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Post-Nissen Fundoplication Problems: What helps?
Digestive Health | Last Active: Aug 18 11:19am | Replies (139)Comment receiving replies
I am posting my story to see if anyone else is experiencing the same symptoms that I have been experiencing after having a Nissen fundoplication.
In 1998, I had a hysterectomy. Three weeks after I started to vomit after eating a meal and had terrible migraines. I went to my doctor and he ordered blood work and I was told that I had h-pylori bacteria. I was put on high antibiotics. After taking the antibiotics the migraines stopped but the heaving continued off and on. In 1999, I had my gallbladder removed because I had a functional test that revealed that my gallbladder was not operating correctly and probably was the source of my vomiting. About six months after the gallbladder surgery, the vomiting returned. I went back to my doctor and he referred me to a surgeon who told me that I had classic GERD. In 2000, I had a Nissen fundoplication. Since then, I still would experience nausea but could not heave because of the wrap. During those times of nausea, I would have to ice myself down to reduce the dry heaves until my brain would tell my system to try the other way. I also was having an acidic stomach. To minimize the acid in my stomach, I was but on Zantac.
As the years progressed I have had episodes of extreme bloating and constipation, nausea, mind fogginess, acid reflux, extreme hot flashes, and rashes. Over almost 2 decades, I have seen numerous gastroenterologists and alternative medicine doctors. I have been put on acid reducers and medications to help with the constipation. One gastroenterologist even diagnosed me with gastroparesis. In 2017, I had a 4 hour stomach emptying test that revealed that I did not have gastroparesis. But from 2013 to 2017, I changed my diet to adjust my eating based on the diagnosis.
In 2016, I started getting colonics because I was experiencing constipation, fogginess, extreme hot flashes, fatigue, and weight gain. I stopped getting the colonics after a year. It was too much of a strain on my system.
In 2017, I had an endoscopic dilation. I had been experiencing constant bloating and extreme hot flashes. To me, my hot flashes were coming from the laboring of my digestive system to digest the food and also when I would get stressed. After the dilation, I had to cut out a lot of foods that were high fiber and gaseous. I used to be able to drink tea, but tea gases my system. I cannot eat chips or anything that has a high salt content because at times it upsets my stomach and makes my face feel like it is crawling and I would break out. I eat small meals these days because it takes too long for my system to digest a meal. I have to take MiraLax and Citrucel every night to keep my system running. I try to monitor my weight to make sure that I am not putting on weight because for me it signals that the food is not passing and is sitting in my colon.
As I am getting older, the Nissen is causing more problems for me. I saw my most recent Gastro doctor last week and told him that I wanted to get the wrap undone. I would appreciate it if anyone has had a similar experience as I have and share with me what they have done or are doing to remedy their situation.
Replies to "I am posting my story to see if anyone else is experiencing the same symptoms that..."
So sorry you are going through so much. You mentioned that the four hour stomach emptying test rule out Gastroparesis, but your symptoms sound a lot like GP. Have you had your Esophagus tested by manometer for Achalasia (motility disorder of Esophagus. I have both Achalasia abd GP, severed GERD with acid and Bile Reflux. I had a Heller’s Myotomy and a Nissen. After these surgeries plus fixing a Hiatal Hernia and Umbilical Hernia, au has a terrible time going from soft diet to solids, and three or so years after was diagnosed with Gastroparesis.
I would ask about test for Achalasia and repeat of Gastroparesis four hour stomach emptying test. I hope you get some relief and some answers very soon. God bless you.
@faithann64 .. I'm not sure where you live but Mayo Minnesota saved my quality of life.. One in six Nissens fail, some like mine cannot be reversed without major problems... A great GI department.
I clicked on Zaroga’s link. In my area there are 4 listed and 2 of them are MDs.
I select the doctors I go to by examining their schooling, their history in practice, and their accreditation by medical fellowships.. I do not go to medical practitioners who have been educated only in Chiropractic schools.
have you seen a functional medicine doctor? They try to get to the root cause rather than dealing with every symptom like putting out fires
How far are you from Minneapolis? Does University of ND have a medical center in Fargo or Grand Forks?
Yes Mayo has an "Integrative Medical Department".. So you see the semantics changes... Wording is everything and the patient must be informed.
It notes the following...:"Integrative Medicine (IM) is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies."
How interesting! I’ve been googling and reading about functional medicine. I had never heard about it until today. Thanks for the posts!
Use "Google" and the internet. .Be careful of the definition of the term, "functional medicine"... those who practice may not be "Medical Doctors"
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Thank you for your compassion and info. I believe that I had the Esophagus test done in the early part of my journey. I believe this is the test that they insert a tube up your nose into your esophagus to determine acid reflux, correct? That test came back negative. With respect to Gastroparesis, I was tested twice for 2 hours and once for 4 hours. The first time that I had it , I believe it came back negative and I was diagnosed with IBS. The second time, truly I believe that the doctor didn't know what my problem was and said gastroparesis. She told me to buy the book on gastroparesis and learn how to live with it. This was the same doctor that prescribed the 4 hour test that resulted in the test being negative. The gastro doctor that I have now has stated that I have an upper and lower digestive problem. He asked me if I could live with it and I told him no. My stomach is constantly filled with air with an extended stomach despite the elimination of gaseous foods. Thanks again and may God bless you and keep you as only He can.