problems following Nissen Fundoplication Wrap

[dznr1234]

I had a Nissen Fundoplication Wrap October, 2005. I have a paralyzed left hemi diaphragm & my stomach had floated into my chest above my left breast pushing my heart over to the middle & twisting the esophagus & other organs. Oct. 2004 I had my stomach stitched in place hopeing this would work & it only lasted 3 months or less so the NFW was the only alternative at this point because I was in a dangerous situation. Since having this done I have lived in constant pain every single day. I dread eating anything because I know I am going to go through such horrible pain. The food, liquid or whatever does not want to pass through the spincter from my esophagus to my stomach. The pain is so severe it goes through to my back & up to my shoulders, up my chest, neck, jaws & the top of my head feels like it is going to blow off. I have lost 50 pounds & I was not overweight before. I am 5'7"  tall & weigh 116 pounds now. I cannot burp or vomit. I have on many occasions just leaned over the commode & whatever is in my esophagus will just run back out. The quality of my life now is terrible. We cannot go out & eat & if friends invite us to dinner I know before going that I might have one of these attacks & have to leave & have done this a # of times. It is horribly painful & totally embarassing also. If anyone has any suggestions as to what I can do now to get this straight or what on earth might be wrong I would appreciate any feedback. I am talked to several doctors & gotten nowhere with them. They just want to give me prevacid or something & this does not help at all. I just can't stand this horrible pain much longer. I am not a complainer & handle pain very well but this is beyond all comprehension on the pain scale. Thanks for any feedback you can give me.

[CalmBreeze]

I grew up in West Texas and now live in Oklahoma but I will always be a Texan.  This is the first time I have been on this website.  I have been told by the doc that I may need to have a Nissen Fundoplication.  We are in the process of doing a few more test before the final decission is made.  One of the test has shown that I am still having acid reflux even though I am taking Nexium twice a day.  I've had reflux for many years and a nexium a day seemed to take care of it until 2 years ago.  My allergy Dr put me on a
antihistamine that dried me out really bad. Right above my voice-box got really dry and the acid reflux made it inflammed and swollen.  This has caused me to have this constanst clearing of the throat.  I have been taking Nexium twice a day now for 6 months and the place above my voice-box has not been able to heal because of the reflux.  I keep hearing that alot of people have problems after the surgery because they make the wrap too tight.  I have a real concern about this and I want to have a good surgeon if I have to have this surgery.  I read where you told one person that you were a patient of the doctor in Houston who developed this surgery.  I was wondering if you could send me the name of the doctor and a phone number.  I would really appreciate it.

[CalGal]

Check the name 'corkscrew esophagus' for more info on esophageal dysmotility and 'twists.'

[CalGal]

Are they talking about a twisted esophagus itself, or a twist of the result of the fundoplication? There is a twist that can result in the esophagus which in some cases can be due to esophageal dysmotility, but there is also a twist that can be found in some following a fundo. Take a look at the pics (9 and 10 I believe) in this: http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/figsonly/243/2/329

[janelpn]

I have had a nissen fundoplasty in the past and it came out when I got the flu real bad a couple of years ago. I have been taking Nexium BID, and my insurance quit paying for it and now I have been on Prevacid for 6 months and I have been so ill. I went in to Creighton Hospital in Omaha today for a Gastroepsophageal Scope and was told I have a "Twisted Espophagus" help me out here! I have been a nurse for 31 years and have never heard of this! Has anyone else? I did not get to talk to the Dr. and was told to call and make an appointment in 3 weeks to see him. I was out of it due to the Versed they give you. I am so upset about this! I cannot wait 3 weeks to find out anything! I am calling the office first thing in the morning. Can anyone tell me anything about this?

[Jaybay]

Yikes!  I understand the open procedure is really difficult from the recovery standpoint.  Hopefully any necessary repair work can be done via the scope.  Matter of fact, I was a patient of the doctor in Houston who intially figured out how to do a Lap Nissen years ago.  PM me if you would like his name.

[dznr1234]

Thank you for your feedback. I did read the article & appreciate this info. I am going to call my surgeon & ask what can be done at this point. I certainly hate the thought of another surgery. I had open surgery with a tube that went to my stomach. It was a horrible experience & hasn't really let up much since.

[Jaybay]

I sounds like the wrap was done too tightly.  What does your surgeon think about another surgery to redo it?  

[CalGal]

You might want to read through the following: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/535588

You'll probably have to sign in to Medscape to access it, but it's a worthwhile site and contains an abundance of information.