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Should I have the surgery?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 11/27/2007 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, everyone!  I'm new to this site, have surgery scheduled for January 9, and am wondering if it is the best thing for me.  I would love to hear some opinions from you!

My reflux started over 20 years ago...the doctors at the time said that I did have a lax LES valve but that the symptoms would go away after the stress of college was over (isn't that when it really begins??).  I'd say that it did get better and I haven't experienced much GERD in the past 10 years until 6 months ago, and I was really taking nothing but the occasional Tums.

I had an endoscopy on July 31 and found that I have a hiatal hernia and Barratts esophagus.  My gastro doctor put me on 40mg Zegerid which is working wonders!  But the insurance is giving me a hard time...had to get authorization after before the second refill.  I did see a thorasic cancer surgeon who said I am a good candidate for the laproscopic fundo surgery.  I have it scheduled for Jan 9 but am having some second thoughts.

The medication is indeed helping, but I feel that it may just be masking the GERD symptoms and that the Barratts will be able to progress unless the stuff is prevented from washing up into my esophagus.  But I am getting some negative information from others who feel I should only consider the surgery as a very last resort.

I am also worried about the long-lasting or permanent effects such as gas/bloating, not being able to vomit, and never being able to eat comfortably again.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

Posted 11/27/2007 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
pizza ever again:

I invite you to do some reading if you have not done so already. Start with a topic on page 2 entitled "post op nissen/hiatal hernia repair started by Porcelain Doll. Once you finish that, go on to part 2 which is a few subjects down from this one. You will have quite a few opinions from people who have had this surgery in 2005 and as recent as 6 weeks ago. I'm 5 weeks post op today. I AM THRILLED I HAD THIS SURGERY AND HAVE NO REGRETS. I'd go on, but I've filled lots of space in the post op nissen/hiatal hernia repair area with how much this has changed my life.

I haven't touched a PPI in 5 weeks and I feel fantastic. Remember this procedure is not 100% all the time, some people don't have perfect outcomes; I happen to be one of the lucky ones. Go read those post op nissen posts and get some first-hand information.

I bet you'll be more comfortable on January 9th after reading those posts written by people your own age who have "been there and done that".

Welcome to a great place to find information and support.
Posted 11/27/2007 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Just make sure you receive adequate anticipatory guidance from your surgeon re: recovery. you will lose wt and may become temp weak due to malnutrition. I have right rib pain which I'm told is from damage to my phrenic nerve as I had diaphragrmatic repair. My surgery was done as an emergency so I had to accept risks to save my life. I have pain when I eat too much now and some people think I'm anorexic. If they only knew- this is not the way one chooses to lose weight. Expect poss diff swallowing and inability to vomit. Stick to the boring soft diet as long as you can. Wish I did. Also, I returned to manual labor as a nurse and mother too early, but w/ surgeon's blessing. Ended up rehospitalized w/ a pneumothorax after coaching 10 yr old girls basketball game. I was always fit and thin, so I was diagnosed too late to make an educated choice. Good Luck.
Posted 11/27/2007 4:48 AM (GMT 0)

pizza ever again, If you already have Barrett's esophagus and you need the surgery, my unprofessional opinion is that you should have it done.  I lost a close personal friend a couple of years ago from esophageal cancer.  He had Barrett's esophagus for several years and had his endoscopies and all the other tests on a yearly basis.  He hadn't been feeling well for several weeks, but had been under a lot of stress at work, then one morning his wife had to rush him to the ER because of the pain.  That's when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.  He only lived about six months.  While I'm not trying to scare you, I want you to know what can happen and I want you to take good care of yourself.

By the way, if you have the lap Nissen, you will be able to eat pizza again, just not right away.

Take care!

Carla

By the way, welcome to HealingWell.

Posted 11/27/2007 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hey pizza...Just wanted to welcome you to healingwell, and yes, I too invite you to do some reading on the procedure, as there is so much information on the procedure. Please, stick with us, and let us know what you decide, and how you are doing. This is a great forum, full of so many caring people who are willing to help. You will get so much information and support here, so stick around!
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