Fundoplication surgery and CPAP use

[droberts]

I am new to this site, but I have been a CPAP user for 8 years.

Unfortunately, for the entire period of my CPAP use I have had complications. I was getting symptoms that I can best describe as tightness in my throat after using CPAP for a few weeks. I would come off CPAP, wait for it to settle down and then start again. This has gone on for years now.

I have had all sorts of scans and tests and I am now convinced (based on discussions with doctors) that the symptoms I have been experiencing all these years has been caused by silent reflux. I do know from a couple of endoscopies that I also have a hiatus hernia.

I have therefore made the decision to have fundoplication surgery and repair of the hiatus hernia. Has anyone here been down this path and has their use of CPAP improved, been negatively affected or had some other experience? I would love to know.

It may sound strange to some people, but I would give anything to be able to use CPAP every night.

[49er]

I am new to this site, but I have been a CPAP user for 8 years.

Unfortunately, for the entire period of my CPAP use I have had complications. I was getting symptoms that I can best describe as tightness in my throat after using CPAP for a few weeks. I would come off CPAP, wait for it to settle down and then start again. This has gone on for years now.

I have had all sorts of scans and tests and I am now convinced (based on discussions with doctors) that the symptoms I have been experiencing all these years has been caused by silent reflux. I do know from a couple of endoscopies that I also have a hiatus hernia.

I have therefore made the decision to have fundoplication surgery and repair of the hiatus hernia. Has anyone here been down this path and has their use of CPAP improved, been negatively affected or had some other experience? I would love to know.

It may sound strange to some people, but I would give anything to be able to use CPAP every night.

droberts,

As one who is cpap intolerant which I have been told is due to nasal obstruction issues that I am having surgery for next month, I also would give anything to use my machine every night. So no, what you are saying doesn't sound strange at all.

I am not familiar with the surgery but out of curiosity, I did some googling and found this site in which you can take a test to see if you have silent reflux. I did and seem to have mild symptoms. Hmm.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/silent-r ... mic?page=2

I wish you all the luck in the world in finding out answers.

49er

[Julie]

I know people who have had the surgery and they have even been able to come off Cpap afterward - not all, but some of them.

[mrsbongo1]

Hi, I had this surgery in 1995, best thing I ever did, it was just being tested back then. Longevity of the surgery is approximately 10 years. I'm coming up on 20 years since the surgery, no reflux. It's a little tough right after the surgery but a warm cup of water when you eat is very helpful. I didn't start my CPAP until 3/2013 but was probably in need of it back then too. If you have any questions you can PM me. I hope you are going to a doctor that does a lot of these surgeries as a bad job can make you reflux worst! Best of luck!
Kathy

[LSAT]

I had the surgery 12 years ago. It stopped my reflux/LPR completely. I was not diagnosed with OSA until 6 years after the surgery. I don't believe that the surgery would have any effect on OSA. The surgery is done on the stomach and lower esophagus. OSA has to do with your throat and pallet.

[droberts]

Thank you for all your replies.

It was a questionnaire similar to the one on the Doctor Oz URL where I found myself going yes that's me for pretty much every question. Never had the classic heartburn symptoms but am always clearing my throat, dry cough, post nasal drip, chest pains even chest infections, the list goes on. Have tried changing my diet but it made almost no difference. Booked in for the surgery next week so I hope it all goes well and I get a good outcome.

One of the things I asked my surgeon was how many of these he has done. He does 2-3 a week and has done for a number of years so I feel pretty comfortable with his level of expertise.

Thanks again.