Fundoplication - surgical opinion
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi, I have acid reflux and vomit bile most mornings, along with heartburn on and off all day. I have been on 40mg omeprazole for 4 years and it appeared to give some mild relief at first, now it has no effect. I was referred to the hospital as there was nothing else medically to try (we'd tried every combination of the few meds), and was referred for some tests. The results came back that I have a slightly lax lower oesophageal sphincter and a raise DeMeester score, along with a very small hernia.
My gastroenterologist has referred me to the surgeons for consideration for surgery but whilst waiting I'm working myself up over the fact that if they say they won't operate then I'm potentially left to vomit daily and lose my voice so often it makes working life difficult too. I know it's a question only the surgeon can answer 100% but does anyone know the criteria for the surgery on the NHS/whether I would meet it?
1 like, 10 replies
derek76 aaa1989
Posted
Glennie68 aaa1989
Posted
I have just had a laproscopic fundoplicatin operation done. I can belch and I'm pretty sure I could vomit too. It depends on the wrap you have done. I had a 270 toupet as opposed to a 360 nissen. This is a wrap that is much less likely to be too tight and cause swallowing problems. I thought I would be on clear liquids for days -but surgeon said soft diet day after op, so mashed potaoes and gravy, weetabix with lots of milk etc. Ask if your surgeon does a partial wrap! Linx can be ok but not good if you have a hernia over 3cm. Also this may need replaced after 10 years.
moonbuggy Glennie68
Posted
How are you? Did you stay overnight after?
Please be careful with eating. My surgeon advised me to stay on soft foods as long as possible as this will help the healing. Worst things for me were scrambled eggs and rice as they kept getting stuck
Glennie68 moonbuggy
Posted
I had a night in hospital due to an unforeseeable complication, but was really glad as my shoulders hurt like hell! I don't mind the soft food diet. Having to eat jelly and custard, mashed potatoes and gravy, weetabix and milk makes me feel like I am about 7 again! The hospital stay over was not that unexpected, I did pack in case anyway as the operation was in the afternoon. I went in at 3pm and didn't get out of theatre until 5.30pm. Incidentally a lady who had the same op before me had to stay over too. I reckon the only way it can be done in a day is when you are in first thing. It's very early days, but I'm feeling o.k.
jules5527 Glennie68
Posted
Glennie68 jules5527
Posted
I really hope you can get sorted too. I remember reading an article about anti-reflux surgery - where it basically said you would have a fight on your hands - and you do! Once they say they'll do something - you still have to wait an age until all the tests are done.
I'm glad to be through this part - just have to build up my strength again. I've not encountered any swallowing issues yet - but I'm sticking to mushy food for now - and crushing all my tablets!
billy63414 aaa1989
Posted
if i cough before i have tea its like am choking and gasping for air, i have told the doc this but i havent been told about surgey to stop this.I hope they do the surgery for you
moonbuggy aaa1989
Posted
I had mine done a few months ago. I can belch ok and eat normally now. There can be some unpleasant side effects for a while so you need to be aware (not all surgeons tell you about those!)
I had chronic diarhea for 3 months to the point I was terrified to leave the house. This has now stopped. I now seem to have chronic flatulence but not sure if that is to do with the op or not. Also make sure you get a good surgeon.
aaa1989 moonbuggy
Posted
moonbuggy aaa1989
Posted
Thanks. Everyone is different I guess. I think some of my issues were that I also had my gall bladder out a few months before the Nissen so I think my digestive system has had a bit of a bashing (not to mention the tum looking like a jigsaw with all the portholes - 11 now - LOL)