4 month wait!!

[Mel D]

Just a little venting here. Even though my GI suggests getting a fundo, I'm hesitant since I have "mild" reflux and no hiatal hernia. I found the names of two Drs at Johns Hopkins that perform the endocinch, but the earliest I can see either of them is December 15th. Grrrrr. Meanwhile I'm in a lot of discomfort and pain every day---doesn't feel so "mild" to me.

Is this common among GI docs? I thought my original doctor was bad---this wait is so much worse than anything I had from his office.

[Jasmine]

I don't know if it's normal in other countries, but long waits are commonplace in the UK. I have had several tests (endoscopy, ultrasound, PH) and consultations, and have always had to wait several months for each one. Many people have to wait 18 months for an endoscopy here, and months or years for surgery. The National Health Service is underfunded and in crisis.

[Mel D]

Jasmine,

That sounds awful. My BIL's from England and his mother had knee surgery. I know she had a long wait just to see the dr--6 months or so.

But things are sometimes pretty bad here, especially for specialists. But I think having to wait 4 months just to be evalutated is really a shame. It must be because both doctors are associated with Johns Hopkins--one of the most prestigious hospitals in the world.

[Jasmine]

Hi Mel

I agree it is not good to have to wait to see specialists. I have found that a lot of people don't understand how painful reflux can be. They seem to think it's fine to make you survive for months while waiting for an appointment, when you're actually in a lot of pain.

I hope something works out so you don't have to wait too long. Is it very important to you to see this particular person, or could you find out if someone else could see you? I am sure the folks at www.endocinch.com would give you some recommendations.

Jasmine

[Mel D]

Hi Jasmine,

Actually I contacted the only other Dr. in my state that does the Endocinch, and he has an opening Sept 16! The only problem is that his office is over an hour away, but I suppose that's not such a big deal. Hopefully he will recommend the procedure for me.

Just over the weekend I seem to have gotten a lot worse. I now have a bitter taste in my mouth almost constantly, something I've never experienced before. And of course I'm trying to sleep sitting almost straight up, which is very uncomfortable. The PPIs don't seem to do a thing for me anymore. sigh...

Mel

[caroline]

Jasmine do you , like me, live in England as I too had to wait 9 months for an endoscopy? I am having breathing problems now and it is the worst symptom I have had with Gerd but I feel so run down and low that I cannot seem to even go back to the doctors to start that long road to tests etc again. 13 months in all the last lot took and I felt I was treated like a number, no more than that. I am now trying to pull myself together to consider paying privately for tests. Also, have you explored the Endocinch possibility here in England? MAny thanks to everyone. Caroline

[Jasmine]

Hi Caroline

Good to hear from you! Long waiting lists seem very common here in the UK. I was told the endoscopy lists are particularly long, as any GP can send someone for an endoscopy, whereas only a consultant can request the other GERD tests. Not good for those of us with significant pain.

The Endocinch is available in a few places in the UK but I'm not really considering it as it only works on mild cases.

Let us know how you get on.

Jasmine

[moqueur]

Originally posted by Jasmine
Hi Caroline

Good to hear from you! Long waiting lists seem very common here in the UK. I was told the endoscopy lists are particularly long, as any GP can send someone for an endoscopy, whereas only a consultant can request the other GERD tests. Not good for those of us with significant pain.

The Endocinch is available in a few places in the UK but I'm not really considering it as it only works on mild cases.

Let us know how you get on.

Jasmine

Hi Jasmine,
The physican who performed my ELGP only qualifies patients with severe Reflux. Those who don't respond to meds. or who have previous had a failed nissan like myself. Mild cases are not
referred for a Endocinch.
It's five months and am 100% back to normal, which never was the case even when the Nissan fundo was effective.
If you have the opportunity speak with a consulant who presently
performes the procedure. Compared with the Nissen Fundo (have had both) the outcome is far superior and doesn't alter your
digestive tract irreeversibly.
Cheers,
Moqueur

[caroline]

Jasmine I would not mind exploring the Endocinch , so I wondered if you would be able to tell me where in the UK it is available. I live in the North East of England near Angel of the North . What part do you live, just curiosity. Regards, Caroline.

[Jasmine]

Hi Moqueur

Thanks for that information. What is ELGP?

Jasmine

[Jasmine]

Hi Caroline

If you go to www.endocinch.com and contact the makers of Endocinch they will tell you where it is available in the UK and elsewhere. They want to sell the Endocinch procedure to as many people as possible as they make money out of it, so they will be only too pleased to do this!

I prefer to keep my location private but I get the impression the NHS is in a bad way country-wide! ;)

Will you let us know what the Endocinch folks say?

Jasmine

[moqueur]

Originally posted by Jasmine
Hi Moqueur

Thanks for that information. What is ELGP?

Jasmine

Hi Jasmine,
Elgp is the Endocinch procedure, Endoluminal Gastroplication.
It was developed bya Physican at a Hospital in London and then
the Bard Corp. worked with him to refine it. I lived in Manchester and know there are several Drs. there who were trained for the Endocinch. However not sure if they are still at it.

Cheers,
Moqueur