"By my late 60's I was experiencing severe indigestion/heartburn and a persistent cough which was worse at night."
Please describe your symptoms before having treatment and approximately how long you experienced them for;
"In my 60's I began having to watch what I was eating. By my late 60's I was experiencing severe indigestion/heartburn and a persistent cough which was worse at night. My cough was keeping me awake and waking me up as I choked on my own gastric juices."
"It meant eating my main meal at lunchtime and nothing after 5pm."
How did you find out about RefluxUK?
"My Doctor told me, 'Well you're on Gaviscon for the rest of your life, I'll put it on a repeat prescription for you.'"
"I knew I couldn't continue like this, so searched online and found I was suffering from acid reflux. RefluxUK explained that instead of having a drastic operation, a LINX implant could solve all my problems."
What was your experience on the consultation?
"I phoned Mr Boyle's office and spoke to his secretary, who booked me an appointment to see him in the next couple of days. She emailed me a form to fill in before I saw him and the questions on the form related to all my problems with acid reflux. Mr Boyle recommended an endoscopy, this showed I had a sliding hiatus hernia as well as Barrett's Oesophagus. Mr Boyle sent me for more tests in London and advised me to take PPIs for 6 weeks."
"After two weeks, they hadn't made the slightest difference but they had made me suffer with headaches and constipation."
"Mr Boyle explained the different operations available for me, as I felt surgery was my only answer. We came to the conclusion that LINX surgery would be the best solution for me."
How did you find having the surgery?
"I had LINX surgery and had my hernia repaired in the afternoon, staying in overnight and going home in the morning."
What happened in the days and weeks after the treatment?
"My symptoms disappeared immediately and it was amazing."
"In the beginning, I could only eat small amounts, very slowly and it was best to eat little and often to keep the LINX band opening and closing. I was also finally back to having a good night’s sleep."
How are you feeling now?
"Now, 4 months later, I’m coming up to my 74th birthday and I am eating normally, my life back to normal all thanks to Mr Boyle."
Would you recommend RefluxUK?
"Yes. I pray that the LINX implant will soon be available on the NHS for all those that are suffering with severe acid reflux."