HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Having Fundoplication Surgery early February for stomach and breathing issues. Anyone else?

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/15/2017 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
I developed stomach and breathing problems for the first time in 2015 and this site has been extremely helpful in that I've discovered I'm not alone in this. I don't know anyone else with these issues so I'm keen to speak to others who might be going through similar symptoms or having surgery around the same time as me. The breathing issues have been particularly scary but athsma medication and the occasional steroids have been helpful. I took a turn for the worse two months ago after a very stressful month in my life and I haven't really recovered. I can't take PPIs for more than 3 weeks at a time as I develop extreme bone pain, muscle cramps and iron and B12 deficiency. I also itch all over. My doctors are calling me 'unique' and this has made my case complicated to manage. Is there anyone else having the surgery who would like to be in contact for encouragement and comparing notes? I do feel quite isolated and it's been a long road. None of my GPs had ever heard of breathing and lung issues related to reflux. I happened to be very lucky in that my boss at the time I became ill was a very good, very informed Respiratory Consultant who immediately recognised my symptoms and correctly guessed their cause and helped me to convince my GPs!
Posted 1/16/2017 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
i can relate, to the breathing issues. 1/3 of my stomach went north, and was preventing a lung from expanding. this is not fun. dont be afraid, to ask your Dr, for soothing to calm you down, if needed. i know this sucks. hang in there.
Posted 1/17/2017 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
If you do not have a hiatal hernia then stop the surgery and look to eastern medicine or look to getting the lynx (USC in los angeles is very good), I WOULD NEVER GET A NISSEN AGAIN. I got surgery in august of 2016 and have not been the same. I am looking to get it taken down...have an apt with USC doctor tomorrow. Yes their is success stories and lives have been saved from this surgery, but their is a reason why the lynx is perhaps the best alterenative...its less invasive. With the nissen your basically turning your stomach into a frankein stein stomach...lifting the fundous around your esophagus. In doing so their are many issues. I would get a second opinion or think about the lynx or try eastern medicine to help.
Posted 1/19/2017 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
I did look into the Lynx. If you qualify for it, my doctor fully supported the lynx. I did not because I did not have enough swallow strength or something to open it. 2nd opinions don't hurt either. Not sure on eastern medicine. Depends on what is causing your issues. Physical vs Chemical. If its physical, you have to do something. Meds won't work.

My issue was my LES didn't close and I had a small Hiatal Hernia . So I had to do something. I was on PPI mes, Zantac 300, and Tumms. I was on them all with no relieve. In fact I was getting worse.

My reflux caused breathing issues and I even got misdiagnosed as having Bronchitis 2 times before we realized it was my reflux getting worse. Much of my asthma was from reflux burning my lungs. I would feel it playing sports. My issue was physical though. Not too much acid.

I had a Nissen done in December 5 weeks ago. Since then, It has been 100% 180 for me. Lost all the weight I put on (not on purpose, but useful) and I'm off all reflux meds. I have no reflux. Swallowing is a pain sometimes. Food choices are still lame. But I feel so much better.

Things I didn't realize fully, Get anti Nausea meds. Use them if you feel sick. If it says you can start food on Day x, you don't have to. I almost got in trouble going to fish too quickly. Swallowing takes time. It will get better, then worse, then better, then better, then worse, then better again. Each time the better is even better. If things get tough, back off to softer food. Also, you won't know your new norm for a while. So take your time. Don't get excited and rush. And of course, Chew Chew Chew Chew. You'll hear that alot.

Good luck with what you decide.
Posted 2/18/2017 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I had the Nissen Fundoplication 1.5 weeks ago. I am English and my doctor referred me to one of the best surgeons in the world who happens to be fairly local to me and of course everything is free here so I went along with my doctor's recommendation and the surgery without having to do much except research the surgery and turn up to my op. Because of his reputation I had no concerns about the surgery, except for the standard risks associated with any surgery.

I have been burping since just after my op which is apparently a good sign, don't have too much pain and already I don't have many of the symptoms I had even two weeks ago. He asked me to stay on a liquid diet for four weeks so I'm currently just having strained soups, milk and melted ice cream. He said it was just easier this way. He did it as a day case and I was home the same day.

My respiratory consultant will see me in three months, slowly reduce my breathing meds and run some tests to check for lung damage etc so I'm hoping this will improve, this is my biggest concern about this illness. It was encouraging to see others also have these symptoms thank you. I will probably be back with more questions but so far, so good.

thank you all
Posted 2/18/2017 12:12 AM (GMT 0)

smlafleur said...
If you do not have a hiatal hernia then stop the surgery and look to eastern medicine or look to getting the lynx (USC in los angeles is very good), I WOULD NEVER GET A NISSEN AGAIN. I got surgery in august of 2016 and have not been the same. I am looking to get it taken down...have an apt with USC doctor tomorrow. Yes their is success stories and lives have been saved from this surgery, but their is a reason why the lynx is perhaps the best alterenative...its less invasive. With the nissen your basically turning your stomach into a frankein stein stomach...lifting the fundous around your esophagus. In doing so their are many issues. I would get a second opinion or think about the lynx or try eastern medicine to help.

Thank you. I don't have a hernia/ I live in England. I use a very gifted acupuncturist alongside the medical care. She has done wonders for my stomach but obviously where stomach acid is going into the lungs because the valve doesn't close then that is a mechanical issue and surgery seems the best option.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply