Fundoplication /anasthesia worries Operate ...or Not

[ledge]

I am suffering from severe reflux which I seem to be aspirating constantly into my lungs. This has damaged my lungs so badly that I have lost possibly 65% of my lung function. Currently, my FEV1 is 0.88. and my FVC is 1.60. I cant do very much without becoming very breathless. But I try to walk on a treadmill, my personal best at the moment is 1 mile in 19 minutes! I do yoga and pilates and a water aerobics which all leave me breathless but I am determined to keep on. My big problem is that I have been offered fundoplication to try and correct the reflux. But the anaesthetist is very worried because of the poor lung function that I will have difficulty being extubated and therefore may need a tracheostomy afterwards. He is also arranging a bed in ICU regardless. The case will have to be discussed with all parties and the surgeon and ICU and the anaesthesia department. Now all the possible outcomes worry me. Made worse by the fact that fundoplication itself may not work and its a long hard road to recovery on that operation for even a normal person. I am worried about the outcomes and look for some guidance on what I should do. Some days I think fortune favours the brave, other times I feel I am being utterly foolish - most of the time I'm scared.

Thanks

[Pentreath Volunteer]

Hi Ledge - what a dilemma for you. If you phone the BLF helpline, who are available from 10-5 Mondays to Fridays you would be able to speak to a specialist nurse. They are really good and will be able to help you to think through the best course of action for you. Hope all goes well for you.

[Pentreath Volunteer]

Sorry - the telephone number for the helpline is 03000 030 555 - forgot to put that in my first reply.

[Shancock]

I'm so sorry I suffer reflux and as a result get frequent lung infections, can't be sure but I think it caused my asthma as I didn't have asthma till about 5 years ago and I'm now 40.

I am currently having tests and if I do opt for surgery am having something called Linx surgery (you can google it). It's done under anaesthetic but is non intrusive and has a very quick recovery time. It seems to be very successful and if it doesn't work or causes problems the device can be removed so unlike fundoplication is reversible. Maybe ask your consultant about it, to me if I go for surgery that what I'll be choosing.

In th meantime a few things that help me are drinking warm boiled water with and after food, having 25ml of Aloe Vera juice daily and eating almonds ate food too just a few. I always sleep sat up on lots of pillows and never eat anything after 6pm.

I take Esomeprazole and Gaviscon at present.

[ledge in reply to Shancock]

Hi I have researched all the options, and unfortunately, despite my surgeon trying for me, Linx was not available due to restrictions in NHS funding.

However, its not the surgery as such that is giving me the worry, as neither Linx or fundoplication can be guaranteed to work in all situations and they all have the pros and cons. It is the problem with the anaesthetic which is giving me the most worry. As its the risks of not being successfully extubated and of course the fact that the surgery site regardless of it being linx or fundo is thoracic/upper abdominal, which causes problems on breathing even to normal people. But thank you for your tips. I wish you well in your journey

[Izb1]

Hi ledge, I cant help with your decision but can offer support. It's not easy going through any type of surgery and must admit had to look up what fundoplication meant. I am not surprised you are scared anyone would be. Once all parties have talked and decided if you can have the op, then make your decision, and speak with people at the blf team, I am sure they will offer good advice. Please keep us updated, take care. Irene x

[ledge in reply to Izb1]

thanks for your post... nothing to report yet - still not had meeting

[Izb1]

Hi ledge, it must be worrying for you, waiting to hear from the doctors, try to be patient. Did you phone the blf helpline, they may be able to put your fears to rest or give some good advice. Thanks for the update, keep us posted. Irene x

[ledge]

Hi Irene

Yes, I did, they were helpful. But unfortunately, they only pointed out what the anaesthetist said and lots of things have to be taken into consideration. However, I did speak to the anaesthetist yesterday, and yes definitely a bed in ICU after, but I am to have an echocardiogram now in May. Then meeting with my GI Surgeon.