Women in Mumbai could not lie down for 8 years

For eight years, Mangala Deshmukh, 61, slept in a reclining position. Reason: Liquids and food particles would flow up to her throat if she lay down flat. Deshmukh, based in the US, was suffering from Gastroesophagal Reflux Disorder (GERD). Due to the disorder, the liquid content in her stomach would regurgitate into the food pipe. The condition, also termed as acid reflux, would cause heartburn, vomiting, burping and trouble in swallowing. “I had a series of choking episodes,” said Deshmukh. “My condition would worsen if I ever forgot to take the medicine.”She then got in touch with Dr Deepraj Bhandarkar, a laparoscopic surgeon from Hinduja Hospital, who assured her that Fundoplication, a keyhole abdomen surgery, would be a solution. “I was seeing doctors in the US and Pune. However, none of them suggested Fundoplication as a solution,” said Deshmukh.She underwent the surgery at the Hinduja Hospital in November. She flew to the US on Thursday, a month after the surgery. “There is a valve in the food pipe that prevents the acids in the stomach to go up the throat. In people suffering with GERD, the valve is weak,” said Bhandarkar. “The surgery involves using a part of the stomach to create a collar around the food pipe so that the acid does not flow up.” Generally, antacids is the only solution given by doctors. “I am happy to sleep and eat normally now,” said Deshmukh, who could eat only mashed, liquefied food before.