Been suffering with Gerd for many years. The PPIs have alot of side effects and are just a patch not a fix!! Has anyone tried the Linx proceedure ? If so how did it work for you as I am considering it.
On Connect we have many members who have discussed this procedure. Here is a link to those posts where you will meet others who have had the Linx procedure or who are considering it. I would encourage you to read these posts and learn about their experiences. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=LINX
If you have been dealing with the symptoms of GERD for a long time, you undoubtedly know the benefits of weight management and the dietary adjustments needed to keep GERD under control. Here is a link from the Eating Well website with more information on dietary suggestions and GERD. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8050003/7-day-gerd-diet-meal-plan/
Have you selected a surgeon with experience in this procedure, Steve?
Hi, @bosco17 - sorry to hear you've been suffering with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for many years.
Tagging some members on Connect who've talked about the LINX device, a ring of tiny magnetic beads wrapped around the junction of the stomach and esophagus, for their input on how this implant worked for them or information they've researched about it @drrobertsmsmft@baywood@saucy@fourof5zs@sylvias@howardbg. I'd also like you to invite @hopeful33250 to join this discussion.
While waiting for these members to jump in and talk about experiences with the LINX, I thought I'd suggest this information on GERD and the device from Mayo Clinic:
I'm 5 yrs post LINX placement and I was reflux free for only the 1st 2 yrs. Enough scar tissue has formed around the band that it doesn't close affectively. So I have issues with mild heartburn and my GI Dr has me on 40mg of Pepcid at night. I refuse to use any PPI's any longer. 24 years of PPI's started affecting my short term memory. Which is significantly improved off of them.
Hi! I am in the process of investigating the LINX System. I have been taking Nexium for 15 years and it is not as effective as it once was. I receive an MRI at Mayo annually to check on my pancreas. Can someone with a LINX System receive an MRI? How about an endoscopy? Thanks!
Hi! I am in the process of investigating the LINX System. I have been taking Nexium for 15 years and it is not as effective as it once was. I receive an MRI at Mayo annually to check on my pancreas. Can someone with a LINX System receive an MRI? How about an endoscopy? Thanks!
Hi, @flt, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Good for you for researching the magnetic sphincter augmentation device for GERD (LINX system) or for any potential treatment. Unfortunate the esomeprazole (Nexium) has lost some of its efficacy for you.
Hoping members in this conversation about this magnetic sphincter augmentation device for GERD will chime in to give you some information on having this device and getting an MRI or an endoscopy, such as @sylvias@saucy@jord@baywood and others.
Are you leaning toward or against getting this device currently, flt? What symptoms are bothering you the most right now?
Hi, @flt, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Good for you for researching the magnetic sphincter augmentation device for GERD (LINX system) or for any potential treatment. Unfortunate the esomeprazole (Nexium) has lost some of its efficacy for you.
Hoping members in this conversation about this magnetic sphincter augmentation device for GERD will chime in to give you some information on having this device and getting an MRI or an endoscopy, such as @sylvias@saucy@jord@baywood and others.
Are you leaning toward or against getting this device currently, flt? What symptoms are bothering you the most right now?
Leaning toward. I can't seem to get a handle on the GERD. I now sleep sitting up. I do none of the diet no-nos....I don't drink alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated drinks,. I eat a very low-fat diet. I work out with weights, walk and play golf.
This comment pertains to MRI after Linx with specific regard to patients who also have a pacemaker. I received my LINX at Mayo Jax in 2013. This early version is tolerant of 0.7 T magnet for MRI. Most inpatient MRI scanner magnets are rated currently at 1.5 to 3 T. I had an MRI in an outpatient clinic with a 0.5 or 0.6 T machine ("StandUp MRI") a few years ago. This was fine with me bc the StandUP MRI is an open system, and I have claustrophobia. The resolution of the .7 T MRI is somewhat lacking but it was worth the tradeoff.
In the interim, I have acquired a pacemaker, and I now appear to be "locked out" of MRI scanners, both inpatient and outpatient. Virtually no inpatient facilities have 0.7 T MRI scanners able to accommodate my LINX. I am no longer eligible for an outpatient facility scanner because of my pacemaker: My pacemaker manufacturer does not approve MRI in facilities without an appropriate clinician, presumably a cardiologistr, in attendance, and virtually no outpatient centers have the necessary clinical support onsite. These outpatient facilities are designed to accommodate patients who do not require the presence of a clinician during their studies. Thus as the result of my LINX and pacemaker, MRI is not an imaging modality for which I am currently eligible. There is no limitation insofar as CT or PET imaging is concerned.
Would I have a LINX again? Probably not. Inaddition to the imaging issue, I have had to undergo a couple of esophageal dilitations in the last 12 years because of the LINX. One of these was soon after the LINX was implanted. Also, I continue to experience occasional episodes of transient GE obstruction due to my LINX. Some of these just consist of esophageal pain, which could easily be mistaken for a cardiac event. Others also include retching and can go on for a while. Ice cream, sorbet or ice ice chips sometimes help to alleviate these episodes. In addition, the LINX hasn't obviated my need for omeprazole, famotidine, and Gaviscon. I suspect that if I had the will power to abstain from coffee rather than undergo placement of the LINX 12 years ago, my reflux would have been adequately controlled, but who knows.
I have not had my LINX removed because I do not wish to undergo abdominal surgery. If surgery were without risk and inconvenience, I wouldn't think twice.
If possible, I would undergo MRI with a stronger-than-authorized magnet and wouldn't mind if it opened my LINX and rendered it nonfunctional providing I did not sustain any injury in the process.
LINX was owned by Torax when I received my device. It is now owned by Ethicon, a subsidiary of J&J. Ethicon apparently has not published data on outcomes in patients who have accidently or deliberately undergone MRI in scanners with magnets more powerful than authorized for their version of LINX. Such information would be extremely useful for patients in my current situation.
This comment pertains to MRI after Linx with specific regard to patients who also have a pacemaker. I received my LINX at Mayo Jax in 2013. This early version is tolerant of 0.7 T magnet for MRI. Most inpatient MRI scanner magnets are rated currently at 1.5 to 3 T. I had an MRI in an outpatient clinic with a 0.5 or 0.6 T machine ("StandUp MRI") a few years ago. This was fine with me bc the StandUP MRI is an open system, and I have claustrophobia. The resolution of the .7 T MRI is somewhat lacking but it was worth the tradeoff.
In the interim, I have acquired a pacemaker, and I now appear to be "locked out" of MRI scanners, both inpatient and outpatient. Virtually no inpatient facilities have 0.7 T MRI scanners able to accommodate my LINX. I am no longer eligible for an outpatient facility scanner because of my pacemaker: My pacemaker manufacturer does not approve MRI in facilities without an appropriate clinician, presumably a cardiologistr, in attendance, and virtually no outpatient centers have the necessary clinical support onsite. These outpatient facilities are designed to accommodate patients who do not require the presence of a clinician during their studies. Thus as the result of my LINX and pacemaker, MRI is not an imaging modality for which I am currently eligible. There is no limitation insofar as CT or PET imaging is concerned.
Would I have a LINX again? Probably not. Inaddition to the imaging issue, I have had to undergo a couple of esophageal dilitations in the last 12 years because of the LINX. One of these was soon after the LINX was implanted. Also, I continue to experience occasional episodes of transient GE obstruction due to my LINX. Some of these just consist of esophageal pain, which could easily be mistaken for a cardiac event. Others also include retching and can go on for a while. Ice cream, sorbet or ice ice chips sometimes help to alleviate these episodes. In addition, the LINX hasn't obviated my need for omeprazole, famotidine, and Gaviscon. I suspect that if I had the will power to abstain from coffee rather than undergo placement of the LINX 12 years ago, my reflux would have been adequately controlled, but who knows.
I have not had my LINX removed because I do not wish to undergo abdominal surgery. If surgery were without risk and inconvenience, I wouldn't think twice.
If possible, I would undergo MRI with a stronger-than-authorized magnet and wouldn't mind if it opened my LINX and rendered it nonfunctional providing I did not sustain any injury in the process.
LINX was owned by Torax when I received my device. It is now owned by Ethicon, a subsidiary of J&J. Ethicon apparently has not published data on outcomes in patients who have accidently or deliberately undergone MRI in scanners with magnets more powerful than authorized for their version of LINX. Such information would be extremely useful for patients in my current situation.
I should add to my entry above that current LINX version is tolerant of MRI with 1.5T magnets. However, hospitals seem to be moving toward 3T MRI scanners. Outpatient facilities also have increased the power of their MRIs. It is likely that in the future recipients of the current LINX who also have a pacemaker may also be locked out of MRI as I am now.
This comment pertains to MRI after Linx with specific regard to patients who also have a pacemaker. I received my LINX at Mayo Jax in 2013. This early version is tolerant of 0.7 T magnet for MRI. Most inpatient MRI scanner magnets are rated currently at 1.5 to 3 T. I had an MRI in an outpatient clinic with a 0.5 or 0.6 T machine ("StandUp MRI") a few years ago. This was fine with me bc the StandUP MRI is an open system, and I have claustrophobia. The resolution of the .7 T MRI is somewhat lacking but it was worth the tradeoff.
In the interim, I have acquired a pacemaker, and I now appear to be "locked out" of MRI scanners, both inpatient and outpatient. Virtually no inpatient facilities have 0.7 T MRI scanners able to accommodate my LINX. I am no longer eligible for an outpatient facility scanner because of my pacemaker: My pacemaker manufacturer does not approve MRI in facilities without an appropriate clinician, presumably a cardiologist, in attendance, and virtually no outpatient centers have the necessary clinical support onsite. These outpatient facilities are designed to accommodate patients who do not require the presence of a clinician during their studies. Thus as the result of my LINX and pacemaker, MRI is not an imaging modality for which I am currently eligible. There is no limitation insofar as CT or PET imaging is concerned.
Would I have a LINX again? Probably not. Inaddition to the imaging issue, I have had to undergo a couple of esophageal dilitations in the last 12 years because of the LINX. One of these was soon after the LINX was implanted. Also, I continue to experience occasional episodes of transient GE obstruction due to my LINX. Some of these just consist of esophageal pain, which could easily be mistaken for a cardiac event. Others also include retching and can go on for a while. Ice cream, sorbet or ice ice chips sometimes help to alleviate these episodes. In addition, the LINX hasn't obviated my need for omeprazole, famotidine, and Gaviscon. I suspect that if I had the will power to abstain from coffee rather than undergo placement of the LINX 12 years ago, my reflux would have been adequately controlled, but who knows.
I have not had my LINX removed because I do not wish to undergo abdominal surgery. If surgery were without risk and inconvenience, I wouldn't think twice.
If possible, I would undergo MRI with a stronger-than-authorized magnet and wouldn't mind if it opened my LINX and rendered it nonfunctional providing I did not sustain any injury in the process.
LINX was owned by Torax when I received my device. It is now owned by Ethicon, a subsidiary of J&J. Ethicon apparently has not published data on outcomes in patients who have accidently or deliberately undergone MRI in scanners with magnets more powerful than authorized for their version of LINX. Such information would be extremely useful for patients in my current situation.
Current versions of the LINX are tolerant of MRI with magnet strength 1.5 T. However, many hospitals now have MRI machines with 3 T magnets. Thus, in a few years, recipients of the current LINX who also have a pacemaker may be locked out of MRI machines as I am now.
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@bosco17
Hello Steve,
On Connect we have many members who have discussed this procedure. Here is a link to those posts where you will meet others who have had the Linx procedure or who are considering it. I would encourage you to read these posts and learn about their experiences.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=LINX
If you have been dealing with the symptoms of GERD for a long time, you undoubtedly know the benefits of weight management and the dietary adjustments needed to keep GERD under control. Here is a link from the Eating Well website with more information on dietary suggestions and GERD.
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8050003/7-day-gerd-diet-meal-plan/
Have you selected a surgeon with experience in this procedure, Steve?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm 5 yrs post LINX placement and I was reflux free for only the 1st 2 yrs. Enough scar tissue has formed around the band that it doesn't close affectively. So I have issues with mild heartburn and my GI Dr has me on 40mg of Pepcid at night. I refuse to use any PPI's any longer. 24 years of PPI's started affecting my short term memory. Which is significantly improved off of them.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi! I am in the process of investigating the LINX System. I have been taking Nexium for 15 years and it is not as effective as it once was. I receive an MRI at Mayo annually to check on my pancreas. Can someone with a LINX System receive an MRI? How about an endoscopy? Thanks!
Hi, @flt, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Good for you for researching the magnetic sphincter augmentation device for GERD (LINX system) or for any potential treatment. Unfortunate the esomeprazole (Nexium) has lost some of its efficacy for you.
Hoping members in this conversation about this magnetic sphincter augmentation device for GERD will chime in to give you some information on having this device and getting an MRI or an endoscopy, such as @sylvias @saucy @jord @baywood and others.
Are you leaning toward or against getting this device currently, flt? What symptoms are bothering you the most right now?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionLeaning toward. I can't seem to get a handle on the GERD. I now sleep sitting up. I do none of the diet no-nos....I don't drink alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated drinks,. I eat a very low-fat diet. I work out with weights, walk and play golf.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThis comment pertains to MRI after Linx with specific regard to patients who also have a pacemaker. I received my LINX at Mayo Jax in 2013. This early version is tolerant of 0.7 T magnet for MRI. Most inpatient MRI scanner magnets are rated currently at 1.5 to 3 T. I had an MRI in an outpatient clinic with a 0.5 or 0.6 T machine ("StandUp MRI") a few years ago. This was fine with me bc the StandUP MRI is an open system, and I have claustrophobia. The resolution of the .7 T MRI is somewhat lacking but it was worth the tradeoff.
In the interim, I have acquired a pacemaker, and I now appear to be "locked out" of MRI scanners, both inpatient and outpatient. Virtually no inpatient facilities have 0.7 T MRI scanners able to accommodate my LINX. I am no longer eligible for an outpatient facility scanner because of my pacemaker: My pacemaker manufacturer does not approve MRI in facilities without an appropriate clinician, presumably a cardiologistr, in attendance, and virtually no outpatient centers have the necessary clinical support onsite. These outpatient facilities are designed to accommodate patients who do not require the presence of a clinician during their studies. Thus as the result of my LINX and pacemaker, MRI is not an imaging modality for which I am currently eligible. There is no limitation insofar as CT or PET imaging is concerned.
Would I have a LINX again? Probably not. Inaddition to the imaging issue, I have had to undergo a couple of esophageal dilitations in the last 12 years because of the LINX. One of these was soon after the LINX was implanted. Also, I continue to experience occasional episodes of transient GE obstruction due to my LINX. Some of these just consist of esophageal pain, which could easily be mistaken for a cardiac event. Others also include retching and can go on for a while. Ice cream, sorbet or ice ice chips sometimes help to alleviate these episodes. In addition, the LINX hasn't obviated my need for omeprazole, famotidine, and Gaviscon. I suspect that if I had the will power to abstain from coffee rather than undergo placement of the LINX 12 years ago, my reflux would have been adequately controlled, but who knows.
I have not had my LINX removed because I do not wish to undergo abdominal surgery. If surgery were without risk and inconvenience, I wouldn't think twice.
If possible, I would undergo MRI with a stronger-than-authorized magnet and wouldn't mind if it opened my LINX and rendered it nonfunctional providing I did not sustain any injury in the process.
LINX was owned by Torax when I received my device. It is now owned by Ethicon, a subsidiary of J&J. Ethicon apparently has not published data on outcomes in patients who have accidently or deliberately undergone MRI in scanners with magnets more powerful than authorized for their version of LINX. Such information would be extremely useful for patients in my current situation.
I should add to my entry above that current LINX version is tolerant of MRI with 1.5T magnets. However, hospitals seem to be moving toward 3T MRI scanners. Outpatient facilities also have increased the power of their MRIs. It is likely that in the future recipients of the current LINX who also have a pacemaker may also be locked out of MRI as I am now.
Also, pardon typos in my previous entry.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThis comment pertains to MRI after Linx with specific regard to patients who also have a pacemaker. I received my LINX at Mayo Jax in 2013. This early version is tolerant of 0.7 T magnet for MRI. Most inpatient MRI scanner magnets are rated currently at 1.5 to 3 T. I had an MRI in an outpatient clinic with a 0.5 or 0.6 T machine ("StandUp MRI") a few years ago. This was fine with me bc the StandUP MRI is an open system, and I have claustrophobia. The resolution of the .7 T MRI is somewhat lacking but it was worth the tradeoff.
In the interim, I have acquired a pacemaker, and I now appear to be "locked out" of MRI scanners, both inpatient and outpatient. Virtually no inpatient facilities have 0.7 T MRI scanners able to accommodate my LINX. I am no longer eligible for an outpatient facility scanner because of my pacemaker: My pacemaker manufacturer does not approve MRI in facilities without an appropriate clinician, presumably a cardiologist, in attendance, and virtually no outpatient centers have the necessary clinical support onsite. These outpatient facilities are designed to accommodate patients who do not require the presence of a clinician during their studies. Thus as the result of my LINX and pacemaker, MRI is not an imaging modality for which I am currently eligible. There is no limitation insofar as CT or PET imaging is concerned.
Would I have a LINX again? Probably not. Inaddition to the imaging issue, I have had to undergo a couple of esophageal dilitations in the last 12 years because of the LINX. One of these was soon after the LINX was implanted. Also, I continue to experience occasional episodes of transient GE obstruction due to my LINX. Some of these just consist of esophageal pain, which could easily be mistaken for a cardiac event. Others also include retching and can go on for a while. Ice cream, sorbet or ice ice chips sometimes help to alleviate these episodes. In addition, the LINX hasn't obviated my need for omeprazole, famotidine, and Gaviscon. I suspect that if I had the will power to abstain from coffee rather than undergo placement of the LINX 12 years ago, my reflux would have been adequately controlled, but who knows.
I have not had my LINX removed because I do not wish to undergo abdominal surgery. If surgery were without risk and inconvenience, I wouldn't think twice.
If possible, I would undergo MRI with a stronger-than-authorized magnet and wouldn't mind if it opened my LINX and rendered it nonfunctional providing I did not sustain any injury in the process.
LINX was owned by Torax when I received my device. It is now owned by Ethicon, a subsidiary of J&J. Ethicon apparently has not published data on outcomes in patients who have accidently or deliberately undergone MRI in scanners with magnets more powerful than authorized for their version of LINX. Such information would be extremely useful for patients in my current situation.
Current versions of the LINX are tolerant of MRI with magnet strength 1.5 T. However, many hospitals now have MRI machines with 3 T magnets. Thus, in a few years, recipients of the current LINX who also have a pacemaker may be locked out of MRI machines as I am now.