Actually, not really. It’s really been amazing for me. I had terrible GERD back then, eating anything, drinking water. It cured it 100% and I went off meds. In the later years, including now, not sure when it started, sometimes I feel I can’t clear my throat, however, I don’t have to attempt to and no pain or anything. So not really a big deal. What I will say to anyone thinking of the procedure, is to really consider if you might ever need an MRI. LINX procedure on or before 5/22/15 you can only have an MRI with 0.7T (Tesla, no, not the car), strength of magnet. After that date, it was possible to get the device that works with a 1.5T MRI. My problem now is I need an MRI for my wrist. You can’t find 0.7T anymore. All the imaging companies have upgraded, I actually think they are now at 7T. So even getting the LINX procedure now you risk not being able to find 1.5T facilities very shortly. 3T seems very common now. So, I’m screwed. I have to figure out what to do.
Sorry, I don’t really understand the question. Maybe you mean, it’s been 14 years, so I don’t remember a lot and I could be wrong or it’s changed. 3 small incisions, one in neck and two in stomach. I really don’t remember. Device?
Hi @drrobertsmsmft, the LINX procedure is a great alternative to a Nissen Fundoplication. Instead of wrapping the stomach around the base of the esophagus, they use a small device. The LINX company's home page shows a photo of the device: http://www.linxforlife.com. And if you Google "Mayo Clinic LINX", you can watch several videos about it.
With that said, I had to have a Nissen Fundoplication because my Mayo doctors said that my hiatal hernia was too large. Many insurances also will not cover it, so be sure to check out whether or not your insurer will cover it if you proceed.
As an aside, I became very ill from taking PPIs for 12 years. Genetically, I don't properly-metabolize them *plus* these drugs also inhibit the enzyme they themselves need to be metabolized. Though prescribed long-term, the packages state not to take them long-term.
So you had a motility study done? This is where they pass a special catheter through the nose into the esophagus. The RN then has the patient take sips of saline and swallow. Mine showed my esophagus was actually spasming trying to push whatever is swallowed thru the herniation.
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Can you please let us know what they do during surgery and what kind of device they use? Thanks
Sorry, I don’t really understand the question. Maybe you mean, it’s been 14 years, so I don’t remember a lot and I could be wrong or it’s changed. 3 small incisions, one in neck and two in stomach. I really don’t remember. Device?
Mine was not part of the recall however it's been updated several times and mine is the original. Not sure how many were in the recall.
Was your Fundo successful?
Me as well. Dr. said I couldn't have Linx without the completion of the motility test