Grace

Please describe your symptoms before having treatment and approximately how long you experienced them for;

"My reflux symptoms started in January 2017 with the sensation of a lump in my throat. This progressed to heartburn and nausea. I did not feel like eating and lost over a stone in weight. PPIs did not work for me so I had the pH monitoring and Manometry test which confirmed high acid levels."

How did you find out about RefluxUK?

"Recommended by a friend."

What was your experience on the consultation?

"Mr Boyle assessed my condition and deemed me a suitable candidate for the LINX implant which I was really happy about."

How did you find having the treatment?

"The operation was very straightforward using keyhole surgery to implant the LINX device. I had very little pain or discomfort after my op. I had no acid reflux which was brilliant."

What happened in the days and weeks after the treatment?

"In my first couple of weeks I experienced very little dysphasia but I did have food pooling above the device. This improved over time but it’s very important to chew your food well and eat slowly."

How are you feeling now?

"The healing process is still ongoing for me but being able to eat all my favourite foods and drink alcohol again without any acid reflux is fantastic."

Would you recommend RefluxUK?

"Yes, I would highly recommend Mr Boyle for his expertise on the LINX implant. I really felt I was in safe hands at all times."

Follow up

"I had my LINX device fitted in January 2018. It went very well and I had very little Dysphagia after the procedure.

Overtime, though, I began to notice a build-up of phlegm on an intermittent basis. A few months later I started to feel nausea and had a bitter taste in my mouth. So I decided to go back and see Mr. Boyle. He explained it may be reflux again and he arranged for me to have an Endoscopy. The results were normal so we agreed for me to meet up in 3 months to see if my symptoms had settled down.

Unfortunately, my symptoms continued despite taking PPI’s and Gavison. Mr Boyle then arranged for me to undergo a high resolution oesophageal manometry and 24 hour impedance reflux study. My results showed no acid reflux but there was an element of outflow obstruction probably caused by fibrosis around the LINX device. This explained why my symptoms did not respond to PPIs.

Mr Boyle decided to perform a gentle distal oesophageal balloon dilatation in January 2019. I am delighted to say this resolved my symptoms for me. I am glad I had the LINX device fitted, despite having a few problems along the way.

I am very grateful to Mr Boyle for all his continued support and for providing safe, high–quality care."