Anyone Have Nissen?

[JB327]

Hi, I am a 25 year old male, was in pretty good health about 1 year ago.. I have had reflux for years, and in 2007 it got progressively worse.. I tried everything from all PPI's, to OTC meds, to pickle juice, etc.. Nothing worked..

I went to my GI who performed Endoscopy, Bravo test, Motility study.. My reflux results came back as the worst results possible, and I was recommended for the Nissen Fundoplication surgery to correct it..

I spent a few months thinking it over, and finally opted for it. I met with a local surgeon and scheduled my surgery back in August 23, 2007.. After the surgery I had the typical Nausea, not able to eat much, etc.. I got clusters of blood clots in both my lungs, and left lung collapse, and pneumonia..

I spent 8 days straight in ICU and when I got out, I still haven't been the same.. I can't eat much at any given time, I get nauseated a lot, and I'm still on blood thinners so I can't drink anything like Ensure because it has vitamin K..

I am 5'6", and used to weigh 145 "pre-surgery" I now weigh 117, and can't seem to gain any weight what so ever!.. I get burning in my throat a lot, and an occasional cough.. I feel it's heartburn/reflux coming back, and I'm so frustrated, I went through hell for that surgery and I'm not much better right now 6 months post-op..

my surgeon waited till "after" surgery to tell me he "intentionally" tied my wrap a little loose to allow me to burp, but I feel this is letting acid up.. He swears I am "not" having heartburn/reflux, and told me not to come back, and he can't do anything..

I am so frustrated, I can't eat much at all, I get horrible abdominal pains all the time, the burning gets really bad at times, and more... What should I do? Anyone else have this surgery and have the same problems?

[gaugreg1x]

Wow, I sure do feel for you. I am 48 male, and had the Nissen about ten years ago. Fortunately, I had no complications and was out two days later. It was not very successful for me either, I am on 2 Prevacid daily and Zantac 300mg. before bedtime. This keeps it relatively under control, although lately I have been having frequent nighttime heartburn. If you feel as if you are refluxing, you more than likely are inspite of what the surgeon may say. Are you on any PPIs now. Your weight seem very light I agree. I also get the "reflux cough" when I am refluxing bad also. I wish I had an easy answer for you. I assume you are seeing a gastroenterolgist and not just the surgeon?
Greg

Originally Posted by JB327

Hi, I am a 25 year old male, was in pretty good health about 1 year ago.. I have had reflux for years, and in 2007 it got progressively worse.. I tried everything from all PPI's, to OTC meds, to pickle juice, etc.. Nothing worked..

I went to my GI who performed Endoscopy, Bravo test, Motility study.. My reflux results came back as the worst results possible, and I was recommended for the Nissen Fundoplication surgery to correct it..

I spent a few months thinking it over, and finally opted for it. I met with a local surgeon and scheduled my surgery back in August 23, 2007.. After the surgery I had the typical Nausea, not able to eat much, etc.. I got clusters of blood clots in both my lungs, and left lung collapse, and pneumonia..

I spent 8 days straight in ICU and when I got out, I still haven't been the same.. I can't eat much at any given time, I get nauseated a lot, and I'm still on blood thinners so I can't drink anything like Ensure because it has vitamin K..

I am 5'6", and used to weigh 145 "pre-surgery" I now weigh 117, and can't seem to gain any weight what so ever!.. I get burning in my throat a lot, and an occasional cough.. I feel it's heartburn/reflux coming back, and I'm so frustrated, I went through hell for that surgery and I'm not much better right now 6 months post-op..

my surgeon waited till "after" surgery to tell me he "intentionally" tied my wrap a little loose to allow me to burp, but I feel this is letting acid up.. He swears I am "not" having heartburn/reflux, and told me not to come back, and he can't do anything..

I am so frustrated, I can't eat much at all, I get horrible abdominal pains all the time, the burning gets really bad at times, and more... What should I do? Anyone else have this surgery and have the same problems?

[JB327]

Yeah getting ready to go to the top GI in my area at UNC.. I can't take any PPI's as they interfere with Coumadin...

[gaugreg1x]

Oh yikes, no PPIS, that is a mjaor disadvantage.

[rdawg6198]

I probably shouldn't have read this today, because I am having the surgery on Monday. I have been suffering since October, when I had several repeated food impactions. Two dilations later, it only got worse. Went from PPI's once a day, to twice a day and now three times a day with no improvement. I have never had any heartburn with this, just an inflammed and swollen esophagus. Barium swallow, manometry showed florid acid reflux and slightly weak muscle structure, a stricture and some feline esophagus. They decided to go with surgery to stop the damage and allow me heal. I have been on a liquid diet since October and lost 80 lbs. The thing I am most concerned with is that I still won't be able to eat solid foods and will make liquid foods more difficult, but at this point, my health won't let me just wait and do nothing.