Stretta procedure

[sproxtonm]

Had a Stretta procedure yesterday at James Cook University hospital. I was so well looked after by the amazing Mr. Viswanath. He's one of the few surgeons doing this on the NHS. I had 4 other surgeons in attendance as apparently it was the first time in Europe this procedure was carried out on someone with Soegrens syndrome. 2 weeks on liquid diet now

[grannyjogger]

If you don't mind me asking what was your diagnosis to be referred for the Stretta procedure? I have a hiatus hernia, severe reflux that has over the years resulted in Grade C oesophagitis. On the whole the reflux has been reasonably well controlled for many years by PPI medication but since having my gallbladder removed last year the symptoms have become much worse and bile reflux has added to my problems. I have been referred for the Nissan procedure but after meeting with the surgeon I am really concerned about the irreversible and long term effects of the surgery. A friend of my daughter had the surgery last year and has found things very difficult since. I have decided that I am going to ask to defer the surgery because psychologically I am not ready. I also have autoimmune disease that affects my ability to heal. Three operations last year resulted in months off work and took far longer to heal than would normally be expected because my immune system attacked everything in sight!!!! In addition I need to lose some weight before surgery and have been using self help measures including modifying my diet and sleeping on a wedge pillow, this together with 60mg of Lanzoprazole and 300mg Ranitidine per day seems to be managing the situation well. I would like to know more about the Stretta procedure particularly if it is a possible alternative to LNP surgery for someone with my condition.

Sorry for the long post.

[sproxtonm in reply to grannyjogger]

I was initially referred with sudden onset dispepsia aged 65. I was waking up choking on reflux and suffering with heartburn. My doctor did a swift referral worried about cancer really. The initial gastroscopy revealed a hiatushernia, gastritis. The biopsy proved negative for cancer. After that I had pH and manometrystudy and a barium swallow which revealed a very weak swallow. I had heard about Stretta so asked at the hospital. Fortunately the consultant here is one of the only people in the country who does this procedure. He said an operation would not be helpful in my case but was happy to offer me the Stretta. I think he was quite keen because no one had carried it out on someone with Soegrens. There were 4 other consultants present when he carried out the procedure. I had already lost a lot of weight from restricting my diet and was struggling emotionally with the lifestyle changes involved. I guess I was lucky. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Mary

[grannyjogger in reply to sproxtonm]

That was really useful. I got quite excited that there might be an alternative to surgery so I did some research. The info from NICE sounded really positive until I got to the bit that said Stretta was not recommended for hiatus hernias of more than 2 cm, as mine is 6 cm it doesn't look like an option for me. I will raise it with the consultant anyway. Thanks for your response and I hope you are recovering well.

[sproxtonm in reply to grannyjogger]

Oh what a shame! Yes I am recovering well thank you.

[Jas94 in reply to sproxtonm]

Hi I would like to ask how has Stretta procedure gone for you i am 24 years old and suffer from Les reflux

[Matt57 in reply to sproxtonm]

Hi sproxtonm

I am under Mr viswanath I am currently waiting for my appointment for the stretta at James cook hospital feeling very nervous about it all .I have to wait longer as I chose to be put to sleep for the procedure .Can I ask you please did you struggle with liquid diet for 2 weeks ?also what sort of soups did you go for please?Also did you continue to take your acid tablets in solid form straight after the stretta ?the reason I ask as it says on leaflet I got off Mr viswanath to crush the tablets .I Take 150mg ranitidine. 30mg (lansoprazole capsual).10mg metoclopramide .as I'm worried if they are crushed &mixed with water it will make them less effective. As I also suffer with Barretts.How long has it been since your stretta?how are you feeling now?

Best Regards matt57

[sproxtonm in reply to Matt57]

Hi Matt I am really good now thank you. A year on from the procedure. I had a double dose of sedative and was fine. I did crush the tablets and they tasted disgusting! I did lose quite a bit of weight on the liquid then mush diet. Soups were fine as long as they had no bits in them and/or sieved at the start. I was fond of a chicken and sweet corn one which felt satisfying, also a courgette and basil one with cheese in it. I’ll give you my email address and I’ll dig recipes out for you. Are you local ? I live in Middlesbrough. I did long for some bread whilst on the soup. Did I have jelly and custard as well or was that later. I am absolutely fine now just on 300mg Ranitidine daily. I do have to be careful about quantities I eat and stop eating quite early. I’ll happily give you any other info. mary. sproxton@ntlworld. com

[Matt57 in reply to sproxtonm]

Hi Mary

Did you get my email i sent on 28 May to your email address ?

Regards matt

[sproxtonm in reply to Matt57]

I don’t think so. Can you resend it? I sent a long response to your last request but not sure when it was .Have you had your Stretta yet?

[Matt57 in reply to sproxtonm]

Hi Mary

I resent the email this morning it doesn't look like they are coming through to you .No haven't had the stretta yet still waiting for my appointment .I'm just finally relieved to be getting some help to be honest been battle this for 7 years .Been to scarborough hospital then told me they cant do anything for me .then onelife centre in Middlesbrough waste of time .Must say mr viswanath has been great. .I'm delighted your stretta has been a success hope mine goes the same way.How you feeling now ?Will you come off medication eventually or not.?If you could dig them recipes out that would be great Thank you. Have you had much pain after the stretta? See ifyou have better luck here's my email address [e-mail]

Regards matt