Chest Discomfort Following LINX Surgery and Dilation
A 33-year-old male, standing at 6 feet and weighing 165 pounds, is undergoing treatment which includes Trulance, Famotidine, Voquezna, and Arnuity Ellipta, alongside taking Psyllium. In January, I underwent a LINX procedure to address my longstanding issue with GERD. Initially, I experienced some post-operative difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) that lingered longer than expected, leading to a dilation procedure in May. After this procedure, I began to notice mild chest discomfort in the mornings, which was a new sensation for me—feeling as if something was either lodged or being extended within my chest. A cardiac evaluation ruled out heart-related issues, and imaging of the LINX device showed no problems. Fortunately, the discomfort subsided after a month or two. However, dysphagia re-emerged shortly thereafter, prompting my doctor to perform an EndoFLIP test and a second, empirical dilation. A few weeks post-treatment, I experienced a resurgence of chest pain, now more pronounced. It felt as though my esophagus was being pulled, with the sensation extending into my throat. This time, the discomfort wasn't restricted to mornings—it began to manifest whenever I consumed cold beverages, ate dry foods, or experienced a significant burp or bout of indigestion. Recently, I underwent a Bravo pH test in conjunction with another EndoFLIP due to recurring symptoms. I temporarily ceased taking famotidine and Voquezna, and during the testing period, the chest discomfort intensified, occurring almost daily. This episode began approximately three weeks ago, and though I resumed the acid reduction medication, the pain persists regularly, sometimes even waking me at night. The pain seems variable; there are instances where I can eat without issues, and other times when just a sip of cold water triggers the discomfort. Although I've had various esophageal studies, including several imaging tests and endoscopies, only one has detected an active spasm. Prior to the LINX placement, I had never experienced this type of pain, and the esophageal manometry results both before and after the surgery were within normal limits. It seems the opinions vary—some suggest that this should not be occurring, while others posit that I've always had such symptoms but was previously unaware. I can assure you that I am feeling these sensations now, and they are indeed unfamiliar to me. Do you have any insights into the possible causes of these symptoms?
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 12:01:19 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing chest discomfort after your LINX surgery, along with recurring dysphagia, can understandably be concerning. The symptoms you're describing, especially changes in sensation with eating and drinking, alongside a history of esophageal surgery, suggest that there may be a few potential causes.
Key Points:
- Possible Esophageal Spasm: Your symptoms could be related to esophageal spasms, which can cause intermittent chest pain and dysphagia.
- Dysmotility: The LINX device alters the functionality of the esophagus, which can lead to changes or disturbances in motility.
- Post-Operative Changes: After surgery, it's not uncommon for the esophagus to have heightened sensitivity or respond differently as it heals.
Explanation:
The LINX procedure provides a mechanical barrier to reflux but can also change how your esophagus functions. The sensation of something being lodged or pulled is often associated with esophageal motility issues. Your previous testing indicates normal manometry results, but this doesn’t completely rule out spasms or changes that could occur post-operatively. The recurrence of your discomfort with certain foods and drinks suggests that specific triggers are contributing to your symptoms, which could be an irritation or discomfort in the esophageal lining or spasms triggered by food texture or temperature.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Triggers: Keep a food and symptom diary to note what specifically triggers your discomfort. This can help identify patterns that may guide dietary adjustments.
- Modify Diet: Consider modifying your diet by:
- Eating softer foods that are easier to swallow.
- Avoiding very hot or cold drinks.
- Trying smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger ones to reduce the risk of discomfort.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can lead to increased discomfort with swallowing.
- Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate esophageal discomfort, consider techniques such as mindfulness, deep-breathing exercises, or yoga to help manage stress levels.
- Follow-Up on Medications: Discuss with your healthcare provider about managing medications like famotidine and Voquezna, including their role and any adjustments that may help with flushing out spasms or acidity.
If these adjustments do not provide relief or if your symptoms worsen, it may be worthwhile to discuss further evaluation with your healthcare team, potentially considering referral to a specialist in gastrointestinal motility disorders for advanced assessment.
Remember, communication with your healthcare team is key. Keeping them informed about your symptoms and any patterns you observe can lead to more tailored treatment options.
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