Linx surgery for acid reflux

Hi Stella

I had the linx operation in March, 8 months ago.

I was given pills for the gas so I never really had the gas or pain into shoulders. My doctor did warn me that gas would be an issue. As far as eating im just now able to eat easier. I had up until a month ago issues with swallowing but after I went back in the hospital to dialate my esophagus it seems to have subsided.

I exercised around 6 weeks after the linx and still do but call your doctor to be sure.

It's not an easy operation but hopefully it gets better.

Thanks Joanne, my surgeon was really unclear about what to expect or what to do. He said I could start running as soon as I felt better... how long is a piece of string?...

Hoping this pain goes soon. Just about to have lunch so I'm expecting a rocky ride here 😮 X

Hi Stella

Try not to panic Hun. I haven't had op but I know what stress can do to the body. The body needs time to recover from op and it will heal. The mind is very powerful so try to stay positive. You will eat without pain and you will be able to exercise, so don't panic. Try walking rather than running or doing some yoga and meditation. Look at this as an opportunity to try something new.

Regards

Dom

I had the implant fitted a little over a week now and I'm still a little sore in the shoulders. I have had multiple surgeries and was told I would be able to eat what I wanted and go back to my normal way of life the next day. That was the biggest load of crap ever told to someone. I have 5 pretty good sized incisions on my abdomen and feel like hell every morning when I try to eat breakfast. My breakfast will usually get regurgitated within the first couple bites and then I'm guessing the implant opens up and allows food to pass. I just regurgitated water, this might of been the worst thing I have ever done. I hope this stops. I have been eating something small every hour like my doctor told me but it doesn't seem to help when I sit down to eat an actual meal. I will request for this thing to be removed if this does not subside. I rather live with acid reflux then regurgitating my breakfast and dinner. I couldn't even possibly think about going out to a restaurant. I'm hoping these symptoms go away.

Hi Steph,

I am now eight weeks post LINX surgery and things are returning to normal minus the awful acid reflux. I had the same recovery issues that you are dealing with, it gets better, hang in there and I sympathize with you. Try a warm drink of water before you eat, it sort of primes the system so to speak. The hiccups and spasms go away over time I promise. Be prepared to tough it out for six plus weeks and you will be rewarded in the end. I feel like a new man now and it just gets better everyday.

Kevin,

You still have acid reflux after the surgery? I haven't had any problems with acid reflux but breathing is hard and the constant feeling as if I'm choking on my food is enough to make a man go insane. My doctor acted like the surgery was no big deal and I would be able to eat steak the next day is what he told me. I really hope it gets better because if I would of read any of these forum comments by people I would have never agreed to have this done

Steph,

No, I no longer have acid reflux and it's a great feeling. I had the breathing issues as well, it's from the bloating, which will also start to subside over time. I am not a doctor but I would recommend you take some gasex for the bloating and some probiotics to help your digestive system. Like I said, a drink of warm water before my first bite of food helps to get things moving. I rarely experience any swallowing issues today. Keep the faith and feel free to ask me anything you want. Sorry for you troubles but you are not alone and I will be clad to support you as you need through this tough first weeks.

I'm two weeks in almost. I've had terrible swallowing problems ( ended up in A&E and an emergency dilatation) however got prescribed a short course of steroids to help with the inflammation in my gullet and things are slowly settling down. You have to really adjust the way you eat. Very slowly.... also a warm drink to hand helps. Some people do have trouble with water, mines tea. There are a couple of LINX Facebook groups which have helped me enormously through this bit. I was all up for having the thing out last week but now, I see that this is a part of healing and so I'm willing to give it a go.

I would

Maybe be more happy if I was sure the acid was gone but I've been told to keep on the ppis for now. Still have burning mouth and throat so I guess only time will tell. But they definitely don't prepare you for the after op problems when you go in for this! My swallowing was so bad that my surgeon says it's put him off doing the op as he's never had this with a fundoplication. It's definitely normal

For some, and definitely does improve 😊

Stella,

My doctor has been really vague on all the details, but does everyone have to have the implant dialated? I feel just horrible still and my wife thinks I'm being a baby because she was sitting there when the doctor told me that I would be able to go back to a normal life the next day with no physical or dietary restrictions. I feel as though I can never get my food down unless I regurgitate first and then it opens up. I have had knee surgies, appendectomy, gall bladder has been removed, but this one really set me back. The thing is I'm a retired Soldier and have been to combat 3x, Purple Heart recipient and this might of been one of the toughest things I have done. I pray everyday that these symptoms get better. If you have anymore tips I would greatly appreciate them because of right now I will not go to a restaurant and be having these symptoms in public.

You really need to get some steroids. Both myself and another man in the states from one of the FB groups had our surgeries within a few hours of each other and we are both following the same path, we were both prescribed short course steroids and within a day or so had both noticed a massive improvement in swallowing. Also, you could do with a relaxant like Baclofen ( surgeon recommended), that will help with spasms. Don't worry about the dilation thing - I think my surgeon was just puzzled as to why I was having so many issues. I believe my oesophagus was inflamed from the surgery which was making it harder for the device to work, the steroids really reduce the inflammation. They are a must.

Also, get yourself on one of the LINX groups on FB. An absolute life saver for me.

If your swallowing doesn't improve over the next couple of days you really need to get to an out of hours doc to get the steroids- I promise you, within a day they will make a massive difference.

I was like you, believing the hype over this op- in and out and eating normally within a day... rubbish! It's a bit of a con, and to be honest, the docs know very little about the after effects... I'm only the 10th person my doc has done and the first with real problems, so he's kind of working in the dark a bit. Hopefully us first few op patients with problems will pave the way for others to have a smoother ride.

Any specific questions, let me know. I know what it's like to be in agony from this and people not understand 😔

Hi there

Just wondering how you are doing?

Have things improved? Did u get some steroids.

Hope ur ok.

Regards

Dominique

Hello did you ever get your problems with the Linx sorted? I have just had mine implanted. Thank you

I've had the surgery and can still sing as well as before. Others who's singing voices were ruined by silent reflux before surgery say they have seen a massive improvement after surgery. Hope this helps 😊