"I started experiencing symptoms of reflux in my 50s, so I've been suffering for about 30 years. The symptoms have gotten worse over time, and started to get really bad about 18 months ago following an endoscopy. I couldn't sleep properly, I kept getting up in the night to be sick, I had a burning pain in the throat and constant ear ache. My diet was very restricted, I could only eat very bland food and couldn't eat very much at all. Even worse, I couldn't eat after 5:30pm and this had a big effect on my social life. I stopped going out for family meals and get-togethers and, worst of all, I stopped being asked.
I was on the maximum dose of over the counter and prescription medications but they just weren't effective. I went to see a Gastroenterologist and he referred me to Mr Boyle at RefluxUK.
Mr Boyle gave me so much confidence that the operation was the right choice and on January 7th I had fundoplication surgery. This involves wrapping part of the stomach around the bottom of the gullet.
All the staff at the hospital were lovely, I didn't have any problems after the operation apart from some disorientation caused by the anaesthetic and a little bit of discomfort from the incisions.
I'm now eating really well, including things I haven't eaten for years like curry and French onion soup, best of all I can go out again to eat. I do occasionally feel harder foods like raw vegetables getting stuck, but only momentarily.
I would say I'm feeling better now than I have for the last 20 years, I always used to go out with a bag of medication and now I don't need any medicine at all for reflux. Most importantly, I now get a restful night's sleep.
I would definitely recommend Mr Boyle and RefluxUK 100%! I just wish I’d had the treatment earlier."