Procedures for GERD/GORD

[Littlenanny25]

Hello,

I have had severe reflux for several years now. Recently saw a Gastro consultant who changed and upped my medication. He has referred me for further investigations in preparation for possible surgical procedure. He suggested Linx or Fundoplication. I have read up on both and am really not keen after reading about some of the negative after effects. Has anyone had either of these procedures? I think it would be helpful to know about lived experiences of others.

Thanks

[grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr]

Hi - it seems this is the usual stance that gastro consultants offer. They do a scope, they give you PPIs and then they are stumped when the PPIs stop working - so they offer surgery. I too have suffered for over 20 years and I refuse to have the surgery. It's irreversible and often doesn't work anyway, and your food intake is greatly restricted. The choice is yours of course, but read up as much as you can and explore alternatives first. I have found going gluten free and eating my main meal at lunch time and only having a light meal at 5pm, then not eating after that helps. Dairy can be a problem too. Have you seen a naturopath yet - that can help. Some people's reflux is caused by too little acid - and that's why PPIs don't help. I haven't found my solution yet though!

[Littlenanny25 in reply to grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr]

Thanks for your reply. Yes I feel the same and really don’t want to go down that route. I haven’t tried a naturopath yet but that’s certainly an option to explore.

[JaffaNut]

Hi, I've been considering the Linx procedure. Can you signpost me to where you found reviews?

Thanks!

[Littlenanny25 in reply to JaffaNut]

Hi I did a Google search to find information related to each procedure and reported effectiveness and adverse effects. I did also do a Reddit search and there are very mixed reviews from people who have had the Linz and Fundoplication procedures. The Linx procedure is relatively new so long term effects are not well known. It seems that for some people it is very effective. But there are risks with it so it’s a good idea to discuss it with the surgeon or gastro consultant. It can be removed. I am still undecided but I will have the preliminary investigations then make a decision. Additionally, there is a reported game changing drug not yet licensed here. It’s being prescribed in the US and Canada, and some parts of Europe. I think it’s called Vonoprazen. Unfortunately, it’s going to be sometime before it’s licensed here, if at all if NICE / MHRA don’t approve it.

[JaffaNut]

Thank you! There is a video on the OPA Website of a singer who had the Linx and he believes it has changed his life. I'm not aware of anyone else who has had it. I'm keen for a cure but, you're right, I would need to pay a private consultation initially.

Let me know what you decide to do.

[1abc1943]

No I wouldn't be keen I have head they stop you from vomiting. I know a couple of people who have had the procedure and aren't happy but some are happy xxx