Hello,
I'm new to this forum and will endeavour to keep things as brief as possible.
Around 20 years ago I underwent surgery for a hiatus hernia and acid reflux, I was in a lot of discomfort and only in my late twenties at the time. Overall the surgery worked reasonably well, even if the recovery took an age (almost 5 months to get right).
About three weeks ago I developed violent heartburn and back pain whilst laid in bed, I have slept with my bed raised 4" for years but this made no difference. I have taken a maintainence does of 10 mg Omeprazole for years and when I have any difficulties (although I've never experienced any like this) I up it to 20mg. Having tried this for a few days and putting up with intense burning between my shoulder blades and chest I increased my dose to 2 x 20mg, one in the morning and one in the evening. Still no better I booked in to see my GP, he has upped my dose to 80mg, included Gaviscon and thinks my original repair may have failed.
Due to the dosages I'm on at the moment I feel absolutely terrible. I'm drowsy, have diarrhoea and still have all the pain.
My question is has anyone had a repair repaired, is it possible and what was the success rate? I am quite honestly not prepared to spend the rest of my life feeling like this!
Did you have the Linx procedure done? The magnets around the esophagus at the base by stomach???
No. LINX is a very new procedure, mine was twenty years ago. I've researched LINX (although it's no good for me) and it appears to be a very good, relatively non-invasive procedure. The main issue appears to be if you have any allergies to nickel or any other metals in the unit!
Hi John,
I was also on Omeprazole for years and it stopped working GP changed me to Lansoprazole with a much better outcome,30mg daily unless in fkare up then 30mg twice daily. I think that sometimes taking the same drug for too long it loses its effectivness.
hope you find a solution soon.
L.
Hi L,
Did you have a similar situation to the one I have described, not being able to lie down at night etc?
Also, have you ever had a flare up last longer than three weeks?
Hi John,
I have not had a second repair done - but I have had a friend who did. It can be done again - and it can work again. Sometimes you are lucky - the repair is done - and that is it - sometimes the wrap loosens or you get another hernia - which means another proceedure to repair it. You will have to ask your GP for a referal. I didn't do well on the medications when I was on them - so I comnpletely understand how you feel - after 20 years I don't think you are being unreasonable asking for help again. Good luck!
Thanks for the reply.
Any idea of what symptoms your friend was getting to indicate a repeat HH?
Also, have you ever personally suffered a flare up which has lasted as long as three weeks?
Hi John,
As far as I know my friend had all the issues back after previously being symptom free. I should add when you had ypur surgery done theres a good chance you had a 360 degree repair - which can actually be too tight!!! Personally I have had no problems at all post-op. I have had 2 years of no anti-acid meds. I could not tolerate lansoprazole or pantoprazole - was on high doses of ranitidine topped off with gaviscon advance! I had a 270 degree fundoplication and hiatus hernia repair done. I believe if a wrap is too tight it can cause symptoms such as you suffer yourself as well as the problems I mentioned before. You need to get it checked out.
I agree, has I'm back to see my GP on Tuesday and he's agreed to refer me to a GI if there's no improvement. Trouble is there's a 6 week waiting list, then at least a further 2 weeks for a scope. The way I'm feeling I don't honestly know if I can cope that long.
Did you have your surgery in the UK and if so who with please, how was your recovery ?
Hi John,
Yes all the things you mentioned my last flare up started end of FEB and went on for nearly 3 months it affected my whole digestive system from my throat right through to the other end with stomach cramps pain in the chest through to back and up into right shoulder heartburn etc. it was the worst flare up I have ever experienced, and I have had it for many years. no idea what brought it on, or what made it settle down (if only) then you would know not to have it again. I know my triggers and I hadn't had any of them the nurse practitioner at my surgery explained to me about the vegas nerve that controls the gut, heart and lungs and if it is not working properly can cause all sorts of problems with the digestive system that is why many of us get breathless when we are in a flare up, and it can also cause problems with the sinuses. I know that non of that helps you at the moment, I hope your visit to your GP gets you some positive results
L.
PS
Another sufferer on this forum suggested that raw white cabbage and pomegranite juice can ease the symptoms you wash and chop the cabbage and put it in the fridge and just nibble on it throughout the day.
Hi Linda,
Thanks that was really helpful.
During my next visit I'm going to ask my GP to try an alternative PPI and just keep my fingers crossed that it performs some miracle cure. It's just so depressing with the continuing period of no improvement. I'm self employed and haven't been able to work, unless something changes soon bankruptcy will be on the cards. More stress!
Anyway, thanks again it's good to discuss it.
John
Hello again,
I think you will find if you ask, that GP's are now are to refer patients for a gastroscopy without the need to see the GI consultant first,might be different in some areas but I know they do it here. no harm in asking.
L.
Hi John,
It is awful waiting for all the appointments - and from start to finish I think it was about 8 months before I had surgery - the endoscopy was done first - then I saw gastro doc, had PH test done - saw surgeon and finally surgery. On the plus side gastro doc changed my meds - which made things a lot more bareable. I did cut out a lot of reflux triggers too - and as long as I knew something was being done - I got through it.
should have added after op - I was off work for 3 weeks - was eating and drinking normally by 8 weeks.
Thanks for that, very reassuring, just speaking to someone else who has had to endure this horrible situation.
I've just actually been out with my wife today and told her I'm feeling a little better, let's hope that's not the kiss of death!
I hope you stay well.
Hi Linda,
Went back to GP yesterday and have an appointment with a Gastroenterologist next Thursday, thank goodness. He has also taken me off Omeprazole and put me on Lansoprazole. How long did it take for the new drug to kick in with you Linda?
That's good news John at least things are moving, its been a while since I started Lansoprazole so I can't remember exactly how long but I do know they made a marked difference.
L x
Thanks for that Linda. Just hope it's days rather than weeks!
It was definitley quicker than weeks. L x