Fundoplication failure

Yes 5 is correct. I've had same problems - where was yours done?

Hi Herself. Thank you for the reply  

I had mine done at East Surrey Hospital. The OP left me in far worse off than I was before it because I still have some of the samt symptoms that I had prior to it. Does anyone else have the same "poisoning" symptoms? 

I'm 3 months post op and I have gone back to pre op symptoms of indigestion, fizzing in stomach and oesophagus, sickness and pain. 

and now Nerve pain that's referred to my shoulder. Trying to get appt brought forward - research I've done indicates it's probably slipped/ too loose.....

just a nightmare. I was so optimistic too.

Hello I'm so sorry you are having symptoms after 3 months. I am as well. It has been 3 months for me and having burning pain etc. I'm waiting to see a Dr in Seattle for another opinion after my surgery. I wish you all the best as I know how discouraging this is. Take care.

One and a half years on from my fundoplication. I have learnt so far that the op itself was a success but during the surgery I was seriously damaged much further down and the result is that food sits at the top of the stomach and ferments before it passes through my system. I am able to eat very little.Since the op I have had very many tests done. The tests post op conducted on behalf of my original surgeon have been withheld from the new surgeon at a different hospital due to my possibly suing the original surgeon. All of which has held up any progress massively in having corrective surgery. It also means I am having those tests again plus others. I am left constantly feeling poisoned. 

Hi,

I had my fundoplication in June 2017 at East Surrey. Really struggling as I can barely eat anything. Weighed 8 stone proor to the operation & have lost just over a stone. Since the operation I have suffered from vomiting (liquid, food & a foam like substance), food sits in my oesophagus (seemingly backing up) & causes excruciating pain in my chest. Sometimes I am willing myself to be sick so that it alleviates the pain! I also suffer from excessive burping & wind which causes chronic stomach ache.

Colin, you mention poisoning. Please can you provide a greater explanation as I feel that certain foods no longer agree with my system. Certain food smells now make me vomit. Certain foods once eaten also cause excruciating stomach pain.

I didn't have any of these symptoms before the operation. I suffered from central pain due to acid reflux & referred pain in my right shoulder. I actually wish that I have never had the fundoplication!

Any advice that anybody can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance 😊

Omg. You need to see surgeons asap as you not only should not be vomiting after this procedure it will never vomit again if you do it means it's come un done or it's too tight if food is getting stuck as well or vitamins or big pills. I would go through the ER as I recently had the same problem after my third reflux surgery in January and that time they had to do a thoracotomy an open me up and take a rib out and cut my Rib muscle in half in order to get to my esphogus and use intestines and etc. to fix it in a couple minutes ago I started vomiting and was choking on pills I didn't go to the emergency room I went to my surgeon but had to go down to the hospital for barium test they said It was too tight and I had to go to endoscopy's doctor then had an appointment at the hospital for endoscopy with dilation and I never thought it would work actually they did inflate the balloon to 20 which is as high as it can go and I have another appointment to see another doctor. I wish I had just gone through ER as all of those tests would've been done there and I did that in January this year and I had to have another surgery if you're having the exact same problems I had this past January and I was admitted and was in hospital for weeks because I couldn't keep things down and I was choking and throwing up so they had to only inject pain medicine and fluids. So if I were u I would get to the hospital asap. forget the surgeon as they will do all the tests there I will pray for you that's horrible I now I'm hoping this balloon thing lasts as I'm still healing from the third one in January and this endoscopy was done a couple weeks ago with the balloon and then I need to see this other doctor to inject Botox or something into my esophagus. IVE HAD THREE OF THESE SURGERIES N THE ONE IN JANUARY I FELT GREAT AFTER UNTIL 5 MONTHS AFTER. SO LAST MONTH WAS WHEN I HAD TO RUN FROM SURGEONS TO HOSPITAL TO DOC TO HOSPITAL ITS RIDICULOUS BUT THIS TIME FOR ME THE ENDOSCOPY WITH DILATION WORKED. GET TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY N MAYBE A DILATION WILL WORK. IM PRAYING FOR U. THEY TOLD ME SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS THAT IT SUDDENLY GETS TIGHT. SO PLEASE PLEASE GET TO HOSPITAL.

Thank you so much for the reply Jenny. I did go back to East Surrey (surgical assessment team) after just 2 weeks because I had been vomiting constantly. They gave me IV fluids initially but when the fluids ran out they didn't replace them. I wasn't given any water unless I asked (it was a very hot weekend!). I was also asked to swallow 2 litres of contrast! They didn't appear to understand my predicament (vomiting/only able to take small sips over a period of hours!). On the second day the surgeons didn't arrive as planned & lack of fluids made me feel like death. I discharged myself & have been struggling to get an appointment/endoscopy ever since. My GP had to request an emergency endoscopy which is now planned for this coming Monday. I see the surgeon who carried out my operation soon afterwards. Hoping that I don't have to have it redone & in hindsight, really wish that I hadn't had the operation in the first place. I will pray for you too & hope that you continue to recover. Thanks again for responding & providing advice. It really is much appreciated x

I'm Appalled The two weeks after surgery u went back and they didn't anything. I live in New York do you live in America or another country ?

You need an endoscopy with dilation I would mention that to your doctor who's doing the endoscopy on Monday as it clearly is too tight and maybe that will work for you as well because if you Vomit n burp instead of passing gas the other end lol n can't eat etc etc that's the first sign something is terribly wrong and if you hadn't had this done as I hear ppl saying over n over but if I hadn't had this done for me I had pre-cancer in my esophagus Barrets is what they call it here so either I would've gotten esophageal cancer and died or had the surgery the first one lasted eight years the second one only lasted three years and this one is a really giving me trouble after 5 1/2 months but I'm still alive so I don't wish I never had it done I'd be dead by now with a horrible death of espghogeal cancer. And now the pre-cancer cells have all disappeared. This surgery is only done when by medicines stop working I dealt with this since I was 17 and by the age of 40 I was vomiting every day and was on seven different stomach medications and had Barrett's Esphogus pre-cancer so they don't do this lightly I don't know about where you live but it sounds like you needed to have it done I think anyone that has this done must have had two choices like me. Either cancer from all the acid reflux in my esophagus or have the surgery they say only 5% needs to be redone I must be in the world book of records then because I'm on going on a fourth possibly I hope to God not. good luck I will pray for you and don't forget to mention dilation to the endoscopy doctor

I live in the UK. I too am appalled that they didn't do anything & despite complaining haven't really bothered to assist without having first received a request for emergency intervention from my own GP.

I will definitely mention the dilation to the endoscopy consultant before they sedate me.

Thanks again for all of your help & advice. I am sending positive thoughts & prayers to you 😊

I had a fundoplication a couple of years ago which was successful. I too had problems with food backing up so ended up with a follow up endoscopy to use a balloon that inflates and stretches the oesophagus to make food go down a bit easier. I think the scarring can make things a bit too tight which can be alleviated with a bit of stretching. The burping and wind lasted a few months for me but got easier over time. They say that it can take up to a year to get back to normal after the op which was about right for me but obviously things get easier as that year goes on.

Fast forward to this year and I've been suffering with nausea with certain foods, stomach pain, bowel pain, etc. I've been back for another endoscopy and colonoscopy and have been diagnosed with gastritis. I haven't had the results of the biopsy that was taken from my stomach yet to work out why I have the gastritis but it could just be down to the excess acid which is still in my stomach (it just doesn't get past the oesophagus). I'm back on PPIs for the time being and if the cause of the gastritis is the acid then will probably stay on them until the stomach has a chance to repair itself if not permanently.

It's very early days for you having only had your fundoplication a few weeks ago so don't be too concerned that things don't feel right yet but definitely get things checked out if you can if not just for peach of mind!

Thank you for sharing your experience with me Ben it's much appreciated. I am hopeful that the endoscopy will help to diagnose the problem & am hopeful that there is a simple solution.

Fingers crossed!

My thoughts n prayers I sent as well to you I do hope the endoscopy works and they do dilation I see the motility doctor Tuesday he is the one that's going to see why my sphincter is not opening and shutting properly and they use Botox for everything now and apparently that may happen so we will have to update each other next week you on Monday let me know and I will let you know how mine goes Tuesday God bless

Yes let's catch up on Tuesday. In the interim period, I hope you have a restful weekend 😊

You too my dear. Let's talk Monday so u can let me know how ur endoscopy went ok

Sorry that I didn't get back to you yesterday. I didn't have my endoscopy until 18.00hours & opted for sedation. My ability to think logically didn't return until today. Unfortunately the endoscopy shows that the wrap is too tight! Going back to my GP this morning as the hospital didn't perform a dilation so I am still in exactly the same situation & am no further forward.

I hope that you are ok & that today's outcome is positive. Please let me know how you get on x

Hi Ben, please can I ask how many dilations you had before you could eat properly? The surgeon has informed me that the procedure may need to be repeated if unsuccessful. Also, the hospital have missed the timeline in which the 360 degree wrap could have been undone & replaced for partial wrap. Did this happen to you? 

How did endoscopy go? Did they do dilation?  I'm already burping again n saw motility doc n  he told me the balloon goes in to inflate esophagus but then is uninflated and comes out so my esophagus may have gone too tight again so now Monday I have to see him and he's going to put that 3 foot tube through my nose down into my stomach I've had that done before it's horrible as you're awake I've  had it done for my throat and it's bad enough but the one all the way to your stomach oh my gosh I'll probably throw up I'm scared I'm going to need the fourth surgery as it's only been three weeks after this balloon endoscopy I'm burping and appetite isn't so great sorry for the bad news how are you doing 

I just saw this. I can't believe they didn't do dilation as they did it to me in January n it failed leaving me to have that 3rd repair thru a thoracotomy which was aweful n now mine became too tight again as I already told u n had dilation but I just replied on that to another question we were sharing on. Let me know 

Absolutely horrified that the hospital have missed a crucial opportunity to reverse the full 360 wrap & replace with the partial wrap. My surgeon was on holiday when I deteriorated but they wouldn't let me see anybody else! Going to have the dilation under GA over the next couple of weeks. So sorry to hear that you are still struggling & have to have a tube inserted into your stomach via your nose! I too have had a similar procedure for the PH manometary test. I shan't tell you what happened but can completely appreciate what you are going through & would advise you to concentrate on one thing during the procedure! Count if you need to, focus on an image, keep your mind on something else & remember to breathe! You will get through it. You are strong & accomplish anything if you put your mind to it 😊 

I will be thinking of you on Monday. Please let me know how it goes. I will let you know when I get my dilation. Take care & stay strong 

Thank u  beaula. Is that your name?  Mine is Jennifer or jenny most ppl call me lol. Anyway thx for advice on counting numbers as that helps a person get out of a panic attack asap. So thx for reminding me. I'm so tired of all this and I have 10 herniated disks my neck 5 n entire lumbar spine 5. N a bad surgery done on left arm n I'm left handed so I've been going thru a lot these past 20 years it sucks but I'm keeping my faith that it will all be ok. I saw a top notch neurosurgeon in NYC N he won't operate on my neck or back as they are too far gone. So at least I didn't see a quack doc who wanted to operate n leave me paralyzed. But this stomach s**t I've been dealing with since I was 17 yrs old n 3 surgeries so I hope I won't need 4th. I will be praying for u that dilation works n let you know wat happens after doc on Monday. Take care n stay strong. 

My name is Karina. It's so nice to talk to you Jenny. Life after failed surgery is sometimes a very lonely place! Wow! It's sounds like you've been through so much already! I really hope that you manage to get all of your digestive issues sorted swiftly. Let me know how it goes & remember that it doesn't matter what happens in that room on Monday! The consultants/nurses have seen it all before & essentially all that matters is you! If you're struggling be honest. Insist that they stop for a moment whilst you compose yourself. You are number one! Take care. Big hugs 🤗 

Thank u Karina. What a beautiful name. It has been a lonely place. I have 3x husbands now but two great kids a daughter who is 27 n son who is 20 n they r doing great. My daughter has a fantastic job making so much money n is getting married in October n my son is finishing his 4th year at Univ of Alabama. We live   In New York on Long Island. Do u have Facebook we can friend eachother n make it easier to talk to. My FB is under Jenny McCarthy Santelli so friend me if u have Facebook 

Thank you Jenny. I've never really set up my FB properly but will definitely do so this weekend & will friend you when complete. Speak soon x

I just had the one dilation. I'd been getting what felt like acid for a while after the operation and had been struggling to eat anything solid for a while. It got easier but I was still having problems ocassionally about 6 months after the op. I then had a stomach bug with what would have been heavy vomiting (I realise that I don't bring much up any more). They booked me in with the surgeon to take a look to make sure everything was still OK and to perform the dilation, The surgeon said it could take a few dilations to get things to where they need to be but either it worked first time or things just got easier to the length of time after the operation I'm not sure. I'm eating fine now and apart from very fizzy drinks I can eat and drink pretty much anything (or could until the gastritis flared up!). I'm surprised they didn't do the dilation for you when they did the endoscopy? It didn't make the procedure any longer when I had it done and didn't seem a big deal from the hospitals point of view- just a slight different or extra bit of equipment to use while they were doing it. Did they say why they didn't do it?

Thanks Ben. A consultant carried out my endoscopy & didn't appear to know anything about my case! He read through my notes & asked a series of questions before sedating me. I saw the surgeon today & he said that I would need a general anesthetic during the dilation. I didn't ask why they didn't perform it on Monday but can only assume that the consultant either doesn't perform dilations or that my endoscopy was just an investigative procedure to ascertain whether the wrap was still in place & whether it is too tight. Did you have a general for yours? 

Yes set it up. Everyone here in USA seems to have it n it's a great way to keep up w friends n especially overseas as it costs nothing n I've reconnected with high school friends whom I hadn't seen in 35 years lol. It will be nice as we can communicate thru there n messenger which is free texting basically thru Facebook so it will be fun n easier. I've been on since 2008 when it got cool for adults to FB lol. I have tons of pics etc. can't wait to see u n talk. Def do it. N take care of yourself. Talk soon xo

I was awake for the dilation and have tended to not have sedation so I I've known what's going on. The dilation was pretty straightforwards - I think it was some kind of balloon that was inflated and was barely noticeable. There might be different kinds of dilation but that was all I was offered and it seemed to help.

Are you being treated on the NHS or privately?

The surgeon said that he would be using a balloon & that the size would be increased gradually. I'm guessing that he read my notes from Monday & has been informed that I was trying to remove the camera/scope even under the influence of sedation! I don't remember anything! I hate endoscopys & become very anxious as I had my first one wide awake. Endoscopys are my worst nightmare & perhaps the process is rather delicate as there is a chance that the area can perforate.

Did you have a full 360 or a partial wrap?

I am being treated by the NHS.

What do you think about the missed timeline in un doing the 360 wrap & replacing it for a partial wrap. 

Were you treated privately or on the NHS?

I've NEVER HAD general anesthesia for endoscopy or colonoscopy they do wats called twilight here which is propathol n they say u know wats going on but no way it feels like general but easier to wake up from etc. I've never heard of being awKe that's sadistic lol. But I had full wrap 3x but after second one they used the last of my stomach so had to open me up thru thoracotomy n remove a rib n cut rib muscle in half to get to esphogus n repair again but had to use some of my intestines for wrap. Now 5 1/2 months later it's too tight. Dilation a few weeks ago worked but I'm starting to get reflux again hence appt Monday for tube up nose down to stomache n only God knows wAt comes next. Karina u Need dilation. Here 20 is as far as balloon goes n he had to dilate mine to 20 as it closed way too tight. Ugh. Good luck n we will talk Monday or get ur FB acct up n we can talk over weekend 

Weird! Perhaps they're concerned that I may tamper with the equipment whilst under the influence! Lol We will talk on FB over the weekend. Night, night sweet dreams 

I was lucky that my local NHS doesn't do these types of treatments so they sent me privately which I was more than happy with. They did a full 360 wrap. I wasn't given the option of a partial wrap but was given the option of Lynx which looked interesting but was fairly new so I opted for the fundoplication. I hadn't realised there was a timeline after which the wrap can be replaced. It might be worth getting a second opinion especially if you are able to see someone privately? I felt there were a lot more options given to me even though it was funded by the NHS.

I hated the first endoscopy, managed better with the second and by concentrating on my breathing got through the third without any issues. I think it's the fear of it beforehand that's the worst which then makes it hard to relax and then makes it more likely you'll wretch and gag. I had sedation for the colonoscopy but it didn't seem to have any effect at all!

It's still early days for you and once you've managed to have dilation and started to benefit from it I'm sure you'll start to see an improvement. It seems like a long road but you'll get there in the end I'm sure.

Well I'm glad they will used general n know u out lol. Yeah my dilation was just a few weeks ago but I'm p****d that  this has even happened after five and half months from those huge surgeries in January but it is what it is I've been dealing with stomach issues for so many decades the doctor I see Monday told me when I saw him yesterday that since it's been a problem for me since I was 17 my esophagus is just not worked right probably why I'm in the 1  % of ppl that need 2 redos. Only 5% need a second one so I pray u don't need 2nd. Sweet dreams n look forward to ur FB invite lol