For about
4 years I've been plagued with a squeezing sensation around my ribcage just under my breasts. I've been ignored by some doctors and sent for testing by others. I've had two abdominal CT scans, an abdominal ultrasound and even heart tests -- all normal. Then in April I had an EGD with Bravo that showed substantial acid reflux damage to the esophagus. Because of past bad experience with Nexium (caused stomach pain) and Prilosec (caused hives) I was put on Prevacid and managed to last about
4-5 weeks before I started feeling like I was hit by a large truck. I had been on Zantac at night for a few years and maintain using that. My doctor was reluctant to prescribe a PPI, feeling that I would probably have similar symptoms at a much higher price.
So about
two weeks ago I had an esophageal manometry (UGH! Worst thing I've ever been through and I've given birth twice and had a complicated root canal
). I'll get the results this Thursday and I feel about
99% sure the gastroenterologist and surgeon will recommend the Nissen surgery. I have gone to the gastro doc for years and am confident of him, and after talking with the surgeon two weeks ago I came away feeling very good about
him as well. Neither seem to be the type who operate just for the heck of it.
Anyway, I found this message board while researching the procedure and the followup to it (diet, et al). I look forward to reading further in the messages here and communicating with folks to make this a positive experience. I don't feel I have any other options since meds make me sicker, I can't let the esophagus sustain more damage and I don't want to risk damage to my lungs from aspirated acid.