creativeconcept

I had reflux for years. I went on daily PPI's in 2002. In 2005 I had what felt like a heart attack. I quickly realized it was on the right and let it pass. I went to my GP the next day and was referred to a GI doc for an endoscopy. I had the endoscopy and did a bravo ph test. The scope didn't show too much damage but the bravo test was horrible. It was recommended I go to a surgeon for a nissen fundoplication. I wasn't ready but became ready over the next few months. I had the surgery and it was discovered I had a rather sizable hiatal hernia. I don't know why it didn't show up when I had my endoscopy done but the surgeon said sometimes they don't.

The symptoms I had that led me to surgery:

Reflux and regurgitaion
Chest pain
Chronic sinusitis from the reflux
PPI's not working anymore (In the end I was taking 2 Prilosecs and 1 Nexium. I tried 2 Nexiums but they didn't seem to work as well and my insurance would only cover 30 pills a month. I was told I could not increase my doses.

Whether or not these were symptoms of the hernia or the reflux, I don't know. What I do know is that the endoscopy was the first thing I had to do to come up with a solution.

***Most important if you have anything like a Nissen done make sure you have a great surgeon. Many people do not have a good experience with this procedure and not many surgeon have loads of experience. I have had a great experience and it has changed my life for the better.

Sherri