Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

[WeeSandy]

NEED SOME ANSWERS & I AM WORRIED!! First let me tell you my age--29. I was diagnosed with GERD in January and was told that I have mild to moderate erosive esophagitis and patchy gastritis. I'm now taking Prevacid and Reglan--however, I am still having symptoms even when adhering to the restrictive diet. From my understanding I am not supposed to be having this, right? I have called my dr. but I am worried because I am too young to be having this (in my opinion...IS THIS COMMON???) and I am terrified of developing Barrett's and cancer. I don't think that my dr. realizes how big of a fear it is for me. Anyway, I am concerned about having to take medication for the rest of my life as well--yet I am wondering if they are working??? Has anyone here had the surgery, Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, performed for their GERD?? What was your outcome? I have read that many still have to take medication? I am leery of the surgery because of the bowel problems that I had when my gall bladder was removed in 1997 after pregnancy, but my husband wants me to have it done. I try not to worry about my condition as it aggravates it but I must admit it really does worry me! I still have a family to raise and it is a scarey situation for me to be in. Another question, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR BARRETT'S TO DEVELOPE? I have searched for that answer but have not found it yet. I was told that I probably had GERD or a long time but just didn't know it. Can anyone out there (PLEASE) put my mind at ease about this condition by answering these questions. I would be extremely grateful. Thank you!

[Dr. Erik]

Barrett's Esophagus usually takes years to develop. Although the constant insult of the stomach acid on the esophagus can lead to Barrett's if left untreated. It sounds as if you are not responding to medication. In that case you should discuss the Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication. It is very effective and safe. Some 90 % of people who have this procedure are able to completely discontinue their medications. Talk to your doctor.

[Baseball_Mom]

I had the Nissen procedure done in 1995.  All my symptoms went away for the first 5 years.  I no longer had to take any medication.  However, since having my gall bladder removed in April of this year, I've started having to take Nexium to control the acid.  I agree that you should talk to your doctor about having this done.  Good luck with what ever you decide.

[WeeSandy]

The other problem that I have is the slow motility with my stomach. I take Reglan for this. From my understanding, I didn't think that I could have the Nissen procedure done as it would have no effect because of this. Is that true? And if so, and I am not responding to medication what do I do then? Thanks----Sandy

[Wilson]

Hi, I'm not familiar with the LNF surgery, but I am familiar with GERD and Barrett's, from my father's experience. I will tell you that he has had GERD and an esophageal hernia for many years - over twenty, and he's 75 now. He used to go in to have them dilate his esophageal sphincter about every 5 years or so, which I guess became constricted with scar tissue or something, but I think he's past that now. He's doing fine on Prilosec. My point is you can go a LONG time with GERD without developing Barrett's or cancer.

[hudd]

I had the surgery one year ago.  I had severe acid reflux. AT night my food came up and got in my lungs. It was horrible. I had heartburn all the time.  So I was a good caniditate for the surgery.  It has fixed everything.  But I have constant diahrea. Five to ten times a day.  Also I email chat to another person she has the same.  So its hard to decide if the surgery was worth it.  The doctor told me to take fiber tablets, it made it worse.  So now I take imodium (immodium), so I can leave the bathroom.