Had the surgery done at Keck Medical Center at USC by Dr. Lipham, a specialist. He has a video on YouTube. That’s how I found him after Mayo turned me down.
Had the surgery done at Keck Medical Center at USC by Dr. Lipham, a specialist. He has a video on YouTube. That’s how I found him after Mayo turned me down.
I only spoke with someone over the phone, giving my information. I received a letter say8ng they thought I was getting adequate treatment with my gastro. Also, they prioritized patients because of too few doctors. I didn’t take no for answer and sought an experienced practitioner elsewhere.
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.
@drrobertsmsmft How is your linx working for you?
I have surgery Friday here in Las Vegas and still not sure which way to go. Had the swollowing been hard to get used to?
I've also been reading about recalls, material break down... so I'm nervous.
The surgery was a success. I haven’t had heartburn or acid reflux since. Early on I had to take my time eating or food could get stuck a bit down near the opening to the stomach but no longer gives me much trouble unless I eat soft white bread, hot dog buns, or eat too fast. Long periods go without any problem at all. I will be having a repeat esophagram and BRAVO monitor at the year anniversary to assess success further, I went to USC to have the best doctor I could find, Dr. Lipham. I wanted someone who had done many, many LINX procedures. I didn’t want to have it done in LV.
Hi Kelly, I had a Nissen done 8-17-18 and felt good for 3.5-4 months. I am now back to the way I felt pre surgery. I am an RN who works in the endoscopy department in the hospital and I have not met anyone who had a reversal. I am getting an EGD on 1-23-19 and will discuss things w my surgeon. I wish I didn't have it done because I feel worse than before. what are your symptoms? did you have the Nissen?
@drrobertsmsmft How is your linx working for you?
I have surgery Friday here in Las Vegas and still not sure which way to go. Had the swollowing been hard to get used to?
I've also been reading about recalls, material break down... so I'm nervous.
Please re-think having the surgery done in Las Vegas. drroberts says he looked for experienced practicioners I Recommend that you do the same. You can send me a private message if you want to discuss further.
I had a Nissen Fundoplication in 4/2018. He called it a "toupee" because it's not a complete wrap. It was a big mistake but I had reflux so bad acid was getting into my lungs so I was looking for any relief. It did help with reflux for about a month but the side affects have been far worse than anything I had before. The bloating, gas, nausea far worse than before the surgery causing a lot of pain. Medication wouldn't touch any of it. Now I have reflux as bad as I did before the surgery, I have a hernia where 25% of my stomach is in my chest, I now have delayed gastric emptying as a result which is causing me to be hypoglycemic. It has been a disaster. Everything that could had gone wrong has. I'm told the fundoplication can be undone but am also told that a Linx cannot be done now. The doctor that did this to me is supposed to be the best, he has doctors from around the world come and practice with him to learn the procedure. I am told you can do a Linx first and if that doesn't work you can have a fundoplication but not the other way around. Is this true? Has anyone had a Linx after a failed fundoplication?
I'm in the same boat, failed Nissen Fundoplication. Did you ever find out if you can now have a Linx? I've been told no by one doctor but keep looking.
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Had the surgery done at Keck Medical Center at USC by Dr. Lipham, a specialist. He has a video on YouTube. That’s how I found him after Mayo turned me down.
If it's not too personal, would you mind sharing the reason Mayo turned you down?
I only spoke with someone over the phone, giving my information. I received a letter say8ng they thought I was getting adequate treatment with my gastro. Also, they prioritized patients because of too few doctors. I didn’t take no for answer and sought an experienced practitioner elsewhere.
Hi Kelly,
If one had a Nissen Fundoplication and fail, can it be undo and change to Linx?
Thank you.
@drrobertsmsmft How is your linx working for you?
I have surgery Friday here in Las Vegas and still not sure which way to go. Had the swollowing been hard to get used to?
I've also been reading about recalls, material break down... so I'm nervous.
The surgery was a success. I haven’t had heartburn or acid reflux since. Early on I had to take my time eating or food could get stuck a bit down near the opening to the stomach but no longer gives me much trouble unless I eat soft white bread, hot dog buns, or eat too fast. Long periods go without any problem at all. I will be having a repeat esophagram and BRAVO monitor at the year anniversary to assess success further, I went to USC to have the best doctor I could find, Dr. Lipham. I wanted someone who had done many, many LINX procedures. I didn’t want to have it done in LV.
Hi Kelly, I had a Nissen done 8-17-18 and felt good for 3.5-4 months. I am now back to the way I felt pre surgery. I am an RN who works in the endoscopy department in the hospital and I have not met anyone who had a reversal. I am getting an EGD on 1-23-19 and will discuss things w my surgeon. I wish I didn't have it done because I feel worse than before. what are your symptoms? did you have the Nissen?
Please re-think having the surgery done in Las Vegas. drroberts says he looked for experienced practicioners I Recommend that you do the same. You can send me a private message if you want to discuss further.
I had a Nissen Fundoplication in 4/2018. He called it a "toupee" because it's not a complete wrap. It was a big mistake but I had reflux so bad acid was getting into my lungs so I was looking for any relief. It did help with reflux for about a month but the side affects have been far worse than anything I had before. The bloating, gas, nausea far worse than before the surgery causing a lot of pain. Medication wouldn't touch any of it. Now I have reflux as bad as I did before the surgery, I have a hernia where 25% of my stomach is in my chest, I now have delayed gastric emptying as a result which is causing me to be hypoglycemic. It has been a disaster. Everything that could had gone wrong has. I'm told the fundoplication can be undone but am also told that a Linx cannot be done now. The doctor that did this to me is supposed to be the best, he has doctors from around the world come and practice with him to learn the procedure. I am told you can do a Linx first and if that doesn't work you can have a fundoplication but not the other way around. Is this true? Has anyone had a Linx after a failed fundoplication?
I'm in the same boat, failed Nissen Fundoplication. Did you ever find out if you can now have a Linx? I've been told no by one doctor but keep looking.