Life After Acid Reflux Surgery
It's really quite simple, if you have heartburn, experience a bitter taste in your mouth, difficulty swallowing, noticeably more than three times a week, you need to inform your doctor. He/She should then be able to tell if you are being affected by acid reflux disease. This disease, which allows the stomach acid to flow back up through the esophagus- can cause much distress. The difficult part is knowing how and when you will feel it. Many know that eating certain foods, or when eating later in the evening will bring out the symptoms. So, they avoid those situations.
Also, after being diagnosed with any of the acid reflux ailments, most patients will seek out professional help. Usually after they have attempted the over- the-counter plethora of antacids. Which may cover up the symptoms for a period of time but will not resolve them completely. Which is why the pharmaceutical companies continue to study acid reflux and how to treat patients with acid reflux disease better. Several medications {i.e. Protonix, Pepcid, etc.} have hit the consumers market within the last few years. It is encouraging to know that more than half of patients that are prescribed medications will be treated and be healthier. Of course, that leads us to wonder what about the others that do not find relief with these medications.
Ultimately, acid reflux surgery will become a consideration. Many factors will need to be evaluated. Such as the following :
1.) Is the patient unable to take the medication regularly for a long time? 2.) Has there been severe damage done to the esophagus? 3.) Patient sees no improvement with any symptoms using methods suggested? Acid reflux surgery will then be done. Luckily, most patients will have the opportunity to receive extensive testing to know that for certain this surgery will bring about results. These may include a 24 hour ph study, barium x-ray, or endoscopy. The surgery procedure is simple to understand. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus. The area that appears weakened to allow the acid reflux to occur will be strengthened. Most patients will leave the hospital the next day following the procedure, and will resume their normal activities within one to two weeks. Upon being released patients are encouraged to follow a soft, diet for the first 24 hours or so. It is worth stating that statistics show over a 95% satisfaction rate for those who have had this surgery. To be more informed on this topic you can reference several online websites when you search "acid reflux surgery".
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