Linx surgery for acid reflux

Hi Stuart,

I would really love to hear how you are doing since your LINX surgery. I am scheduled for the LINX on June 9th. How bad we're your side effects after surgery? Are you now symptom free? I am dying to have relief from my gerd! I am only 29 and have been dealing with this since I was 18. I had more silent reflux symptoms so I was only diagnosed 2.5 years ago. I was put on dexilant which helped tremendously in the beginning but I still had symptoms and now 2 years after being on PPI my symptoms are not controlled with PPI anymore. My dr at UCLA referred me to a surgeon after my PH test showed significant gerd. I haven't been able to talk directly to anyone who has had the Linx done.

my surgeon at ucla tells me the Nissen or Linx would be a good option for me. I am going with LINX since it doesn't change your anatomy and is reversible and supposedly doesn't have the side effects the Nissen does. Could you please let me know your experience with LINX and whether you are now symptom free and living a normal life? Thanks and hope to hear from you! 

I am in the UK and PPIs not working with reflux symptoms which are pretty much all day. Considering LINKS procedure but doesn't seem very much available on the NHS in the UK. I know Royal Exeter does it but not my area. Has anyone had experience of trying to get this surgery on the NHS or know hospitals in London that offer it on the NHS?

You are entitled to ask to be referred to any hospital. I asked to be referred from Edinburgh to The Freeman in Newcastle for a prostate laser procedure that had not reached Scotland.

A friend asked to be referred from Inverness to Kings College in London.

Not only was he referred but the NHS paid his travel expenses.

Hey Elizabeth! Sweet name by the way haha. I'm 21 and I have severe acid reflux, and am just now being diagnosed with LPR. It seems like these Western doctors tend to just want to prescribe PPIs and not get to the root of the problem. I too have been taking dexilant and it worked wonders at first but has now stopped. The reflux has gotten to the point where my voice will go raspy and hoarse while I talk to customers at work. I'm dying to look into the LINX surgery. How did yours go? Are you symptoms decreased now? 

Thanks so much in advance. 

The titanium is only used in the measuring tool and not the linx device itself 

I had it done June 17 on tht nhs and I am 100% better. No more ppis no symptoms nothing I would never ever have the Nissen. I've researcher IT as I dodbt know if o would be a candidate for LINX and there are far too many horror stories I think I'd rather put up Witt the pain than have that done it's horrific 

I believe I saw on some of these comments that when you burped, it tasted like sulfur? Has that gone away?

Not completely but I can manage it better as long as I eat meals and not pick 

I now eat less outside of mealtimes and as long as o do that it's fine but my consultant said it could take a year and it's not causing me pain or other issues so I'll take it

How are you Elizabeth ? Hope you've had some good news and things are a little better 

Hi Stu

I went in to have the operation in April and they cut a vein, so didn't do the original operation had to open me up to fix the vein.

I now have a date for the op in December, but have looked at different site, I didn't do this before. The amount of negaqtive experiences people have had is unbelievable. I think my bottle has gone now. Are you still ok eating and do you have the feeling that you can;t swallow. How have you been that you can't vomit? and what about cramping pains and flatulence. I am so worried that it won't work. Yours is the first more positie review. Do you have to be careful what you eat??

Thanks

Carol

Hi Kate

St Helier Hospital and Shirley Oaks Hospital

Royal Devon & Exeter nhs

Hi

Can I ask if u had the linx done on the nhs and how d

Did u apply for funding ?

Hi Summer

Mine is all being organised via my specialist at St Helier Hospital on the NHS. you need to get your GP to refer you to a GI specialist who will do all the tests and you can ask whether they do the procedure or refer you onwards to a specialist or hospital that does.

I go in for my pre op assessment next month. I'm in the south east of London.

Good luck

Donna

Sadly there are only one or 2 hospitals in the UK who will do this on the nhs. The cost private is approx £8k including tests

Hi stuart I'm due to have the surgery on septemeber 21,2015.  HOw are you doing 1 year after the surgery???????

Hi there

I have been suffering with gerd for 2 1/2 yrs now and im completely at my wits end with it. I live in Perth Australia and i dont tgink they have linx here? Where did u havd your op done? I am from UK originally and i could go back there. It would be cheaper than california.

Thank you for your time. Im so pleased u have had good results.

Dominique

Hi Donna

Ive not long joined this forum and it was strange seeing St Helier Hospital be mentioned!! I use to live in Welbeck road in Rosehill, a stone throw away from the hospital. Its where i grew up but now i live in Perth western Australia!!! So far away. Anyway im telling u all this because im considering the linx op but they dont have it here in Perth. How did it go for you? R u free of reflux now? Did u have a good doctor and would u recommend him/her? Im coming back to England end of August. I dont think i could get op on NHS now after being out of country for 10 years. Im considering going private in England?

Thanks for your time. Wishing u well.

Dominique

Hi did you have this treatment on nhs or private?

Hello Stuart,

How long ago since you had your LINX surgery?

How are you doing today?

Hi STUART

I'm thinking about having the linx procedure but it's not here in Perth WEstern Australia yet. I think it's over east. I know it's in U.K. Where I'm originally from. What country do you live in? Did u have to pay for the linx?

I've just been advised to go vegan for 6 months to heal my stomach. I'm on day 3 and I've got ETREME fatigue.

My only issue with having linx is that are you masking the issue and not getting to the root of the problem??? That scares me.

So glad you have had good results though and that you are still around to give us all hope. Thank you.

Dominique

It is 6 days since I had the LINX fitted. My problem is dysphagia which is already rather painful. Wonder if you have any advice? Even small amounts of food give me quite a lot of pain. Thank you

Jennifer, I'm sorry I have no suggestions for you when it comes to this. I'm currently admitted to the hospital awaiting for this device to be removed. I have had nausea and vomiting for the last month. I was given steroids for the swallowing and it seemed to help the dysphasia. Hopefully you can get through it but my body is not reacting well to the device and I rather take my chances without the device. It's a fairly new procedure and I don't think they have all the bugs worked out yet. It seems like the older patients in their 50's and 60's have no problems but younger individuals seem to have an array of issues and recovery. I have spent too much time in the hospital and away from work which has affected me emotionally and financially, so tomorrow I will have mine taken out. Don't get discouraged because I'm like only a 1% that gets this thing removed, but I had a pretty good sized hiatal hernia that was repaired also. I'm hoping and praying that it was the hiatal hernia that was causing most of my problems.

Hi Jennifer

I had the linx operation almost one year ago.

I experienced dysphasia for a while after the surgery as well. My doctor then dialated my esophagus and that seems to have helped. I think small portions is going to be my way of life.

Other than that no problems from the surgery.

Hopefully your doctor told you to eat small meals for the first 3 months or so.  I had to eat 5 small mall meals.  My doctor advised me that that would "exercise" the LINX and not get stuck in one position.  I had 3 small regular meals with yogurt or pudding in between meals.  As Joanne said, small meals will be it forever.  I may have to go get the dilation as even after 6 months I still have some trouble at times with reflux and food getting stuck. Which in turn makes me hiccup and cough.  It's an ongoing process!!!!

Thank you for this. I hope the device has been removed successfully and that you make a good recovery. Sorry for the late reply but struggled to find my way around this forum. Very best wishes.Jennifer

Thank you. Yes, I really need to take much smaller mouthfuls and swallow less each time. Somebody suggested eating yogurt before food to help it slip down and I have found that really helpful. I am wishing that I did not have this done. The acid reflux in the night has stopped but I now get it after every meal. Also I couldn't get this on the NHS and it cost me nearly £10,000. A massive hit on our bank balance. But I will just have to look on the bright side. It's early days for me, Very best wishes

 

Yes he did tell me to eat smaller meals but I also realise now that I must only swallow small amounts of food or it is very painful. I cannot drink anything fizzy as it gives me hiccups. The yogurt is very helpful and I am eating it with everything. I mainly used to get reflux during the night and on a morning. That has stopped but I now get it after most meals. He told me to stop taking lanzoprazole but I don't think that's a good idea. Wishing I had not had it done but that acjieves nothing so onwards and upwards. Thanks for your help

Hi Stuart,

did you have any voice symptoms with the reflux and did they go away?

how much did the surgery cost?

Hi Stuart,what evidence was needed pre- linx?was it on the NHS?did you get to choose between Nissens,and linx?between agreeing to the op and having it how long did it take on the NHS?if it was private,what was the cost?

 

What procedure did you have done on June 17?

Hi Jennifer, sorry I know it's been a while since you were on here. I wanted to ask you a few questions if that's ok. I am 35 year old female, I have a haital hernia and also bad reflux which is effecting my throats and breathing. I'm a mother of two small children and I am misrable! I was wondering how you are getting on since having your op and also how did the doctors repair your hernia? Thank you in advance. Bee

How big is your hernia? I have a very small one but suffer everyday with reflux for almost 4 yrs now. I use dgl licorice, slippery elm and gaviscon to help control symptoms. But I'm at the stage where I'm considering an op.

Have u raised your bed? That helped me a lot. But it's amazing how the acid will defy gravity. But when flat I don't sleep at all at least with incline I can sleep I just wake up with a sore chest and really bad taste in my mouth!

I'm sick of trying to control it with my diet. I just want to eat what I want when I want. And I don't mean junk (although a bit woukd be nice). I mean spicy, onions and garlic and citrus. I'm seeing my gastro tomorrow but I don't see the point? They only wanna give u h2 blockers or ppis. None of which help me.

I feel for you Hun with 2 young children. It's so tough. I have an off the rails teenager and that really doesnt help.

My hernia was only small but I think they said you cannot have LINX if it is too big. Not sure on details of size or how they repaired it. If you read my previous post you know I had a very bad time initially. I am pretty well now, thanks. I still eat small meals, can now have fizzy drinks, still occasionally get gurgles after eating but not a problem. I never take lanzoprazole now but still wake up with a slightly sore throat sometimes so I think it must leak a bit in the night. So I take Peptac at bedtime and have my pillow raised. However I am pleased I had it done but would not want to go through it again. BUT many people have posted on here that they had no problems at all. Btw I am 72. Maybe things will be better for you as you are only young. Jenny 

HI Bee

​If your henia is too large for Linx check out the Hill Procedure. Google it, it was invented by a Dr Hill at at Viginia Mason Hospital in Seattle Wa. quite a few years ago and I dont know how many doctors have been trained in the procedure. its about a four hour surgery that reestablisj=hes the garstric barrier by repairing hte hernia and affect spincther(s). as far as I know there are two very repsected surgeons in the Seattle area that peform the procedure with good results. best of luck to you.

Hi Donna, Did you have the LINX procedure and how are you now? Was Mr Nehra your surgeon? I am due to have this done in January 2018 at Epsom Hospital and don't mind admitting that I'm scared stiff.

Susan, It will be the best decision you've ever made.  It may not be very comfortable in the beginning but after 2 weeks or so, you will be thankful.    I am overjoyed and it's going on 4 months.  No more heartburn after 10 years of suffering.  : )

Thank you Michael. Where did you have the op?

Hi Michael

How are you? I haven’t been on forum for awhile. Still contemplating having the Linx. My reflux has been bearable of late because I’m eating 80% plant based meals. I wonder if I’m not making enough acid therefore not digesting protein properly? It’s so confusing. The gastro docs don’t believe in the theory of not making enough acid but that’s all the internet talks about. 

I recently got sent an email about the TIFF procedure but again it’s not available in Australia. I’m so frustrated that I’m gonna have to go abroad to try and get better. I’m worried I will spend thousands and still be unwell. I’m so fed up about thinking about food and planning what I’m going to eat or not eat and feeling guilty about something I’ve eaten that I know I will suffer for. 

Glad your still around and giving hope to fellow sufferers. 

Kind regards 

Dominique 

Dominique,

I feel your pain and I am so sorry.  I struggled with the same issues.  However, I did not have to worry about the Linx not being performed in my country.  So you have whole other set of concerns.  My main issue had to do with whether or not it would be worth.  I am living proof that your heartburn wil be gone forever and you're quality of life with improve drastically.  I am normal again after 10 years of GERD and meds everyday 3/4 times a day.  My direct email is.   Feel free to contact me if you need more info.  Best!

Moderator comment: I have removed the email address as we do not publish these in the forums. If users wish to exchange contact details please use the Private Message service.

New York Prebyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in NYC.  Great place.

Thanks Michael for your kind words of reassurance. I suppose my main worry is if there’s complications with op and I come home and no docs have any experience with Linx device! 

The moderator has removed your email would you mind private messaging me it. Much appreciated 

Dominique 😊

Dominique,

Your concerns are valid.  Perhaps you can do additional research.  I believe there's a 99% success rate.  Also, worse case scenario.  Any GI surgeon can remove the device is things do not work out.  Trust me, that's a long shot.  The device will rid you of heartburn.  No more medication.  This holiday season, I am going to eat everything and anything I can without worry.  In the past, alcohol was a concern and spicy food. Not a concern anymore.  It's so refreshing.

Wishing you the best!

Mike

Michael so your very happy you did the Linx i have my Surgery on 20th getting a bit nervous on some things like do you have problems with like 7up and do you have a lot of pain .

Wow so you can eat spicy food now and able to have a beer , why i ask about the 7up it's what always has made me feel slightly better might be in my mind but would hate to not be able to enjoy this . So exactly how long did it take too feel better with not much discomfort in swallowing. Thanks i got two weeks till i have mine hoping you see this before. Thanks for your information so much.

Hello Mel -

I'm not Michael but have followed this thread and decided to jump in, not to upstage Michael but to add my support.

Don't worry about the surgery or outcome. Instead, be happy and look forward to it. When it is over you will celebrate it and spread its praises to anyone who will listen.

You commented and asked "Wow so you can eat spicy food now and able to have a beer , why i ask about the 7up it's what always has made me feel slightly better might be in my mind but would hate to not be able to enjoy this . So exactly how long did it take too feel better with not much discomfort in swallowing." and here is my experience:

I can eat and drink almost anything with a few exceptions: I now have difficulty with pancakes, meats such as steak and pork chops (can eat those but not with the fervor or years past), some breads, and sushi rice as these tend to get "stuck" for a while. I'm still relearning to eat (my surgery was in July of this year).

There is a short period of "swallowing recovery" during which time I had to swallow something every waking hour - I liked the single serve pudding cups, Ritz rand cookies (had two as soon as I awoke in the morning, even before brushing my teeth), and dried apricots. This lasted for six weeks.

Other than the very minor issues above, I could eat anything I wanted (and did!) including wonderful spicy hot chicken wings, great Indian foods, tasty Mexican dishes, anything I wanted as long as I chewed well and swallowed small amounts (still true today, my new reality but I'm happy). I started eating almost anything within 48 hours of the surgery.

My first beer came the day after surgery. I have no problems belching. I never had discomfort swallowing as long as I chewed well and swallowed smaller amounts. Even so the "discomfort" goes away once the food goes down, maybe 15 seconds. I slow down and the rest of my meal has no issues.

This isn't to says there is no discomfort as I did have some related to the surgery - I had shoulder and upper back pains for about two weeks. This was due to the gas used during the procedure. While uncomfortable at times it wasn't painful. I had NO pain or discomfort at the incision points. My nose cauterization was way more uncomfortable than the laparoscopic LINX procedure.

Sorry about going on and on but I'm sooo happy with my results.

Don't worry, look forward to this and enjoy a tall cold brew the day after!

GEWB

Your awesome and no i don't mind that you said something actually quite happy that you did. So you can still eat Steak and Sushi just tiny bites and i totally understand it will be a bit discomfort for a bit. I can't wait looking forward too feel a bit normal down there. So what you really say too do is eat something even if it's small right away when you wake up and 3 or 4 times a day any more info i would so take thanks so much for answering . Have a great week.

GEWB..you're not upstaging me at all.  It's all about getting out as much information as you can.  Too many people suffer from GERD and shouldn't have to.   You and I are pretty good examples.   I just completed 4 months and I can eat anything.  I had stuck episode in the last 2 months.  Mel - you will be normal again.  I am now normal.  No meds and I can eat anything I want and this includes beer, liquor and as the holidays near...coquito.  I am Puerto Rican (Latino) and we love that drink.  God bless and good luck!

Best regards,

 

I had my procedure at NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.  Tremendous facilty.  Great experience.  Where are you?

I'm having my LINX on 4th Jan 2018 at Epsom Hospital in Surrey, UK. Only saw the surgeon in Nov, Mr Nehra and was offered the op on 20th Dec but declined.  My manometry and PHmetry test results were awful apparently, LOS is virtually not working and my DeMeister score was 109.96, level required for surgery is 14.7!! Excited and apprehensive in equal measures!!

Hello Mel-

I'm not awsome, the LINX is. Micheal, I'm not trying to upstage your thread!

I can still eat what ever I want but I've decided some things aren't worth the effort. However, I need to spend a year figuring out a procedure to enjoy foods that are a problem such as sushi. The problem for me is the sushi rice (different from the dozen other kinds of rice) as it tends to "stick" in my chest for a few seconds - rather uncomfortable but it does go down. Other types of rice, especially if there is a sauce such as in Indian dishes, don't cause me any problems.

Drinking while "stuck" doesn't help and can become worse. I need to experiment and find what to swallow just before eating the rice or with it. Still, swallowing very small amounts doesn't seem to be an issue but makes the meal take a looong time.

Steak (and other "hard" meats) - sure I can eat them but don't/can't eat more than about 4 oz per meal and it takes a long time to eat (my new reality). I'm finding that I really don't miss eating a 12 oz or 16 oz steak.

Softer meats like chicken and especially flaky fish and shellfish - shrimp, cod, trout, etc. - are very easy to eat. Oh, for me a nice meatloaf is no problem but a hamburger can cause discomfort - I eat slow and small amounts but no more half-pounders.

Well chewed veggies are no problem and mashed potatoes are great (especially topped with whole kernal corn and butter!). French fries are a gamble - big cuts like steak fries or potato wedges cause me problems.

Chewed pasta is no problem - good thing as shrimp scampi is one of my signature dishes.

Pizza (an American staple food) - I find the thin crust easier to eat than the much loved deep dish Chicago style. Oh well, I've learned to love a good thin crust pizza!

Tortillas, flour or corn, haven't been a problem. If I have fajitas I make sure to pre cut the meat into small pieces first, then there are no swallowing problems.

Eastern European dishes - I choose carefully to avoid the really doughy dishes as those stick half way down. Dishes like cabbage roles are no problem! Oh, those WONDERFUL pastries have never been a problem (except for the waistline).

Breads are an ongoing experiment. Soft breads, like the typical American white sandwich breads, can be a problem. However, toasting the bread works great. Crusty breads (I like baguttes) haven't been a problem for me. This is opening a whole new bread experience to me!

OK, now for the six week post surgery as prescribed by my surgeon. Top of his "must do" list was excersizing the tissue around the LINX device. He said this is a must in order to keep the scar tissue formation to a minimum: I had to swallow food, not liquid, (two or three swallows) EVERY WAKING HOUR for six weeks. While this may sound like a snacker's dream it did get old after a week.

I found several foods I liked to fill this directive: single serve pudding cups (breakfast and before bed), dried apricots (all day long), Ritz brand crackers (every day as soon as I got out of bed, then during the day), apples, celery stick with cream cheese and energy bars (I like sweet and salty) during the day - you get the idea but really, EVERY waking hour got old, especially since I had to carry a ziplock bag of dryed apricotes or energy bars with me all day, even while out and about.

While your posts and my replies have focused on foods (and of course the surgery), for me the real blessing of this procedure has been the subtle things that have given me back a "normal" life.

I don't know how severe your case is but mine was caused by a hiatal hernia that pretty much trashed my esophageal sphincter and led to Barrett's esophagus. Fixing the hernia and installing the LINX did these things for me:

> I can tie my shoes, put on socks, pull up my pants without reflux.

> I can get down to reach in the lower kitchen cabinets without reflux.

> I can pick up something from the floor while sitting in a chair without reflux.

> I can work on my car without reflux.

> I can have a meal AFTER 5:00pm without reflux the next six hours.

> I can lay down to watch TV or go to bed without reflux.

> I don't have a course voice when I wake up.

> I don't snore as much (says my wife).

The list goes on but food is only a small part of the changes I have enjoyed from the HH and LINX surgery.

Best of luck to you. I hope your experience is as life changing as mine was.

Regards,

GEWB

So Michael you don't have much problems with any food now . Ok i guess the eating all the time scares me cause all i can think about is how i am now and i hate to eat because of all the pain i go through eating . But i love food just always have paid for whatever i eat even water would feel like acid sometimes. So just scared on what too eat to help like is just yogurt good or is that enough and so if I'm right our eating portions go quite down. I'm 42 in Tucson Az i love my Surgeon so i for sure am excited just my nerves are a little bad but you and GEWB are making me feel better . Good Luck too Susanjl..

Mel, I was at a steakhouse yesterday in New York City and I had a great time.  I could not do this 4 plus months ago.  Steak is no problem and trust me it was thick.  I was also able to have several drinks (which I could not do as a GRED sufferer).  I feel amazing and you will too.  I hate hearing that you or anyone is suffering.  The linx option should be afforded to everyone.   You must move forward with it.

Hi Michael 

So glad you are feeling so good. Did the surgeon explain how long the device would last? Did he talk about the tissue growing around the Linx device? My gastro doc who doesn’t know a great deal about the Linx made me apprehensive about having it as he said if there are complications it may not be so easy to remove especially if tissue has grown around it? 

Thanks Dominique 

Sorry to keep asking you questions but i was wondering do you have suggestions on what was easy for you too eat at the beginning , like i keep hearing you have to eat a lot i didn't realize every hour did you actually have too. And did you have too eat before bed and right when you woke up? Again sorry but i have that ladies mind i guess and things keep popping up. Hope you have a great weekend.

Hi Mel -

This is GEWB and I posted about eating every hour for several weeks. That is what my doc had me do, your doc may do something different. Please reread my posts - I didn't eat a lot, only two or three swallows (small swallows at that) every hour. During those weeks I actually LOST some weight, not gained.

I had to eat two or three bite/swallows every waking hour, not a meal every hour! Two Ritz crackers as soon as I got out of bed cleared anything that was in the esophagus from sleeping.

As to eating your meals, you and your doc will work that out. It sounds like Michael was able to return to a great normal diet. I was able to return to a normal diet within a few days (less than a week) but I have the few exceptions written in my posts...sounds like Mike doesn't have any real issues.

oh ok that makes sense i can work with that and ritz crackers weren't harsh on you do you still have too do this or was this just the first 12 weeks or something that makes me feel much better, i only think about how I'm now which i have to force myself to eat at times cause i hate dealing with the pain . Either way you two have really truly made me more excited then i was so i Thank You so very much .

Ritz crackers are the easiest thing to eat after pudding. After the surgery, as in within a day or two, there was nothing, no food, that was harsh on me.

The swallow two bites of food every hour was prescribed for four weeks and extended two more by choice. Immediately after the surgery there was no pain eating as long as I followed directions (small bites, chew well, find out those foods that tend to get stuck and deal with it).

The routine is not painful but it was a pain in the * after a few days, only because carrying around and eating crackers, dried figsand apricots, nuts, snack bars, bannanas, et al got tiring. Never thought I would say that as I LOVE to snack.

Clearly he knows very little about the device.  The device is made out of titatium, which is used to secure broken bones and skull fractures to name a few.  The body does well with it and it lasts forever. So the Linx will last forever and if there happens to be complications (so far less than 1%), it can be easily removed.

It effects everyone differently.  I also had a hernia, so the repairing of that made things a bit tougher on me.  My toughest time was during the first 2 weeks.  I hiccuped every 3 seconds for 10/12 hours.  It was horrible but this was due to the repairing of my hernia.   You may not have this issue if you do not have a hernia.  Looking back, it was a necessary step.  I feel amazing today.  You will too.

I ordered a lot of jello and pudding.  I ate it every hour or so.  Also, drink a lot of liquids and stay hydrated. I then upgraded to soup with noodles from the local Chinese restaurant.  This worked very well.  You should expect to lose 10lbs or more.  I did.  You will be fine. : )

Susan, you may have some difficulty swallowing considering you bad manometry readings.  However, keep with it.  Eat jello and pudding and to minimize weight lose, have soup with noodles.  It worked well for me.  Good luck and feel free to email me after surgery.  You will be fine.  It's soooo worth it.  Think to yourself. no more heartburn.  : )

Thank you Michael. I am feeling very positive!!

oh nice too know i do have a hernia too so i will try to remember this if it occurs we're you only out a week I'm a waitress and was told a week so hoping that is correct . But thanks that will help and i hope it's not like that i hate hiccups but 7up always has helped me so hopefully it will help with that too.

You will be so happy after 2 weeks or so. 

7up may be to acidic.  The hiccups will be annoying but just know that they will subside.  Once they're gone, you will be able to eat and drink anything you want.   Just remember to chew well and use liquids to help the food go down.  I'm over 4 months and I often forget chew my food well and it goes down nicely.  So I'm nearing 100%.  I'd say I'm 95% normal.  Best!

Ok thanks do you just suggest water if that happens or anything else make it a bit easier.  One week from today truly getting excited.

I am very worried as i have bad stabbing pain in centre back when i try to eat. Has beemmcoming on now for some time, dr gave me gaviscon but it burns when i swallow.  Also nausea and loose bowel.  GP suggested try a ppi and then maybe some ultrasound as i have no gallbladder. The pain is also giving me a cough.  I also have hernia.

Cant get appt at gp for a week, should i try omeprazole, will it take burning pain away?

You could try omeprazole or esomeprazole, also marketed as Nexium. If the pain gets worse I suggest that you push hard for an earlier GP appt.

If the pain is constant or goes to the central chest area, down your left arm or into the jaw I would go to A and E.

Ann,  I would find a Gastro who can see you immediately.  You need a long term solution.  PPI's are great..in the short term.  Nexium works but when I had a high dose, it affected my breathing and I ended up in the ER several times.  So be aware.    You should also be looking into the Linx.

Where are you located?

Small sips of water.  If you drink a lot of water or any liquid hoping to force the food down.  You will not be happy.  The saliva build up will force you to vomit.  Any time you feel that a stuck episode is occurring, don't try to force the food down.  Just wait and in time the linx will open.  If it doesn't, then you will have to regurgitate.  Not the worse thing in the world.  Eventually everything will stop and life will be normal again.  Just yesterday, I took a gulp of water after eating a piece of steak and I felt that it wasn't going down.  So I waited and in 5 minutes or so - the linx opened and everything went through.  2 months ago, I would've vomited.  The device has to be worked and exercised.  It takes a few months.   No more acid reflux!!!

Good times are coming.  I'm excited for you.

I am in Scotland. Nhs isnt great here but i could see a gastro doc private. I need a solution. I think the omeprazole is doing something, its a very low dose but i can eat, still thr loose motions after food.

i dont need any help regarding the breathing, having had a previous p e and on warfarin.  Now i have a bad cough which is causing the back pain.

think i have a virus as temp and chills alongside cough.  What next.

Hi STUART 

I hope you are still on the forum. Just wondering how you are 4 years after having the Linx. I have finally made up my mind to have the op and it feels good but I now have the issue of finding the doc and the country in which to have it done! Unfortunately it’s not performed here in Perth, Western Australia. I’m thinking of having it done in the UK or the states. I’m originally from Uk so I will most probably get it done there. Can I ask where and who performed your op? Hope you are doing well. 

Regards

Dominique 

Hello Mel -

Just a quick note to say GOOD LUCK TOMORROW and DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY.

Yes, I'm yelling, not in anger but in excitement.

Regards,

GEWB

Thinking of you Mel, it will all be fine.

Thanks so much for remembering i'am getting quite excited  but went ahead and did some steak and California Rolls just in case i don't see them for awhile again thank you so much for thinking of me . I will let all know how it is going.

Thanks so much i appreciate it.

So, how did it go? Feeling better and ready to tackle the holidays? The exit couple weeks will be a bit uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful. I'll bet you cpould really enjoy New Years without too many issues!

Regards,

GEWB

I'm in pain but not from that more from the gas and them blowing up my stomach so not over that but so far no problem with anything i have eaten. Thanks for asking

The gas discomfort was annoying. For me it was in my shoulder and back. I found a heating pad helped. I was allowed to take aspirin which also helped (I guess acetaminophen would also work).

 

Ok so need a little feedback been one week today been doing awesome but woke up today and I'm belching a lot and it tastes like rotten eggs and i haven't had eggs for days is this normal too anyone

Mel, remember your esophagus has just been assaulted.  It took me exactly 17 days before I started to feel better.  Congrats on the surgery. You will be pleased.  Hang in there. : )

Happy Holidays!

Mike

yes totally I'm beyond happy and truly haven't had a problem yet but thought it was odd to keep belching rotten eggs when i haven't had one since the day after Surgery but i can say i am honestly at like 85% i will go back to work on Friday and Saturday I'm a sever so we will see how it goes but all and all very happy just was trying too see if anyone else had this happen

Great news!

Good to hear you are doing awesome!

The belching is a common side effect but will largely go away in a month or two. I still belch more than pre-surgery but not by much.

As to the sour stomach and odor, that too will go away. I was on ranitidine and omeprazole for years which screws up my system. Once I stopped it took about three months to get "nomal" so I'm not surprised you have your own issues. I wood recommend you get those white with red swirl peppermint candies (those typical holiday peppermints) and suck on one of those.

Thank you so much that makes me feel better, And i have some of those candies i will take with me too work on Friday.

Hi Susan

You must be getting excited and apprehensive about your op coming up! I’ve read more good than bad about Linx so go in with a positive mind. Your brain is very powerful and will definitely effect your outcome. So positive, positive and more positive thoughts. Start imagining yourself with no reflux and eating what you like. Meditate on those thoughts!! I’m very excited for you. 

Please keep in touch and let me know how your doing. I’m thinking of having the op in 2018 at epsom hospital but I’ve got to come from Perth, Western Australia. I will have to pay privately as I’m now an Australian Citizen. (I was born in UK).  So I’m very interested in how you rate your doctor. 

God bless hun for the 4th of jan. I’m sure a lot of people on this forum will be thinking and praying for you! 

Dominique 🌈

Susan i feel great other than the pain in my diaphragm and shoulder  that they warned me about heating pad helps for sure but all and all i feel quite good. Haven't had a hard time eating anything yet. but be prepared for those pains i kinda think it's gas pain plus the dysphagia but I'm at 9 days after and truly happy. Will be thinking of you on the 4th and hope all goes great for you and hope you can let us know how you feel when you feel up too it.

Mel, it's good to hear that you are doing so well post surgery. May your recovery be easy and uneventful.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts.

Hi Mel! I've been reading your discussion with Michael and I'm feeling better about moving forward with this surgery. I was very stuck deciding between linx or trying stretta. But more promising results with linx has me excited to try it. Like you were, I am nervous about the dysphagia but Michael and gweb have put things into perspective and made me feel better. Will you be posting your updates on this thread or do you have a different one? Thanks! 

Also, if any of you who have had the linx don't mind me asking: how old are you? how long have you had GERD? 

I am 23 and have been struggling ever since I can remember. I suffer from LPR symptoms such as vocal cord issues and breathing. I am praying that the linx will help me lead a normal life of a 23 year old and stop any more cancer causing reflux.

I will so keep everyone posted i have had it for at least 20 years I'm 42  and yes the dysphagia is crappy but you will be happy that's all your dealing with and that will go away  100% am happy i did this . Now i was a bit stupid and went too work today and I'm a waitress. might not have been smart but I'm beyond happy if you could see my smile it's huge. I have my first check up on the 4th we will see what she says but other than the 5 incisions being a bit painful still. I'm so happy please good luck and keep us updated.

Hi Ellibean,

I hope you don't mind me butting into the conversation.  I've posted on this page several times in the past.  I also comment frequently on the two Linx pages on Facebook.

I encourage you to go forward with the Linx implant.  I truly wish I could have done it when I was your age on anywhere near your age.  I'm 62 years old and suffered from GERD and LPR for well over 30 years.  Before LInx, I was beginning to aspirate food, liquids, and stomach acid; it was scaring the heck out of my wife!  I was also diagnosed with early stage Barrett's.  So I had the surgery and I'm very glad I did.  For me, it was the easiest surgery and recovery I have ever had, and I've had a few.  I experienced almost no pain and only very mild symptoms of dysphagia, hiccups, and bloating for a couple of months.  I was very accustomed to eating slowly and chewing very well because that's what I did for many years; it helped me moderate my reflux symptoms and digest my food better.  So, adhering to the Linx protocol was not a problem.  I had my operation a year ago today, 12/30/16, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I no longer suffer from GERD and I can eat whatever I like and sleep flat.  I haven't had this level of digestive bliss since I was in my early twenties.

My very best wishes and prayers for a full resolution to your own reflux issues!

So good to hear! Thank you for your response. Yes I'm still young at 23 but it feels like I've struggled for an eternity lol. Parents tell me I struggled as a baby and from my experience I have been seeing GI specialists for 10 years.

It's great to hear yours went so well, and I'm sorry you had a long battle with GERD. I have read somewhere that older people tolerate the surgery better and don't have as much dysphagia as a younger patient would. Do you know any people in their 20s or 30s who have had a good experience with it?

Thanks for your response again ??

Hey I'm a waitress too! And I have another job but waitressing can be tough on the body. Take time to rest ?? so happy to hear you'll be updating us and glad you're doing well.

I have read the worst dysphagia can kick in and peak anywhere between 3-12 weeks or even outside that range. Every body is different so I know we can expect the same experience as someone else but it's great to see a wide variety of experiences.

May I ask if you had yours done in the US?

Hi Elliebean,

I am 60 years old and am having the Linx on Thursday at Epsom Hospital, UK. I've had severe GERD for 6 years now and have other medical issues-blood cancer, scoliosis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia. The osteoporosis is one of the reasons I want to stop the PPIs, also they are starting not to work.

The main reason that I am replying to you is that whilst talking to my Haematology nurse pre op, she mentioned that her son had the Linx fitted 2 years ago, at the age of 21. Apparently he is doing great now, no problems at all.

Thank you all on here for your prayers and support, it means a lot. I am feeling very positive about the surgery and putting my faith firstly in Jesus and then in my surgeon!!

Hi Susan

can you let us know how it goes please. I should be having mine at end of Jan at the Spire in Tunbridge Wells under a specialist call Dr Boyle, heard lots of great things about him so I'm excited about it, bit nervous too! I've had GERD for years but been terrible last few years, had pneumonia and frequent bronchitis infections, very wheezy after eating. Popping Rennie and Gaviscon like no tomorrow, I can't take PPIs they make me feel dizzy and nauseous. Can't touch anything fatty an no alcohol so miss having meal out with friends and socialising. Als fed up of sleeping sitting up all time. No fun for my husband either, I'm 40 so hopefully recovery will be fairly swift with me, even if it only 1/2's the symptoms it will be worth it. It's horrendous, coughing on and off nearly every day.

My doctor said it could be within 2 weeks but i know i already feel things but it's not painful . I still have to push myself too eat i think i would feel even better if i had more of a appetite . And yes i live in Tucson Az and i love love my Surgeon.

You're right; I think I also read that statistic somewhere.  I'm not sure why that would be true though.  I don't personally know of anyone your age or younger that has had the Linx implant.  However, I have read stories of children as young as 10 years of age with the Linx who are doing fine.

You might want to check-out the two Facebook pages devoted to Linx patients and those considering Linx. I would post the URLs here but the administrator won't allow it for some reason.  Be forewarned though: Many of those posting there are experiencing some level of recovery related symptomatology and are seeking empathy or advice.  Although, I think if you were to post that question on one of those pages, you might get your answer.  It would also be interesting to see the responses.

Hi Ellibean,

FYI, I just noticed that, a young woman named Kimberly posted your very question on the Facebook page entitled, Linx Surgery for GERD/Acid Reflux/Silent Reflux/LPR.  There were many responses by young people in their 20s and 30s who have the Linx implant, and all of them were positive.

Oh Sharon I feel for you! Your symptoms sound horrific. I totally understand what you are going through. Out of interest do you have a hiatus hernia? Do you know what caused your reflux and how old was you when it started. My hubby thinks mine is hormone related. It started when I was 40 ( I’m 45 now). It gets me so down at times that I just wanna quit living. My family haven’t got a clue what I have to endure. I’m considering Linx but they don’t have it here in Australia yet. I’m considering UK ( as that’s where I’m from originally). 

I’m so excited for you hun. Not too long to wait now. Please keep in touch. I’m very interested to know how you rate Dr boyle. Do you know how many ops he’s performed and his success rate? 

Oh good luck Sharon. Praying you have 100% success!!!! Just keep picturing yourself with no reflux, eating what you like and sleeping sound flat as a pancake. I’m excited for you!!!!!

Dominique ( it’s gonna be a great 2018 for you) 

Go Susan. Your gonna feel terrific!!! Here’s to an amazing 2018 with no friggin reflux. 

Who is your doc? I’m planning on having Linx too. 

Kind regards and god bless for tomorrow. Be thinking of you. 

Dominique 🧡

Hi Ellibean

Life is short don’t suffer anymore. Bite the bullet and get it done!!!

That’s coming from someone who suffered from 18 years of chronic low back pain and 5 years of chronic reflux!!! Life is friggin cruel for some people. 

My best advice to you is don’t suffer anymore get the Linx. Live your life to the full, it goes so quick. 

Best wishes

Dominique 

Thank you!! Just keeping everything crossed that they don't cancel my op tomorrow. As I have a rare type of blood cancer maybe they consider it "urgent"? I don't know, just praying that they don't ring me today, otherwise all set for 7am tomorrow. My surgeon is Mr Nehra at Epsom Hospital.

It’s been over a year since I posted on this site and I just wanted to come back and let everyone know my situation.  One year and two months post LINX surgery and all is well, my swallowing issues are gone and so is the reflux.  I hope everyone that suffers from this debilitating condition has an opportunity to receive the LINX or NF and enter back into a normal life.

Hi Kevin

Thank u so much for coming back and sharing your good news. It’s so important us GERD sufferers have hope!!!!! 

Really pleased it’s worked for you. 

Warm regards

Dominique 

Awesome so good to hear! ☺️ How long did you suffer with spasms? Or difficulty swallowing?

The spasms and difficulty swallowing lasted about four to six weeks.  They gave me a pill that you dissolve under your tongue to help with the spasms and it helped a little.

Well the surgery did NOT go as planned! When they operated they found an 8cm hernia, short oesophagus and very weak LOS. So they did a 3 hr op to repair the hernia and diaphragm, and a 270 degree fundoplication.

So hopefully problem solved but a long recovery period and no Linx!

So sorry to hear this hope what they did do helps you Hun.

 

Hi ellibean,

I’m new to this forum and was just reading over all the past conversations. Did you have your surgery? I had the Linx placed 18 months ago and have had so many issues. The select doctors that do this surgery are praising how great it is because they are getting “compensated by the manufacturer.”  I was foolish and desperate in choosing a doctor that works for a company, not for his patients..Nothing good comes out of a foreign body being permanently placed in yours!!! Many ethical doctors are no longer doing this or removing it. I’m in the position where I have to find another surgeon to remove this device. Please reconsider having this surgery. The Nissen Fundoplication is the “gold standard” for reflux surgery. Recovery time is not much longer, just the diet after surgery is more restrictive. You will eventually be able to eat normal after the Nissen and not choke on food two years after the Linx. I wish they would no longer perform this surgery.  It ruins esophageal motility and causes unrepairable strictures, plus erosion of the esophagus. Doctors won’t come forth with all the complications because they are not reported consistently and the device is new.  

Hi Juls2407,

I'm so sorry you arent doing well. What other data do you have that the Linx is a faulty device? There have been thousands performed and I'm sorry you didn't do well with it but there is always a percentage of people with every surgery that don't do well. There are a ton of people who do well with the surgery. I am considering all of my options but I am leaning towards Linx because at least it is removable if need be. You can't undo a nissen.

This is such biased and unsupported nonsense!  Just because you have experienced difficulties with your Linx implant––most likely due to an incompetent surgeon––doesn’t mean the surgery is faulty.  You offer NO documented evidence for your accusations.  Sure, there are people which have recovery symptoms, and some of them experience more trouble than others, but very few have had to have the device removed or have desired to have the device removed.  Surgeons place “foreign bodies” into the bodies of patients all the time.  Have you ever been to a dentist.  Have you ever heard of knee or hip replacements; how about mechanical heart valves or stints.  I could go on and on!  Your logic is foolish!

I’ve had the LInx implant for over a year and it has been a medical miracle.  I don’t have swallowing issues (dysphagia) or any other problems with the device.  Honestly, it was the easiest surgery and recovery I have ever had, and I’ve had a few.  The 48 hour Bravo test––a prerequisite in the U.S. for Linx, was much harder on me.  It caused me far greater dysphagia.  That, and the heartburn I experienced during the test was nearly intolerable.

Linx has ended 30+ years of GERD and LPR suffering!  My surgeon, who I will be seeing again next week, still prefers the Linx over the Nissen Fundoplication.  He does both surgeries but only does a Nissen on those whose insurance will not approve the Linx or if the patient would be better served by the Nissen (very rare).

I believe you should reconsider the statements expressed in your post.  You should not be projecting your own experience onto the procedure as a whole and scaring others who are considering it.  There are literally thousands of very satisfied Linx patients around the world, and I’m one of them.  In my case, the Linx implant and the expertise of my surgeon exceeded my expectations!

I agree Barry, I am trying to ease my anxiety about a procedure and I am being realistic and understand that a percentage of people have difficulty and sometimes such difficulty it needs removal. But I think that should be expressed in a logical way. Barry are you part of the Facebook group Linx surgery for GERD/LPR etc? I think I've seen some comments from you.

I totally agree with Barry.  Perhaps you were not a good candidate and your doctors chose to move forward with the linx amyway.  I am now 6 months in and have never felt better. The Linx is magic.   I would totally recommend it to GERD sufferers.  The Nissen is a big time surgery and also comes with risks.  

Juls, what you are saying may actually sway the decision of many and that is not fair.  You may not have been a good candidate for the linx.  I had it 6 months ago and I can get emotional discussing how it changed my life.  After 10 years of GERD, I am free of all acid reflux.  The success rate is well over 90%.  Unfortunately, you fell into the small percentage of people who don't do well.  I can't be certain but your doctors should have done a better job of prepping you for this surgery.  I'm sorry things didn't work out but for those who go through the proper testing and do well - please move forward with the linx.  It is truly amazing!!

I agree Michael! I am hoping I have the same experience as you. I would rather run the risk of trying this and possibly having a bad outcome rather than trying to "live" my life in the terrible condition I am in currently.

I have just had the 270 Nissen whereas I signed consent for the Linx....when the surgeon operated he found that my problem was way worse than anticipated so did what is in my best interests and I am grateful.

However don't let anyone tell you that the 2 operations are comparable. The Linx is a relatively minor op whereas the fundiplication is major surgery with a much longer recovery phase. I am on a liquid diet for 1 week then a pureed diet for up to 6 weeks, basically can't drive or do anything for myself for several weeks. I'm not complaining, just thankful that my problems have been dealt with in what the surgeon considered appropriate for what he found, a large hernia, diagpragmatic tear, very weak LOS and a short oesophagus. Most drs do not set out to harm their patients but act in their best interests!!

Oh Susan I am sorry to hear that. But saying that the Nissan has a very good success rate too so stay positive but yes the down sound is a longer recovery! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Try to meditate as much as possible and keep the negative thoughts out. Lots of green smoothies to aid recovery and healing. 

Did you know you had a hiatus hernia? I have a feeling my very small one could be a lot bigger than expected! 

God bless 

Dominique 

Yes Dominique but it was expected to be 2-3cm and turned out to be 8cm! Thank you for your positive thoughts.

Sorry i heard from my Doctor the only way that the Linx  would work is if i had a small hernia so with yours being big I'm sure that has something too do with it. But again I'm so happy that i had the Surgery it's been 3 weeks tomorrow and i can't keep the smile off my face. So i agree with Michael it works for some not others but so so happy your doing better and hope your recovery goes so well for you Susanji . Lot's of prayers for you.

Mel did you have the Linx or Nissan? 

So glad your smiling and feeling better. 

Dominique 😊

I had the Linx  so happy i did and thank you so much . Been a long road but all i can do is smile.

That is so good to hear. Really gives me hope. I’m so struggling at the moment. My teenage daughter has some kind of mental disorder and she makes our lives hell. I don’t know how much more I can take. The chronic reflux is enough on its own. 

Glad your smiling Mel. I will one day. 

Warm regards

Dominique 

So sorry to hear that Dominique. Our daughter is 30 now but suffered severe depression from the age of 14, it was hell. If you want to PM me pls do.

I had the 270 fundoplication on 4th Jan as the surgeon was unable to do the Linx as planned... for medical reasons...so far, but slowly, so good!

Hi Susan

Thank you for your concern. The stress makes everything so much worse. My ability to cope is lessening day by day. I think if I can just get my stomach right I’d be able to cope much better. I’ve just had all my hormones tested as my hubby believes the reflux is due to my hormones. When your pre menopausal you don’t produce enough eostrogen to counter act the cortisol. This effects digestion. I’m considering HRT. I’m also considering antibiotics to kill SIBO even though I tested neg for it. When I’ve taken antibiotics in the past all my stomach bloating went away and my reflux was 80 percent better?? But as soon as I stopped antibiotics the reflux came back. If nothing works I’m definitely gonna have the op. I think my hernia could be a lot bigger than they have said it is but you only know when u decide to have the op! 

You had the op at epsom hospital didn’t you? I use to live near epsom, in Sutton. I’ve lived in Perth, Western Australia now for 11 years. 

I’m so pleased you are doing well. Have you lost much weight?? 

Warm regards

Dominique 

Approx 3kgs so far. I was a liitle overweight but not too much, at 64kgs.

If you think you have SIBO find a naturalpathic physician that has much experience with SIBO. They will recommend you go on a low fodmap or the specific carbohydrate diet, some plant based antibiotics and digestive enzymes which helped me immensely. There is a book called Breaking the vicious cycle by Elaine Gottschall that is very helpful and informative. Also get checked for H-pylori. You can also get a kit from uBiome that analysizes you get flora as dysbiosis is a common condition in those of us with SIBO. The more information you have the better

Hi Frank 

Thank you very much for that info. 

Did you have the SIBO test (lactulose test)? And did u test positive? I’m bit weary of naturopaths. I just spent $1000 on a naturopath and got absolutely nothing from it (apart from empty pocket). I did food allergy test and neurotransmitter test. Prescribed NAC. I took them for a bit but saw no change. I did fodmap diet for 2 weeks and saw very little change so I stoppped. ( wondering if I have it long enough but that’s what nutritionist told me to do). I’ve also gone dairy and gluten free to no avail and paleo. I think I’ve done every diet out there. Which makes me wonder if it’s a hernia causing the problem. I worry about these diets as I lose so much weight on them!!! I just don’t know which way to turn at the moment. Stress is a major part of my problem too. 

hello i had linx surgery with hiatal hernia repair 5 days ago, can eat soft foods and am feeling better each day. one issue- still getting reflux, doc advised to stay on PPI's for now and i have my first post op appointment next week. will the reflux subside? will it get better not sure but am worried about still getting reflux especially at night.

I'm scheduled for small sliding hiatel hernia repair and Linx July 11th 2022. It's been 8 years for you now. How do you feel and recommendation?