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Health and Wellness Magazine • 19 CALL uS ToDAy 303.575.0055 Are you or a loved one in need of a doctor? We're here to help. A HealthoNE representative can answer your questions and help you find the right physician, close to home. Couple those statistics with studies that are beginning to question the long-term, high-dose use of these acid-reducing drugs for other health reasons, particularly for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, and the number of patients wanting different options is growing. "I was really motivated to regain my health and get off the medications," says Holmberg, who began researching options and found Bell, whose practice is one of a few in the country that offers a device called LINX. "He's been kind of on the cutting-edge of treatments for GERD." Finding soMe reLieF Holmberg opted for the LINX procedure a year and a half ago and says the only side effect was some swallowing difficulties the first month that went away. "The hardest part was getting insurance to cover it," he says, an issue that comes with all new treatments. One caveat unique to the magnetic device: LINX patients cannot have standard MRI's, although a new version of the device expected out this year will allow some use of the imaging system for LINX patients, Kurian says. Holmberg, who points out that the device can be removed if necessary, is happy with his choice. "I'm just one case, but it has helped me get things under control. It's not like a magic bullet per se, but it's improved my quality of life. I still take some medicine but at a lower dose, and I'm actually trying to wean off of that now." Not everyone needs surgical procedures, and not everyone is a candidate. But anyone whose symptoms aren't being controlled should be evaluated, Bell says. Swedish offers more comprehensive testing and treatment with a variety of specialists. Some patients might need more medication, bigger lifestyle changes or surgical options, Bell says. Holmberg's best advice: Consider all options. "No matter what surgery or treatment people get done, that's important. Do your research and find the experts." surgicaL oPTions With reflux disorders, stomach acid comes up through the esophagus because of a faulty or weakened valve called the lower esophageal sphincter, or Les. These are just four of the medical treatments offered at swedish Medical center, where doctors help patients choose the procedure that is best for their condition. With each treatment, the majority of patients have reported high levels of satisfaction. linx (laparoscopic) a bracelet-like circle of linked titanium beads with magnetic cores is placed around the Les to aid in closing. The magnetic attraction causes closing after swallowing but will open to allow food to pass through. laparoscopic Fundoplication (sometimes called nissen) as with traditional open gerd surgery, surgeons wrap part of the upper stomach around the lower esophagus to reduce acid reflux, but in a minimally-invasive fashion, leading to quicker recovery. esophyx ® device (incisionless) using the device, inserted through a tube and guided down the esophagus via the mouth, surgeons reconstruct and tighten the Les with no incisions, meaning even faster recovery times. stretta: (incisionless) a small catheter is passed through the mouth to the esophagus. small electrodes providing radiofrequency waves are then threaded through, treating the muscle of the lower esophagus to decrease reflux. For more information: www.swedishhospital.com/conditions-we-treat/gerd did you knoW? LPr (laryngopharyngeal acid reflux) is similar to gerd — which often causes burning behind the breastbone and an acid-like taste in the mouth — but can lead to more sinus, throat and voice issues than its more-recognized cousin. Dr. Reginald Bell, above left, displays the LINX reflux management system. At right, a diagram illustrates where the device is positioned, around the lower esophageal sphincter, to prevent reflux of stomach acids.