I'm not sure is anyone is still following this or maybe everyone has cured their GERD, but in case anyone else comes across this post, I would like to contribute from a professional point of view.

GERD can be associated with dietary patterns and food types to some degree. It is also a condition that is known to fluctuate with anxiety or stress. It's basically a condition where there is reflux from the stomach into the oesophagus. It is usually stomach acid - which is why PPIs work. In some cases it may be bilious or liquid/food contents, which is why some they don't respond to PPI very well. Other medications may be useful for this group of people.

I notice that some of the forum members have mentioned persistent severe GERD symptoms, or GERD that is dependant on PPI usage long term. Many GPs and even some gastroenterologist will just tell you to take the medications long term and live with it. I know that this is not a solution for some people, particularly younger patients where they will have to take medications for decades or limit their lifestyle.

Assuming the symptoms are not caused by something else, this group of people may be suitable for minor surgery to treat their GERD. The results are very good actually. Obviously prior to this, further tests need to be done to confirm the GERD... you'll be surprised how many people actually have functional GERD (no actual reflux even though they feel the symptoms).

If there are any questions I will try to answer them here. Please don't PM as I think everyone should benefit from the questions and answers.

p/s: all this is assuming GERD is the right diagnosis. There are many other causes of chest and stomach discomfort.

This post has been edited by Py80: Feb 29 2016, 01:32 AM

Hi Alicia,

Good to hear you are doing well.

Did you have your oesophageal manometry and pH testing done prior to surgery ?

Its true you should always do manometry studies beforehand. Its to exclude other motility disorders prior to surgery. It would be a disaster to do a fundoplication on oesophagus with dysmotility.

You did the Bravo 48hr pH study i take it. Its not done here anymore.

If you don't mind me asking, which centre was it at ?

My center offers the newest high resolution manometry and pH studies as well. If anyone thinks they may need it, they can PM. Its actually a very useful study to investigate GERD. Or to rule out GERD.