LINX procedure

Hello @drrobertsmsmft and welcome to Mayo Connect! I'm glad that you found this online patient support group. Is the procedure you are asking about for GERD or reflux problems? If so, I believe it is the LINX procedure. Here is Youtube video from Mayo Clinic regarding it, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rFDc_qFTsQ. We have had other Members of our community discuss reflux and the different treatments please see the discussions at https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lrp-severity-and-outlook/?pg=2#comment-52068.

We look forward to getting to know you. What type of symptoms have you had and for how long? What other treatments have you tried?

Teresa

I have had GERD and acid reflux for some time but recently was diagnosed with esophagitis and a hiatal hernia after an endoscopy. My doctor told me about the LINX procedure and suggested I do some homework about it when I went to see him for continuing symptoms in spite of taking 150 mg. and of ranitidine at bedtime plus numerous Tums per day. I have refused to take any PPIs and now I will be taking ranitidine 300 mg. twice a day

@drrobertsmsmft, Hi doc, can you tell me what are the harmful side effects of. ppis that everyone is so afraid of? Ive been taking them for about 10 years and without them i would have been miserable indeed. Although, i do have trouble swallowing, and gastroparesis. Plus i used to be able to sing and now i cant. I sound like a frog.
Any info would be appreciated, thanks, Dany

Not a doctor, just my initials. Lol. Because of lawsuits against the PPIs, I've been against taking them. My doctor understands and told me yesterday that dementia, bone breakage, and kidney problems/failure have been linked with them. So far I've been able to use ranitidine (Zantac) and Tums and it's worked well enough. I think we all have to educate ourselves and be an active partner with our doctors. Sometimes our choices stink, but we do have them. Hope you have continued success.

@drrobertsmsmft After doing some research on the LINX procedure, how are you feeling about it now? Teresa

Hi @drrobertsmsmft,

We're so glad you've joined us with your questions on Connect. I'm tagging @carolynlivingjaks and Mentor @kdubois as they may also have more information and insight about the LINX procedure.

I would like to invite @dandl48, @brie87144 @ryman, @lizwhite80 @jafd who all have discussed esophageal issues. While they may not share the same condition as you, they may have some similar experiences with regard to esophageal diagnoses.

Drroberts, may I ask what symptoms led to the diagnosis of esophagitis? Did you have trouble swallowing food?

I had an endoscopy/colonoscopy in January and it was diagnosed then. The procedure was my second in three years.

I am very anxious to hear more about this procedure. But I am glad to know someone else does not take the PPis. I have been telling drs for years I don't want them because I already have severe osteoporosis. I take Nexium for a few days when things get very bad. I have had GERD and swallowing problems most of my life. I have had many endoscopies and stretching. They finally sent me to a speech therapist which has helped some. Just today my dr told me to quit taking the PPi but because it causes dizziness which I have had for over a year. She told me to use Zantac and Tums. I do want to hear about this Linx procedure. I will read up on it and see what else you have to say.

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.

I was just diagnosed with ulcers and the BARRETTS ESOPHAGUS. was on protonix for ulcers which have healed now on Prilosec for esophagus. I don't know how long I'm supposed to stay on them but don't plan to be for a long time. I was feeling better but since changed to Prilosec feel worse again. Don't know if ulcers are back or it's the gerd. I have silent reflux so do not get heartburn just terrible pain in upper right side and pit of my stomach. It goes right through to my back. Do you think zantac would help me?