Chronic Cough/GERD

Mobox3

New Member

Joined : Feb 2015

Posts : 2

Posted 2/22/2015 4:30 AM (GMT 0)

I am 67 years old. I have had a chronic cough for 20 months. I am being treated for GERD, esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus with numerous meds (Carafate, Dexilant, Reglan, Misopristol, just to name a few.
I have been to atleast 10 doctors here and no one ever mentioned GERD as cause of cough. I went to Vanderbilt Medical Center, in November and based on all of the GI tests and EGDs that I had had done, they said that I needed Nissen Fundoplication surgery.
My GI Dr. here thinks that I should have the surgery locally in case there are complications. I saw a surgeon here recently who inferred that I should have Gastric Bypass surgery instead because I am obese (5'4" and 205 lbs.).
I am seeing another surgeon on Tuesday. I am totally frustrated because I don't know what ?? to ask and him not looking at my weight issues first.
The cough is wearing me out and I cannot lie down to sleep; thank God for recliners! I am so tired of taking medicine and feeling bad. I am not able to eat anything with tomatoes or sauces in them, no caffeine, no spivey foods. Bread sticks going down. I am miserable.
Is the surgery my only recourse?

Sweetie UK

Regular Member

Joined : Dec 2014

Posts : 213

Posted 2/22/2015 8:58 AM (GMT 0)

Hi There!
I can totally relate to the coughing issues you are having! I have put a thick plank of wood under the head of my bed to elevate it - so I don't have to sleep on a recliner! Looking at your weight - I think the by-pass is very drastic - I would get the second opinion. With changing your eating habits to ease your symptoms - the weight will come off anyway (I've lost over 34lbs without trying).
I am waiting for a fundoplication - I think in your case it would be a pretty good option - as you already have issues with your esophagus - and the meds are not working so well for you. If you do go for a local option - make sure it's a surgeon who has done this a lot of times - and ask how many 're-do's' they have had to perform (will give you an idea how good they are).
As for helping stop that cough - do you stop eating 3 hours before bed and stop drinking 2 hours before bed? It really helps me!
I can't comment on post op results - I'm not there yet - but my surgeon said that I should be able to enjoy the foods I can't have now after a few months re-coup!
Take care - and let me know how you get on.

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