Howard: Nissens only last 10+ years or so?

[skunker]

To Howard:

I had my nissen (open) around 1993-1994 and I think it's time to start
thinking about getting a second one done because my GERD symptoms seem
to be back in force (for about 3 years now). I've been on a PPI but
it's not really cutting it.

With that said, what do you think my options are? Can a surgeon go the
lap route or does it have to be nissen (open) again? Also, have you
heard of nissens only lasting about 10+ years or so? I'm 28 so I'm
concerned about having to have these surgeries done every 10-15 years
for the rest of my life....

I have Barrett's (no dysplasia) at 2cm. No idea if it appeared 3 years
ago or was there since my first surgery. Would like to hear your
thoughts on all this. Thanks!

[[e-mail] |]

Post by skunker
I had my nissen (open) around 1993-1994 and I think it's time to start
thinking about getting a second one done because my GERD symptoms seem
to be back in force (for about 3 years now). I've been on a PPI but
it's not really cutting it.
With that said, what do you think my options are? Can a surgeon go the
lap route or does it have to be nissen (open) again? Also, have you
heard of nissens only lasting about 10+ years or so? I'm 28 so I'm
concerned about having to have these surgeries done every 10-15 years
for the rest of my life....
I have Barrett's (no dysplasia) at 2cm. No idea if it appeared 3 years
ago or was there since my first surgery. Would like to hear your
thoughts on all this. Thanks!

There is no proof that PPI meds prevent the progression to Barrett's
as I recall.
Nor it is clear that having a fundoplication is that effective for the
problem as I recall.
Taking PPI meds which raises the pH puts what bile that gets into the
stomach
and esophagus in solution and it is a mutagen in that context as I
recall.

I had a fundoplication and it helped for only a year or so. I then in
time
ended up of PPI meds again. Finally, I went to a alternative medicine
provider
and he suggested I try betaine HCL capsules to increase stomach
acidity
and yes that is opposite of what the MD will think is right. For me
anyway
I haven't needed a PPI med since and that was 4 or 5 years ago after
a nightmare decade of MD's, prescribed PPI meds, expense, dyspepsia,
adverse drug effects, and a fundoplication. Also melatonin may have
contributed to my improvement as well as using an aggressively angled
sleep position for several years which I discontinued a couple of
years ago without
ill effect. It is a great blessing to sleep on the level again though
it felt
wildly odd for sometime after I returned to a level sleep position.

So I'll suggest you get an appointment with alternative medicine
provider that knows about the use of betaine HCL for heartburn
symptoms.

I was bad enough for chronic reflux back in the day that I on more
than
one occasion spit up bright red blood. Now I digest most anything
though
I still do avoid most coffee, china tea, chocolate, and similar
caffiene and other
methyl xanthine sources.

this is not medical advice rather this my personal
experience................Trig