After careful selection of a surgeon I had my first full wrap Nissen Fundoplication in December 2016. After an overnight stay in the hospital I was discharged late afternoon. At about
10:30pm that night I was rushed to the ER with severe chest pain caused by a build up of fluids unable to get through the LES. The ER physician had to preside over inserting a tube through the nasal passage and down to the LES to suck out the blockage - it was no fun!
The following day the surgeon carried out an emergency second Nissen Fundoplication realizing that he had done the original wrap too tight. He commented that this was the first time in his career that he had had to go in a second time.
Prior to the surgeries, I had experienced a virtual lifetime of digestive issues - GERD, Gastritis, Reflux Laryngitis and Burning Mouth Syndrome are just some that come to mind.
Over the years I had weened myself off all medications and learned to control my acid reflux by using nutritional measures and portion control.
However, the most stubborn symptoms that would not respond to the nutritional approach were those associated with Burning Mouth Syndrome.
When these particular symptoms became so severe that they were obviously beginning to cause other health issues I seriously began to consider Nissen Fundoplication surgery regardless of risks.
Now, six weeks after the two surgeries, I am still getting the BMS symptoms and in my case, I know the symptoms are not nerve related.
Here's an interesting fact. If I stay up all night without sleeping or taking a nap, I have no BMS symptoms whatever. I only have these symptoms if I take a nap or go to sleep.
I deduce from this that when sleeping or taking a nap, the body must completely relax, causing the LES to
open more than it does at any other time and thus allows free passage for the acid to travel to the mouth.
When I have explained these things to physicians, they just look at me blankly and don't respond.
As far as I know, there is absolutely nothing that can be done about
this, apart from the surgery that I've just had.
I have never heard of anyone else ever having experienced BMS symptoms only when falling asleep - has anyone here?
Post Edited (Rayday) : 1/18/2017 12:15:05 PM (GMT-7)