Posted 6/7/2017 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. New Member here.
After years of acid reflux so severe that drugs like Protonix couldn't keep my stomach contents from spewing out my nose at night, I had the Linx device installed about 2-1/2 years ago. . At first, I had trouble swallowing so it was dilated. It seemed to help but I had increased episodes of swallowing difficulties as well as increased reflux. An upper GI showed even liquids hesitating before going through the lower end of the esophagus. They also found that I was swallowing excessive amounts of air which ended to build up pressure and force stomach liquids out. I elected to not have another dilation for fear it would increase the reflux.
about 4 months ago, I was using 40mg of a generic Protonix twice a day which didn't help much. I had a constant cough due to inflammation of my throat. One evening I had chest pain so severe that I couldn't stand up and had trouble breathing. I went to the ER and was admitted to the hospital. The pain subsided after about 3 hours but they kept me and did every cardiac test known to man over the next 36 hours. The conclusion was that it was probably spasms in my esophagus.
Two months later, my stomach was constantly distressed and it acted as if the valve was wide open all the time. I had a constant flow of acid back into my esophagus. An Urgent care doctor said the generic PPI's were marginally effective because of their release rate. He suggested an over the counter antacid, Gaviscon, to take any time I feel any heartburn and before I go to bed. It eliminated 90% of my distress. Then, after a swallowing test which showed low muscle activity, the GI doctor prescribed Baclofen which increases the action of the muscles in the lower esophagus. I take it just before I go to bed (instead of the antacid) and I've had no significant reflux since except for when I bend over. The doctor is still contemplating removal of the Linx but wants to give the Baclofen a fair trial.