Has anyone had hiatus Hernia repair operation to help asthma?

[Lynkeogh]

I have had asthma for 47 years and horrendous reflux for the last two with spasm in my voice box. I’ve to have an operation next month to repair my hiatus hernia and wondered if anyone could share how they recover after the op and if their asthma improved. I’ve read that reflux can be a big contributor to asthma attacks

[CANINE12]

I had two Nissan fundoplicatuon operations about 10 years ago now, they also repaired my sliding hiatus hernia. My symptoms improved for a number of years. I'm not sure if you are having a fundoplicatuon operation or just a hernia repair. I had the operation repeated because I started to have symptoms again.

However I now look at silent reflux as an asthma trigger rather than an alternative reason for asthma symptoms. Back then I was told I don't have asthma despite improving with salbutamol. I understand from Asthma UK helpline nurses that understanding of asthma has come a long way in the last 15 years.

[Lynkeogh in reply to CANINE12]

Thanks for replying I think it’s the Nissan fundoplicatuon operation I have a sliding hiatus hernia. What was your recovery like? Good to here it helped your asthma

[CANINE12 in reply to Lynkeogh]

From what I can remember it was ok, I made sure I stuck to a liquid diet as I was told. I find with eating bread, pastry and potatoes they take time to go down but drinking whilst eating helps with that. I made the mistake of eating too much a couple of years after the operation which made me feel very unwell with stomach pain, so I'd avoid doing that. I got random hiccups after the operation but they subsidised to nothing after a while.

I made sure that I was operated on by a surgeon who was experienced doing this procedure.

Good luck with the operation.

[Lynkeogh in reply to CANINE12]

Thank you canine12 that is really helpful and appreciate you taking the time to reply lx

[Hidden]

Hi there, I had the fundoplication surgery about 6 years ago as I had severe acid reflux & my consultants thought that the surgery may help both the reflux and the severe refractory eosinophilic asthma as they figured the reflux was triggering the cough reflex etc. Whilst it did help the reflux it made no difference to the asthma sadly. I agree with Canine12 in that you need to be so careful about what you eat post surgery and a liquid only diet is the best way forward. I have problems with anything dry such as rice, bread etc but as long as you make sure there is plenty of liquid you can generally find ways around it🤞👍 Good luck with everything.

[Lynkeogh in reply to Hidden]

Thank you rainbowbrite. I have urticaria which from March this year is controlled with 2x monthly injections of Omalizumab (Xolair) this has also I believe helped my asthma. It feels like my life is revolving round my health just now . It’s been a very commanding year for me and I’m hopeful that once this op is over I can start focusing on expanding my life !!appreciate you taking time to help. Lynx

[Pee4]

Hi there. I had the fundoplication surgery performed at Sheffield Hospital although I live in the North West. My consultant recommended the surgeon to me and I took his advice. The procedure, performed around 10 years ago, was straight forward and done laparoscopically. The five wounds, all small, soon healed and I only have a slight and very faded scar where the larger incision was. As described by others who have responded, I was fine after the surgery and kept to the diet I was advised to follow; soft foods, mainly liquids etc. In the early days you are nervous of eating anything too solid anyway so it is easy to discipline yourself. My symptoms were ok afterwards for quite some time but I then started to have worsening symptoms with really bad reflux attacks that have damaged my lungs and vocal chords. To control this I eat a main meal as early as possible, middle of the day is best, and keep away from spicy foods or rich, creamy sauces. I certainly wouldn't have these types of food after 6pm. I also stick to smaller portions as the stomach is smaller after the surgery.

I find that taking my second dose of Lansoprozole late at night helps with effects helping me through the night rather than through the evening when I am sitting upright. I am seeing my consultant in December and hope to check that the wrap is still in place. Given the option to have it done again, I would definitely go ahead. Don't worry about it. I am sure you will be fine. Good luck.

[Lynkeogh in reply to Pee4]

Pee4 your having a rough time hope you get your op .... your post really helps thank you and all the best to you too lynx

[Pee4 in reply to Lynkeogh]

You're welcome

[Msbutterfly]

That's very interesting! I have stomach ulcers, GERD & hiatus hernia - my asthma is pretty bad - unless I can avoid my triggers.

I had something done to my vocal chords once - camera up the nose & down throat, through which he used some gadgets. I'd been silent for 6 weeks - no voice whatsoever! That often happens after/during an asthma attack with mucus clogging up the airways. On that occasion, the acid from my GERD had burnt my vocal chords. He left me with a cheery warning that it can cause throat cancer. I try to sleep with torso raised enough but, with my spinal issues that isn't always comfortable..... so I have to 'sleep' in recliner. Bit of a pain. Best of luck with the operation!!! Let us know how it goes & if asthma improves.

[Lynkeogh]

Hi msbutterfly

Absolutely understand the burnt voice box I sound squeaky and hoarse with the reflux..... hoping this op will deal with this too.

Thanks for your good wishes and will update after my op. Lx