Much on here (decent information) but spread over several threads, relating to whether or not to heve an operation. Clearly it can be difficult to get a joined up impression ifyou are the one having to consider the possibilities.
All of us who have had these proceedures know how long we took to reach the decision and what our deciding factors were.
For others needing advice, here is my narrative based on 3 things:
1. History
2. Decision to have the procedure
3. Verdict
1. History: Heartburn all my life (small natural hernia), worse as I got older and ate and drank a poorer diet than I should. Heartburn contollable with over the counter remedies.
2. Decision to have the procedure: When I hit around 50, my heartburn got much worse and I eventually ended up on Omoprazole 20mg.
As time went on, my volume reflux developed. This was food escaping the stomach and making it's way back up my throat and into my mouth. It seemed when I ate certain things, my stomach rejected them. Sometimes acid would leak out of my stomach during sleep come up my gullet and into my lungs, causing choking.
Even when I first saw the specialist, he gave me pills to shift the contents of my stomach out into the intestine quicker. This caused mild diarrhea and I nearly embarrased myself a few times.
So, I had constant heartburn and couldn't eat a reasonable sized meal less than 5 hours before bed. Even then I feared the choking thing with acid seeping into my lungs. Also, I was developing a chronic cough and bringing up phlegm as a result of acid constantly seeping out of my stomach. The cough was the final straw for me and I decided it couldn't get much worse so opted for the proceedure. It was abou tmy human rights to myself
3. Verdict: Six months on, so far so good. All symptoms gone and no negatives except a bit more wind. My only regret is that I waited so long. When food started to come back up, that should've been the point where my intuition kicked in that something was really not right. I left my op about a year too long but I'm glad I got it eventually.
of course, my symptoms were bespoke to me and in retrospect, I don't think I really asked enough questions of the consultants but I think the decision I made was very right for me in the end..
David consultants tend to duck for cover if you ask tooooo many questions! Its worse if you present with a typed list! Have you thought of getting a IgG food sensitivity test? This cost $400 in Oz but boy it does turn up surprising results and far better than the pin prick method. Great that you followed up with your progress.
Some foods (dairy etc) worse than others Rex but nothing sacred. Spouse has all the intolerenses so, well versed in that area.
Agree with the ducking for cover , they certainly do that
And as for following up with progress, yes, it's been cathartic to share and to offer my experiences and my debate if you like but queries have dried up now so probably time to check out on this forum. Probably have a nosey in 6 or 9 months time
David
Agree David
verdict: three weeks post op and feel a million dollars! Not a sign of reflux and have been sleeping through which I have not done for since I can remember. Eating normal meals after two weeks with no problem at all. So far a very positive experience and life changing... Belching a bit of an issue but will take that any day over heartburn etc....
Excellent Peter