Reflux and Nissen Fundoplication

Hello All,

I had no idea that so many people have had similar experiences and in some cases much worse. My heart goes out to all of you. Hopefully my experience is of help to somebody.

I started having bad heartburn a couple of years ago and took OTC meds for it. I would often wake up with bile in my throat and figured I'd eventually have to see a doctor. About a year ago I developed pneumonia and ended up in the hospital because I was having a hard time breathing. I was released and put on meds for pneumonia. I really struggled to breathe for a few days and ended up going to the emergency room a few days later when it got too bad. This time I was admitted and diagnosed with GERD and Adult Onset Asthma. I was released after a couple of days and put on asthma meds. The asthma meds did help me breathe better but the reflux continued. Doctors have since determined I probably aspirated some of the bile into my lungs, causing the pneumonia like systems.

Back to the doctor for the reflux and eventually to several other doctors. Lots of tests, some really no fun at all. I had an esophageal motility test, 24 hour PH test, stomach emptying test, an endoscopy and a colonoscopy
(don't ask) .My last doctor determined I had a hiatus hernia and needed a Nissen Fundoplication (stomach wrap). It took over a year to get to this diagnosis. I had the surgery and during recovery thought I was having a heart attack. The tightness and pain in my chest was severe.

After being released from the hospital I had to take meds for the pain in my chest and was put on a strict diet. The first week was just fluids and each successive week more foods were added. I became sensitive to the difficulty I had swallowing and then developed severe gastritis. The pressure and bloating just made it all the more miserable. The tightness in my chest continued and breathing became difficult. I started having episodes where I burped constantly. I developed a bad case of constipation. I knew I was having anxiety attacks and went back to the doctor. He gave me anxiety medicine and these helped immensely. The gastritis gradually eased as did the tightness and pain in my chest.

It's been about 6 weeks since the operation and I'm now starting to believe it was all worth it. The GERD is gone and the asthma like symptoms are much less noticeable. I sometimes still have burping sprees but they seem to be less severe. My stomach is still "irritable" but getting better. I've stopped taking the anxiety meds for the most part. I always have water when I eat because the sphincter is still pretty tight. I have to take smaller bites and chew the food more completely than I used to or it gets "caught". I then take sips of water to get the food to pass. It can be a bit painful.

I'm hopeful the asthma symptoms will be gone altogether after some time. My doctor tells me this is often the case with this type of condition. I'll be honest and say at one point I was very sorry for having gone through with the surgery. Just lately I've changed my mind and am hopeful that I'll be 100% before too long.








This discussion is related to chronic gastritis and severe reflux for over a year....help!.

[Canyondweller]

Because of other medical problem I cannot have the surgery but the one complaint I have heard about the surgery is the inability to burp up gas which is uncomfortable. I supposedly have a floppy LES valve so I don'[t understand why it is so hard for me to get a burp up now. It is very painful when you have to burp and can't. I also heard you cannot throw up if you have the surgery. Were these things discussed with you. The gal that cleans my teeth had it done and she says it was a miracle for her  so am hoping that it is for you.

[theretheygo]

Typically with the Nissen fundoplication surgery you can get a full wrap or partial wrap. I got a partial wrap so have no problems burping. I haven't had to puke so I'm not sure if it's possible. My asthma and GERD symptoms are gone and I can swallow with no problems. Since the surgery I've been  dealing with stomach cramps and nausea. Some days are pretty bad and the docs are still trying to work on this.

[coughting]

I had a loose wrap, full wrap but not tight, and have had no problems.  My problem was a chronic cough and I would cough until I spit up sometimes.  

It has been a year and I have no problem swallowing, burping etc.  I have not had to throw up either so don't know about that.

My cough was so bad that I couldn't sleep and ended up with high blood pressure.  No problems since the surgery.

It does sound like the wrap is too tight.  

Try eating small meals and I mean really small meals.  Eat often and chew real well.

Best of luck to you.  Let us know how you are doing.