 3 months I had a dilation it was like a miracle and from then on until 4years ago when my problems started again I had no more heartburn. Of course now I see my wrap was too tight, I was trying to eat normally, if this site was around then I would have known to eat soups etc I don't know how I survived!! I have been left with lots of flatulance and bloating especially if I eat raw veg or fruit or fried food that has never got better in 13 years, but I learn to live with it making adjustments to my diet. Because of all your stories I can see its just not me that has been left with these symptoms so I can cope with that. Thank you all. Best wishes from Rita.
Posted 12/22/2013 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Rita

Do you think your wrap is failing? Have you been for any tests?

If the tests prove that the wrap is failing will you have it redone.? If you do then at least this time you'll know what to eat and drink for the first few weeks.

If you suffer with bloat maybe next time you could have a discussion with your surgeon about having a toupet.

Take care

Maria
Posted 12/22/2013 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi maria. Since problems re-started I have had the usual tests, 3 endoscopes, 3 ph acid + manometres 1 barium test. Had last tests in Nottingham because they have high resolution camera but because Consult is in Derby my results from 11th November are somewhere in the nhs mid- space! Hope wrap has not failed. I have very bad heartburn for 2 days then the next day, or 2 I'm good then back to ill again. There is no reason to it, I eat the same do the same but don't know why I feel so ill one day but fine another. Medications have never worked for me I just use sucrafate and an anti- sickness + gaviscon on bad days. Whats a toupets? Thanks Rita
Posted 12/23/2013 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Rita-

good to see you again!

You know when you had your surgery they weren't doing the newer floppy wrap and a side effect of the old style is bloating and long lasting flatulance. You said a dilation helped for a while. How long ago was that?

Sometimes it takes a couple of them fo stretch the wrap enough if it's tight. Also with a tight wrap you are more likely to have fermenting from food sitting at the wrap. I had this happen to me with my 1st as it was done wrong and I couldn't get food past the wrap correctly. Mine HAD to be redone because my esophagus was at a 90 degree angle to my stomach at rest instead of inline. My fault for not researching my surgeon. I understand you don't have the options we have here in the US to choose your own doctor? Is this correct?

What were the results of your testing? A barium swallow would show if food is sticking in the esophagus or at the wrap. With my 1st the 12mm tablet took over 30 minutes to dissolve enough to go through. Should have taken 30 seconds or less.

Hang in there and if possible get a second opinion. There is someone out there who can help you.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 12/23/2013 9:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill thanks for reply , spot on as usual. Here in Uk its a bit difficult as this type of operation is not performed as regularly as in Us. My original surgeon dismissed me as if I should think his operations go wrong! Since then I have seen 3 doctors, the last one told me I was doing things wrong & to find a surgeon who still does the operation. This I did via google found out he does 2 ops a week(ok its not many but give it a go)went to see him. This takes weeks if not months here unless you go private. Moving forwards I had endoscopy by him in August, and ph acid +manometry in Nov at a uni hospital. The guy who did this did mention that it seems my wrap was intact but 'a bit tight'. I am now still waiting for consultation to discuss these findings. Because it was 2 hospitals my results are lost somewhere. I have rung receptionist several times, there is no way here to speak direct to doctor unfortunately. As soon as holidays over I will be back on phone. Another thing Bill I did have barium a year ago the radiographer said 'your reflux is back big time' wish I had that on tape now it was the only positive result I have. The dilation was 3 months after my original op 13 years ago, and lasted over 9 years. Well Bill thats a potted version of my problems but thank you so much to everyone for their valuable help. Best wishes for Xmas from Rita
Posted 12/23/2013 10:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rita

The toupet is a partial wrap.

I was reading your previous post to Bill and you were talking about surgeons. You need to find a bariatic surgeon or one that specialises in upper GI but that's only if you need to get a redo though. There are plenty within the NHS.

Even if you go private the surgeon is usually an NHS surgeon but also does private work.

This surgery is performed in the Uk more than you realise.Its just that most people get on with their lives after surgery with no problems so don't even mention that they've had surgery.

I know that surgeons say that the life of the wrap is about 5-10 years and sometimes longer if we're lucky although some do fail sooner or don't work at all. You had yours 13 years ago so maybe you are starting to have problems.

I'm only 6 weeks out of my operations and having problems. Like you I seem to be ok one day and then the next I get heartburn/chest pain no rhyme or reason to it but it can list for 24 hours. I'm hoping that mine settles and it's just early days and swelling.

I hope you get your results soon and they prove that your reflux is back and you can get the wrap redone.

Take care


Maria
Posted 12/23/2013 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Maria for your most useful information there was me thinking I was exclusive to this operation lol. I can see the pros and cons now of having a full wrap or partial wrap. I am still hoping mine is ok keeping fingers crossed. I managed to get the Consultants secretary and she found out my results went to the wrong department at Derby hospital but could she get them back? No way so she has had to send for them again. I said that I could have fetched them myself, she just laughed. So thats another week to wait !! Maria I hope you are feeling a bit better today I would love your operation to last as long as my original one. 6weeks is a short while in the scheme of things to do with this op so keep positive. Best wishes for the holidays wheres the snow !! Rita
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