LES surgery for chronic heartburn
Discussion
There was another thread on heartburn that I intended to add this too but can't find it.
Anyone had this?
Interested in knowing more about the procedure. Success rates, risk etc.
I've had pretty much constant heartburn for decades. Never had much luck discussing the matter with GP's. Their advice is usually to avoid the things that set it off. But the list is long and growing. I've been prescribed meds in the past which worked like a charm. Zantac before it was discontinued, and Omeprazole which I came off after a year because of concern about long-term side effects.
Gave up smoking many years ago. Gave up drinking for a year to see if that helped, no difference.
So I just kind of suffer, and gobble up Rennies all the time to manage the pain. The only way to guarantee no heartburn is to not eat, but some foods are really bad for setting it off. Bread especially. It kind of feels like there's no lid on my stomach, and some food causes more acid which then rises up my gullet causing pain, especially when bending down.
I had a particularly miserable day with it on Saturday when I'd had a piece of toast in the morning and went to the gym in the afternoon. Which was a total waste of time due to the pain and uncomfortable bloating of the heartburn. I just gave up and went and bought some Esomeprazole from Tesco. Because of this, the last few days have been pain-free, total bliss.
So I'm determined to finally do something about this as I can't go on with the status quo. It seems I have three options: 1, dramatically restrictive diet. 2, PPI's for life. Or 3, LES surgery.
Whilst it's great to eat healthy, I'm not sure I'm ready to cut out all the things I like to eat just yet. And as for PPI's, I'd happily take these forever as they're so effective, but I worry about the long-term side effects. Indeed, the Esomaprazole I bought says to only take for two weeks which is not much help. So that leaves me considering the surgery. And over the years I've also tried everything the internet suggest, to no avail.
Anyone had the surgery? Did it work, how was the recovery? How did you get your GP to consider nominating you for it?
Anyone had this?
Interested in knowing more about the procedure. Success rates, risk etc.
I've had pretty much constant heartburn for decades. Never had much luck discussing the matter with GP's. Their advice is usually to avoid the things that set it off. But the list is long and growing. I've been prescribed meds in the past which worked like a charm. Zantac before it was discontinued, and Omeprazole which I came off after a year because of concern about long-term side effects.
Gave up smoking many years ago. Gave up drinking for a year to see if that helped, no difference.
So I just kind of suffer, and gobble up Rennies all the time to manage the pain. The only way to guarantee no heartburn is to not eat, but some foods are really bad for setting it off. Bread especially. It kind of feels like there's no lid on my stomach, and some food causes more acid which then rises up my gullet causing pain, especially when bending down.
I had a particularly miserable day with it on Saturday when I'd had a piece of toast in the morning and went to the gym in the afternoon. Which was a total waste of time due to the pain and uncomfortable bloating of the heartburn. I just gave up and went and bought some Esomeprazole from Tesco. Because of this, the last few days have been pain-free, total bliss.
So I'm determined to finally do something about this as I can't go on with the status quo. It seems I have three options: 1, dramatically restrictive diet. 2, PPI's for life. Or 3, LES surgery.
Whilst it's great to eat healthy, I'm not sure I'm ready to cut out all the things I like to eat just yet. And as for PPI's, I'd happily take these forever as they're so effective, but I worry about the long-term side effects. Indeed, the Esomaprazole I bought says to only take for two weeks which is not much help. So that leaves me considering the surgery. And over the years I've also tried everything the internet suggest, to no avail.
Anyone had the surgery? Did it work, how was the recovery? How did you get your GP to consider nominating you for it?
nuyorican said:
There was another thread on heartburn that I intended to add this too but can't find it.
Anyone had this?
Interested in knowing more about the procedure. Success rates, risk etc.
I've had pretty much constant heartburn for decades. Never had much luck discussing the matter with GP's. Their advice is usually to avoid the things that set it off. But the list is long and growing. I've been prescribed meds in the past which worked like a charm. Zantac before it was discontinued, and Omeprazole which I came off after a year because of concern about long-term side effects.
Gave up smoking many years ago. Gave up drinking for a year to see if that helped, no difference.
So I just kind of suffer, and gobble up Rennies all the time to manage the pain. The only way to guarantee no heartburn is to not eat, but some foods are really bad for setting it off. Bread especially. It kind of feels like there's no lid on my stomach, and some food causes more acid which then rises up my gullet causing pain, especially when bending down.
I had a particularly miserable day with it on Saturday when I'd had a piece of toast in the morning and went to the gym in the afternoon. Which was a total waste of time due to the pain and uncomfortable bloating of the heartburn. I just gave up and went and bought some Esomeprazole from Tesco. Because of this, the last few days have been pain-free, total bliss.
So I'm determined to finally do something about this as I can't go on with the status quo. It seems I have three options: 1, dramatically restrictive diet. 2, PPI's for life. Or 3, LES surgery.
Whilst it's great to eat healthy, I'm not sure I'm ready to cut out all the things I like to eat just yet. And as for PPI's, I'd happily take these forever as they're so effective, but I worry about the long-term side effects. Indeed, the Esomaprazole I bought says to only take for two weeks which is not much help. So that leaves me considering the surgery. And over the years I've also tried everything the internet suggest, to no avail.
Anyone had the surgery? Did it work, how was the recovery? How did you get your GP to consider nominating you for it?
Have you discussed this with your GP? Jumping to surgery seems quite a drastic first option.Anyone had this?
Interested in knowing more about the procedure. Success rates, risk etc.
I've had pretty much constant heartburn for decades. Never had much luck discussing the matter with GP's. Their advice is usually to avoid the things that set it off. But the list is long and growing. I've been prescribed meds in the past which worked like a charm. Zantac before it was discontinued, and Omeprazole which I came off after a year because of concern about long-term side effects.
Gave up smoking many years ago. Gave up drinking for a year to see if that helped, no difference.
So I just kind of suffer, and gobble up Rennies all the time to manage the pain. The only way to guarantee no heartburn is to not eat, but some foods are really bad for setting it off. Bread especially. It kind of feels like there's no lid on my stomach, and some food causes more acid which then rises up my gullet causing pain, especially when bending down.
I had a particularly miserable day with it on Saturday when I'd had a piece of toast in the morning and went to the gym in the afternoon. Which was a total waste of time due to the pain and uncomfortable bloating of the heartburn. I just gave up and went and bought some Esomeprazole from Tesco. Because of this, the last few days have been pain-free, total bliss.
So I'm determined to finally do something about this as I can't go on with the status quo. It seems I have three options: 1, dramatically restrictive diet. 2, PPI's for life. Or 3, LES surgery.
Whilst it's great to eat healthy, I'm not sure I'm ready to cut out all the things I like to eat just yet. And as for PPI's, I'd happily take these forever as they're so effective, but I worry about the long-term side effects. Indeed, the Esomaprazole I bought says to only take for two weeks which is not much help. So that leaves me considering the surgery. And over the years I've also tried everything the internet suggest, to no avail.
Anyone had the surgery? Did it work, how was the recovery? How did you get your GP to consider nominating you for it?
About 20 years ago I had a camera shoved down my throat, and the specialist diagnosed an uncomplicated hiatus hernia.
Since then I’ve been on prescription PPI, including several with queries subsequently levelled at their effects, latterly lanzerprazole or whatever.
Balance this against the long term effect of bile juices convincing your oesophagus it’s a stomach.
I’ve not explored surgery as the pill popping is easy, hopefully low risk, and I have a morbid fear of someone jiggering with my top sphincter muscle.
However, lately I’ve noticed a susceptibility to impromptu choking due to stuff getting into my throat without me admitting them, like the opening is operating without my oversight.
So I’ll be asking my doctor for their advice soon.
I wish you luck in your search for help, as acid reflux is a piss poor return on enjoying foodstuffs.
Since then I’ve been on prescription PPI, including several with queries subsequently levelled at their effects, latterly lanzerprazole or whatever.
Balance this against the long term effect of bile juices convincing your oesophagus it’s a stomach.
I’ve not explored surgery as the pill popping is easy, hopefully low risk, and I have a morbid fear of someone jiggering with my top sphincter muscle.
However, lately I’ve noticed a susceptibility to impromptu choking due to stuff getting into my throat without me admitting them, like the opening is operating without my oversight.
So I’ll be asking my doctor for their advice soon.
I wish you luck in your search for help, as acid reflux is a piss poor return on enjoying foodstuffs.
I had surgery for reflux in July 2019 and it has been a resounding success. I had a hiatus hernia repair and Linx implant. This was done privately but I believe you can get it on the NHS in some areas. RefluxUK did mine and I'd highly recommend if you can go privately.
I tried the restrictive diet (Acid Watcher Diet) and it was miserable. Lost 2.5 stone that i didnt have to lose, looked like I was dieing (I felt like it too from the reflux) and it didn't stop my symptoms.
Tried PPI but they didn't work and I didn't like the sound of the potential long term side effects.
Untreated, reflux can make you more susceptible to esophageal cancer, which is one of the nastier ones.
There are other surgical options available now including "RefluxStop" as well as the traditional ones that the NHS routinely offer.
Here are the steps you'll need to take to move towards surgery:
Gastroscope (looks for signs of pre-cancer (barretts esophagus) as well as hiatus hernia.)
Maybe barium swallow (shows the reflux happening via xray)
24 pH monitoring (measures the extent of the reflux - how many episodes and how long they last)
Manometry (measures the strength of your swallow - which determines suitability for certain reflux surgeries including Linx) this is usually done at the same time as they fit you up with the 24 hour pH monitoring.
Any more questions feel free to message me.
Good luck!
I tried the restrictive diet (Acid Watcher Diet) and it was miserable. Lost 2.5 stone that i didnt have to lose, looked like I was dieing (I felt like it too from the reflux) and it didn't stop my symptoms.
Tried PPI but they didn't work and I didn't like the sound of the potential long term side effects.
Untreated, reflux can make you more susceptible to esophageal cancer, which is one of the nastier ones.
There are other surgical options available now including "RefluxStop" as well as the traditional ones that the NHS routinely offer.
Here are the steps you'll need to take to move towards surgery:
Gastroscope (looks for signs of pre-cancer (barretts esophagus) as well as hiatus hernia.)
Maybe barium swallow (shows the reflux happening via xray)
24 pH monitoring (measures the extent of the reflux - how many episodes and how long they last)
Manometry (measures the strength of your swallow - which determines suitability for certain reflux surgeries including Linx) this is usually done at the same time as they fit you up with the 24 hour pH monitoring.
Any more questions feel free to message me.
Good luck!
I’m in the same boat. 37, hiatus hernia for 7 years.
PPIs prescribed when I have flare ups, but due to my FAP the Dr only prescribes when necessary. At hospital last week for an Xray, for an 18 month long cough which they suspect is a silent reflux.
Really interested in having the operation, I have private medical.
PPIs prescribed when I have flare ups, but due to my FAP the Dr only prescribes when necessary. At hospital last week for an Xray, for an 18 month long cough which they suspect is a silent reflux.
Really interested in having the operation, I have private medical.
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