LINX Procedure Gives Patient Her Life Back!
When Findlay native Ginny Packer retired, spending time with her friends was extremely important but not always easy when suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). Packer suffered from GERD for 22 years, continually trying to battle it with medication. However, through the new LINX procedure offered at Blanchard Valley Health System, Packer found relief.
“The discomfort I experienced was awful. I had to go to the emergency room twice because it felt as though I was having a heart attack,” Packer recalled. “There were times where I felt like I couldn’t even go out in public.”
Then Packer scheduled an appointment with Jessica Reynolds, MD, a general surgeon with Surgical Associates of Northwest Ohio, after seeing newspaper ads for the LINX procedure, a minimally invasive implantation of small interlinked, magnetic-core beads which prevent reflux.
“Once I had met with Dr. Reynolds to discuss LINX, I knew I wanted to undergo this procedure,” she explained. “Dr. Reynolds worked with me to determine if I was a candidate and then we moved forward to improve my quality of life.”
After having the LINX procedure, Packer no longer experiences dry throat, heartburn and can sleep without being elevated.
“I was accustomed to taking medication. It was such a relief to no longer rely on medication and no longer experience any symptoms of GERD,” continued Packer. “The feeling I had after the LINX procedure was wonderful, and recovery went quickly.”
Packer shared that she felt one hundred percent better and healed by her six-month check-up appointment with Dr. Reynolds.
“I am delighted that it will be my first anniversary after having the LINX procedure and I still feel great,” she emphasized.
Now Packer can spend time with her friends by helping with yard work, driving them to physician appointments or simply having fun. She is also enjoying foods she could not eat prior to the LINX procedure.
“Dr. Reynolds and her team were so helpful. I am confident that this was the best decision I could have made for myself and my health,” Packer concluded.