December is typically one of the worst months for Lynnda Chambers, 61. “Anyone who had a cold, I would catch it and get pneumonia,” she says. “I was very hesitant to be around any of my 17 grandchildren.” Lynnda had suffered from continuous bouts of pneumonia for 10 years. At the end of last winter, Lynnda was so sick from the flu, which developed into bronchitis and finally pneumonia once again, she had a chest x-ray. It revealed she had suffered damage to one of her lungs. Lynnda was diagnosed with adult onset asthma as well. While her pulmonologist worked to control her asthma, it seemed medication just wasn’t working. Then her doctor realized that the underlying problem wasn’t being treated – asymptomatic reflux – and ordered a barium swallow test. “I was refluxing enough to drown myself.” It was that realization that led Lynnda to meet Dr. Gregory Pittman at the Tulsa Heartburn & Reflux Center at Hillcrest South. As a result she says, this cold and flu season Lynnda is breathing much easier following a new, innovative procedure - the LINX Reflux Management System.
“My pulmonologist suggested changes to my diet and sent me straight to a surgeon,” recalls Lynnda when her reflux was discovered. Diagnosed with severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) and possibly facing Nissen fundoplication surgery, Lynnda began doing her research. “I went online and found LINX – the newest technology for GERD. Dr. Pittman is the only doctor in Tulsa who does LINX.” She continued to learn more and compared both procedures. “I realized it made sense, when you thought about both options, to do LINX. If that didn’t work, then I’d go for the harsher fundoplication procedure.”
The LINX procedure is a laparoscopic surgery, placing a small flexible band of magnets around a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which does not close correctly. The band of magnets helps to close the valve to prevent acid reflux. The process of swallowing allows food and drink to move through the passage way with the valve immediately closing due to the magnets. Most patients are able to eat after surgery and return home that day.
When Lynnda met with Dr. Pittman for her first consultation, she came prepared with questions. “Dr. Pittman assured me that I was a good candidate for LINX,” she adds. “We talked about whether this would be enough closure for me. He was very confident it would solve my problem.” Lynnda also spent time with Dr. Pittman’s nurse, Cindy, going over what to expect after surgery and how she should adjust her diet and eating habits.
Following surgery, Lynda heeded Cindy’s advice to introduce foods slowly and find what worked best for her. As difficulty swallowing certain foods can be a side effect, Lynnda has learned, “bread is just something I don’t eat.” She drinks water while she eats and consciously eats more slowly, making sure to chew eat bite well.
“I’m a success story,” she says. “I was number eight.” Lynnda says Dr. Pittman’s surgical experience made her feel confident in trying the new LINX procedure instead of fundoplication. “I would recommend him to anyone.” A first-time patient at Hillcrest South, Lynnda says she was also comforted by the way she was treated at the hospital from everyone at registration to the surgical staff. “They were stellar!”
To learn more information about the LINX procedure for the treatment of GERD, please visit Tulsa Heartburn & Reflux Center.