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Linx surgery for acid reflux

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linda52539
linda52539

Has anyone esperienced this relatively new surgery for acid reflux which doesnt respond to drugs.

Or does anyone know anything about it. It is much es invasive than the nissen fondiplication op. done by day surgery I think. My gastro ent. didnt mention it but I thought I might investiage.just out of interest as a possible future option if all else fails. I am having so much trouble with side effects from

drugs and not much effect on my acid reflux either still getting reflux at night and quite sore throat.

Any comments welcome.

5 likes, 545 replies

545 Replies

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  • gary43655
    gary43655 linda52539

    Posted

    Hi Linda, just to say I've had laporoscopic (keyhole) nissen fundoplication LNF on nhs in ldn to cure reflux and a giant rolling HH on 6sep17. Op seems to have gone ok.  I was never offered lynx on nhs.  If offered both LNF 360 and Lynx I think I would have elected for Lynx.  Its a lot less invasive.  Im 60 and quite fit and was back on my feet in no time but the annoying thing with LNF is the recovery period.  LNF, at least mine,, involved significant permanent polyester stitching as far as I know covering: the hole in the diaphragm, the 360 wrap and poss (not sure) some others to ensure stomach stays put.  I asked my surgeon about the gym and said how long before I can do a burpee (squat thrust), he reckoned 6mths.  Forget the gym, that also means I'll have to slow down on other heavier activities (I'm a London Black Cab Driver - wheelchairs jobs have got to be a no no for a good time). Lynx involves much less physiological changes compared to LNF.  But anyway so far so good, it is what it is and I'm hopeful my LNF turns out ok. Best of luck. G

  • Gastrohappy
    Gastrohappy linda52539

    Posted

    Celebrated my one year anny of Nissen combined with LINX and very happy I found out about this procedure. After reading some of these entries.... I could NOT have gone to work the next day (I was 57 and believe in resting)... and the immediate sensation of acid in my stomach was difficult after so many years of nexium consumption, but every day got better. My sister told her new gerd doc I had had it, and she turned her nose up saying she had taken out some that were unsatisfactory. I would say it was the easiest, best medical decision I could ever make. Eating is not taken for granted now, and I appreciate the opportunity, which HAS to be attended to.

     

    • barry74480
      barry74480 Gastrohappy

      Posted

      Hi Gastro,

      Do you actually have the Linx and a Nissen?  If so, I’ve never heard of anyone having both.  I’m glad you are doing well though.

      I’m 62 years old and I’m approaching the one year post op mark after having hiatal hernia and Linx surgery in December of 2016.  I couldn’t be happier with the result so far.  I eat anything I want, take no meds, and sleep level with no difficulties.  30+ years of GERD and LPR misery have been brought to a happy end!

  • susanjl
    susanjl linda52539

    Posted

    Good to hear Linda. I am having the LINX procedure done by Mr Nehra at Epsom Hospital on 4th January. Have to say I am a bit apprehensive as he said he has reservations because my muscles are so weak. But putting my faith in him and in God.
    • dominique64820
      dominique64820 susanjl

      Posted

      Hi Susan 

      Will say a prayer for you. Here’s to a new year and a new you. Free of GERD!!! I’m from the UK, I use to live in Sutton ( very close to epsom). I’ve lived in Australia for 11 yrs now (had gerd for 5yrs). I’ve been toying with the idea of having Linx either in states or UK for awhile now. My reflux is just bearable but then it gets bad and I start considering the op. Have they talked about the device growing into the muscle? I’m just worried that if they need to replace it say after 5 years how do they remove it if the muscle has grown around it?? Loads of positive outcomes from it though. R u getting it on the NHS? I’m sick of sleeping on an incline makes going away so difficult. 

      All the best for the 4th. Keep in touch please. 

      Dominique 

    • susanjl
      susanjl dominique64820

      Posted

      Hi Dominique,

      I'm so sorry to hear about your problems with GERD. I've had problems since January 2012, when a severe bug left me with Stage 4 oesophagitis. Life is becoming less tolerable as the PPIs stop working and they don't help with my osteoporosis! I also have a rare type of blood cancer, which is a breeze compared to the GERD.

      I do have concerns about the LINX procedure but it seems far better than the alternatives of doing nothing or having the fundiplication. I have faith in God and in my surgeon.....not to the same degree you understand!

      Will keep you posted.

    • dominique64820
      dominique64820 susanjl

      Posted

      Oh Susan 

      So sorry to hear that. Gerd by itself is enough to cope with. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Linx. I’m certain it will help you. How many procedures has the doc performed? R u getting the op on the NHS? I so wish it was available here in Australia!!! 

      God bless Susan. I will be thinking of you. There’s lots of support here on this forum for you. Please watch Dr joe dispenza YouTube video (listen not watch). Choose the changing habits one. Can’t remember it’s exact title. But it’s all about the power of thought. I’m living proof you can cure an ailment through the brain. Start to tell yourself positive affirmations about the op. What we think manifests itself physically in our bodies. We can make ourselves sick through stress and therefore we can heal ourselves with positive thoughts. It’s very powerful. Please listen to this guy. He talks about giving thanks before we see the outcome. This is very biblical. God tells us to give thanks even before we have felt the healing take place. This is faith!!! 

      Dominique 

    • barry74480
      barry74480 dominique64820

      Posted

      Hi Dominique,

      You are absolutely correct about faith and prayer.  Before I had LInx surgery, my wife and I prayed quite a lot about my situation.  We truly believe God directed me to my surgeon and Linx.  I went into the surgery without any preconceived notions other than I was safe in the comfort and security of God’s mighty hands.  As I’ve previously mentioned, the surgery worked out extremely well and I had a very easy go of the recovery process.

  • Giscome
    Giscome linda52539

    Posted

    The best solution is a Nissen fundiplication, a simple surgery that narrows the esophagous and creates an area of protection from reflux. I had it done and it saved my life, literally.  It depends on your insurance, because in the US the health industry is about making money rather than promoting health. If your insurance will cover it, I recommend it highly. My surgery saved my life.   My surgery wasn't covered by my insurance and it costs $60k in the US, so I went to Spain and had it done for $6k.  Best health decision I ever made.

    • susanjl
      susanjl Giscome

      Posted

      I would disagree with you on 2 points, no offence intended.

      1. A Nissan Fundiplication is major surgery and is irreversible. My GP strongly advised me against it as he had 2 patients who underwent this operation and were worse afterwards. I'm sure that it is beneficial to many but not all, and it can cause serious complications.

      2. It is not the best solution for everyone, as we are all different.  The LINX procedure is keyhole surgery and it it does not work it can be removed. The success rate is approx 95%.

      I am delighted that your operation worked for you but it is not necessarily the best option for all.

    • mel420
      mel420 susanjl

      Posted

      Yep Linx is much better Surgery  it is not bad recovery i feel pretty good just more in pain with how they have to blow out my stomach but i feel a change for sure and had no hiccups and have had a pretty easy time but i said i didn't want pain killers which might not have been best idea but all and all i say this is best one cause you can have it removed and you can still throw up if needed but i feel great . Just wanted you too know

       

    • Lalou
      Lalou Giscome

      Posted

      Hello,

      I hope you are doing well. I just came across your comment as I was looking to do the Linx in Spain but i cannot find much on internet. Can you please give me the contact of your surgeon or tell me in which hospital you did it ? thank you.

      kind regards

      Lalou

  • sharon25858
    sharon25858 linda52539

    Posted

    I'm seeing a specialist about having this done soon, I think I need few tests first. I can't take PPi's or even Gaviscon, all make me feel strange and dizzy. All I can have is Rennie so have them all day. It's exhausting whatever I eat I'm in agony, constant cough and sinus issue. Tired all the time and horrendous upper back pain, also wheeze a lot. This operation sounds great, very good success rate here in England. My specialist is amazing so I'm quite confident. I will post after I've had it done.

    I hope it works as can't go on like this

    • barry74480
      barry74480 sharon25858

      Posted

      Sharon, you have been doing the right thing by not taking PPI drugs.  Prior to my Linx implantation, I suffered from GERD (GORD in the UK) and LPR, and refused to take them, and I’m glad I did.  They cause many side affects, including possible kidney disease.  They are not supposed to be taken for more than a few weeks but doctors all over the world prescribe them for months, years, and even lifetimes. The main problem with them is, they are indiscriminate and act upon every acid producing cell in the body, not just the acid producing cells of the stomach.

      Before Linx, I took Tums.  I had them in every nook and cranny of my home and autos.  I also took a half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water twice a day.  That helped neutralize the acid in my stomach, and the acid and pepsin in my esophagus and throat.  I also maintained a restricted diet which I am awfully glad I no longer have to do.

      Linx has been a medical miracle for me; I had the surgery a year ago today, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if I had to.

      My very best wishes for an excellent outcome to your own reflux difficulties!

  • suzired
    suzired linda52539

    Posted

    I have been suffering with acid reflux for 3 months - came out of nowhere and has made my life a complete living hell...my esophagus and throat are constantly burning, I have sinusitis (and afraid there might be something else going on in there), ears hurt, eyes have burned the whole time and I had to buy new glasses. "Burning mouth syndrome" a coupie of times too...felt like my tongue was twice as thick, gums and walls of the mouth were on fire - and like my teeth were going to fall out, they were so sensitive. Until now, the drugs have been a total waste...just keeps on burning! In the meantime, I've literally lost over 10kgs...wasting away. Too sore to eat even when I am hungry.

    Two different GPs and two different ENTs and no one had a clue what was wrong with me! Not one of them even bothered to test me to see whether I have too much / or too little stomach acid to start with, so I might find a way to fight all of this. Not one has even bothered to try to alleviate my pain & suffering.

    Sorry, finally getting to your question: LINX is truly a small chain-link bracelet which attaches around the upper opening of the stomach which has been pulled up over the esophagus and then tightened to hold everything together. There is a hospital here in Mannheim (Diakonassen Krankenhaus) especially for ENT-cases and, living in Germany, naturally it was of great interest to me - and would be worth it for me to try that rather than to suffer the rest of my life with reflux. As my luck here with doctors would have it - not one of them would write me a transfer to be able to be admitted there for the procedure. Furious is the word. Unfortunately, I have no idea what their success rate is with those operations, however, (a few acquaintenances operated on many years ago still have reflux) I would imagine that modern procedures are much more successful.

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