Nissen surgery for GERD, now swallowing issues. Anyone else?

Posted by maxsamnoah @maxsamnoah, Mar 12 1:24pm

So I had my Nissan surgery about a year and a half ago now I experience hard time swallowing periodically like every six seven months I have to go in and get my esophagus stretched I feel like my doctor thinks I'm nuts or something but I really panic when it happens cuz it's very uncomfortable anyone else have these troubles other than that I'm doing okay other than slight burping

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | 2 days ago

Hi @maxsamnoah, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Needing to get your esophagus stretched multiple times does sound uncomfortable and stressful. I imagine the thought of having to do it again is unsettling.

I cannot speak to how your Nissan procedure may be related. As you wait for others to comment I do want to connect you to @v132077 who is familiar with learning self esophageal dilation as an alternative after needing multiple endoscopic procedures.

You may also find a related blog post here on Connect helpful if you haven’t already reviewed it. You will see several members have written helpful comments as well.
- Esophageal Self Dilation Therapy: An Effective Alternative
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/esophageal-self-dilation-therapy-an-effective-alternative/
I also went to the Digest Health home page and did a search including “Nissen esophagus stretch”. Others have commented about esophagus problems following the procedure you had such as swallowing, spasms, etc. You can review them here:

- Digest Health Support Group discussions related to Nissen procedure and esophagus stretching
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/digestive-gastrointestinal-problems/
You mention your doctor thinking you are nuts. Do tell….why do you think this? Do you think self dilation is something you would consider?

maxsamnoah | @maxsamnoah | 2 days ago

In reply to @jlharsh "Hi @maxsamnoah, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Needing to get your esophagus stretched multiple times..." + (show)

Thanks so much any information I can get I appreciate.

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v132077 | @v132077 | 2 days ago

Self Dilation was a life changer for me, and possibly could be for you too. It’s very easy to do, totally painless, and doesn’t take long. I have reduced the frequency I do it to every other day, and will decrease by another day in a couple weeks. The goal is to get to once a week or fewer. I have been doing self dilation for 3 years now with absolutely no problems. I did my training at Mayo in Phoenix. Dr. Allon Kahn was my Doctor. Absolutely amazing Doctor and wonderful person to boot. His staff is the same. If I can help in any way, feel free to reach out to me.