Facing possible laparoscopic fundoplication, many questions
I have never had reflux that I was aware of (was healthy 69 year old, I road biked 40 miles, swam, ran, serious weight training… but last March, out of nowhere I began to have symptoms that look Sjogren’s to my internist. I couldn't eat, lost weight and drank too much water. I ended up in hospital due to a sodium crisis and lung Nodules & opacities in lung, bronchoscopy conducted after opacities etc remained. Next CT, the lright lung resolved , but left lung worse. So doctors looked to aspiration. Apparently, I "failed" the swallow test; ph impedance on 20 mg Prilosec, no significant acid reflux so GI doc felt differential was achalasia, barium swallow pill went thru.
No real treatment options, so applied to a specialized program for esophogeal disorders in NYC, to see if there was some treatment. Also, If was achalasia they seemed to use the POEM procedure (less invasive compared to heller myotomy).
After meeting me, they suggested doing and Endo flip and bravo. Apparently, in addition to (limited or no peristalsis) the specialist said the ph results showed my esophageal sphincter was not functioning. So reflux was causing lung issues aspiration... Suggested trying medical interventions (wedge, higher dose Prilosec, eat 4-5 hours before dinner. ) So far, no difference and symptoms have been much, much worse since endoflip.
Now I have severe nighttime reflux despite interventions. Suggestion is for fundoplication, but the specialist was concerned that it’s risky as I am 70. Since I’m not improving, he’s suggesting.
So, I have lots of questions for older adults who had the surgery.
I need to clarify with the doctor what the “risk” is,. But assuming I go forward, he says it’s a 4 week recovery. They say limited pain from surgery. Liquid to blended diet at first, then can eat relatively normally. Now given I have limited peristalsis, I imagine that I won’t be able to eat what I want. Sorry for the long background… but
I assume one risk is that it doesn’t work, or there’s some nerve damage or infection. But I see there’s a long support group for problems post fundoplication.
Has anyone had a “good” experience to share, or things to be wary of? Ideally I’d want a surgeon who does a lot of these procedures.
If done laproscopically, is 2-4 weeks realistic for recuperation to some level of being able to function?
Liquid diet sounds tough, though I am not able to eat much real food anyway. But it seems the move to solids might take longer than described for many people.
I see new methods that don’t involve surgery, suspect I’m not a candidate, but I see there are a few non surgical procedures. transluminal fundoplication, and TiFF? (sorry can't locate mynotes on those now). Anyone know about those procedures and the success rate??