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Linx procedure for severe GERD, Is it beneficial?
Hi everyone! I hope everyone is feeling well. I've posted once before regarding Botox injections to the Pyloric Sphincter. Today I would like to hear from those that have either heard about or have had the Linx procedure for severe GERD. I'm going to raise the topic at my next appointment with my GI specialist. When I went in to get the Botox injections about a month and a half ago my GI specialist stated that my GERD was severe and that she could visually see the acid/reflux free flowing back up into my esophagus, like it was something she stated she hasn't seen very often. Since being diagnosed with GP and Vagus Nerve Dysfunction my GERD has become a nightmare! Currently I take Zantac syrup twice daily and Prevacid ODT twice daily and these medications just aren't helping anymore. I have to sleep upright in a recliner to sleep and am unable to lay next to my husband in bed because if I do he is waking me up because I'm literally choking on the reflux. I avoid the foods and drinks I'm suppose to and I quit smoking. Does anyone know if the Linx procedure is minimally invasive or a noninvasive procedure? I thought maybe it could be done by endoscopy. Any ideas, information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your responses!
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Thank you for this advice. I will certainly ask about this and give it a try. I have been at the end of my tether.
You can order Domperidone from Canada but probably need a Dr. Prescription. I have been taking it for 25 years but I live in Canada. It might not be available in the US. Worthwhile checking with your doctor to find out whether this is a medication that would be suitable for you. My GERD arose because my stomach contents were not emptying so esophageal problems and severe stomach pains were the result.
Navia, I have had GERD for years. It is pretty much under control with my PPI-at least no burning and I have all the things that are taught to prevent it-loose fitting clothes, dont bend over after eating, stop eating 4 hours before going to bed, etc. All help-- But then during the height of Covid shut down, I developed TMD-Temperal Mandibular Dysfunction. ? from grinding my teeth due to anxiety. After treatment and improving. I developed cough, thick mucous, raspy voice,sensitive throat, and constant clearing. My PC thought it was my sinuses, but ENT said GI. So I have had every GI test in the book, but nobody has an answer. I have decided to see an Allergist next. One thing that has helped a bit is taking over the counter meds for mucous(guaifenesin) Drink a lot of water. Not a doctor--I am just desperate. Goodluck!
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3 ReactionsHi Rosemary
Thank you for replying. Yes, I do all the things that you describe but they don't seem to help. Sometimes I wonder if I have been misdiagnosed. A friend is similar to me and they found that he has a bacterial infection in his lungs and he is having to see specialists about this. Have they tested your sputum? I am thinking of doing that to make sure. I saw an allergist but they said I am not allergic. For some years I had a dry cough with clearing my throat and then during Covid it changed and was no longer dry. I also lost a lot of my hearing and it happened overnight. Sometimes I wonder if Covid made me worse. I was very sick in the November before Covid was recognised and I am suspicious that it might have been the virus. I don't think they know when it really started. My friend with a similar cough is going to see someone at the Jewish hospital in Denver. If not probably Mayo. I will try the cough syrup you recommend.
I also have Discoid Lupus which affects my hair and scalp. It's very itchy and inflamed and I have to take Plaquenil for that. I don't think the 2 problems are connected but sometimes I wonder.
Good luck and best wishes
Jennifer
I think my GERD initially started when my temporomandibular joint (jaw) was out of place. I had a bite plate which helped it get back into place, but since then I cannot chew things as thoroughly as previously (such as popcorn or raw oats and the like). So, I can suggest for you to see if your jaw is now properly in place (probably best to go to a jaw specialist, or a dentist if that's not possible). Make sure to chew your food thoroughly. Not doing so can cause GI problems, including GERD, and the symptoms you specify can all be caused by acid reflux. If this makes sense in your case, it would be helpful to eat softer foods, chew longer, etc. and see about your jaw alignment.
Did you have the toupet fundoplication surgery or no?
No way !! I can’t …
I had Nissen Fun six months ago. I am 77 and had lots of hemorrhaging from in the esophagus from hernia rubbing up and down. All went well until now. In the last month I have been experiencing this. I go to have a bowel movement and while doing this the painful dry heaves start for like 10 minutes. Then all stops.
This is awful and also in last 2 weeks half way through eating I can't bring my self to swallow the food in my mouth, so spit it out. No pain with this but just can't swallow. Any ideas out there? Thanks
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1 ReactionHi, @bigredmoon1212. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sorry to hear about the hemorrhaging, the painful dry heaves with bowel movements and the inability to swallow halfway through eating you had after your Nissen fundoplication. All of those sound rough.
One Mayo Clinic article on fundoplication you may find helpful is:
- Transoral endoscopic incisionless fundoplication https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/digestive-diseases/news/transoral-endoscopic-incisionless-fundoplication/mqc-20454990
Although this article is written for medical professionals, I think you will find especially with its Q&A style, it's fairly readable for those without formal medical training.
I did note that this part of the article in the third paragraph from the top talks about the swallowing issues you'd mentioned as a possible side effect:
Both of these procedures, however, are associated with complications inherent in surgical intervention and can have chronic side effects such as bloating and dysphagia. And some patients will have recidivism of symptoms requiring re-initiation of medical therapy.
What has your gastrointestinal surgeon suggested for the swallowing challenges, bigredmoon1212?