Patient’s Quality of Life Improved After Receiving TIF Procedure at Merit Health Biloxi
11/22/2022
BILOXI, MS – (November 22, 2022) An estimated 1 in 5 American adults suffers from GERD, a chronic condition caused by changes in the gastroesophageal valve (GEV) that allow contents to flow from the stomach back into the esophagus. GERD often leads to bothersome symptoms ranging from mild or moderate to severe depending on the individual.
For Leta Phillips, her symptoms included heartburn, nausea, and feelings of indigestion and lumps in the throat. “It didn’t matter what I ate,” Phillips said, “I still had heartburn. I could drink water and have heartburn.”
The signs and symptoms for heartburn and GERD are similar – the difference is generally the frequency and severity of symptoms. Left untreated, GERD can be a lifelong disease and can lead to more serious health conditions. GERD is the leading cause of esophageal cancer.
“GERD is not just an acid problem,” explained M. Scott Brashier, D.O., an employed physician of Merit Health Biloxi, “The root cause comes from an anatomical issue. Medications may offer mild to intermittent symptom control, but they do not stop or prevent the regurgitation. When medications fail to relieve GERD, surgery is usually considered.”
After experiencing months of constant nausea and pain, Phillips saw a specialist who prescribed her medication, but it didn’t work. Upon further research, she learned about the TIF procedure and decided to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brashier to learn if she was eligible for it–and she was.
“The TIF procedure is generally an outpatient operation where patients go home the same day or the next morning,” Dr. Brashier said. “Often, much of their postoperative pain is relieved within 72 hours, meaning minimal time off of work is needed.”
After receiving the procedure, Phillips excitedly explained her symptoms are now gone. “I do not have indigestion or heartburn. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made! I can eat what I want without heartburn or taking medications. It’s really changed my life for the better.”
If you are reaching for antacids more than twice a week, it’s time to see a doctor. If your current medications aren’t working well enough, there are alternative endoscopic therapies like the TIF procedure for reflux that could be right for you.
Learn more about the TIF procedure at https://www.merithealthbiloxi.com/heartburn-surgery.
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