Patient Stories

• Daniel lived with chronic acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for years before seeking treatment. 
• A comprehensive evaluation at UC Health, that included the use of the Bravo™ pH monitoring test, identified him as a candidate for the minimally invasive concomitant transoral incisionless fundoplication (cTIF) procedure. 
• Through collaborative care from gastroenterology and surgery specialists, Danny found lasting relief from all reflux symptoms. 
• Today, he's back to enjoying travel, great food and his morning coffee—and hopes his story encourages others to explore advanced GERD treatment options. 

At UC Health, our digestive health specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for GERD, including advanced minimally invasive procedures like cTIF. Call 513-475-4930 to schedule an appointment. 

When Every Meal Came with Consequences

Danny has always loved food.

A self-described foodie, he enjoys discovering new restaurants while traveling, and there's one ritual he especially treasures: starting each morning with a good cup of coffee.

But beginning in his 20s, those moments became increasingly overshadowed by acid reflux.

What started as occasional discomfort gradually became a daily struggle. 

"I had constant belching, an acid smell and this taste in my mouth that stayed with me all day," Danny said. "Eventually, the symptoms became unmanageable."

Even his morning coffee, a favorite part of his routine, became something he dreaded because it almost always triggered his symptoms.

Looking Beyond Medication

As a former UC Health intensive care unit nurse and now a University of Cincinnati Nurse Anesthesia, DNP student, Danny understood the importance of seeking medical care.

Still, like many people living with GERD, he lived with his symptoms for years before taking the next step to make an appointment.

After a comprehensive evaluation with the digestive health team at UC Health, Danny learned he had moderate-to-severe GERD. Years of acid exposure had already damaged the lining of his esophagus. 

Because not every patient with GERD benefits from the same treatment, Danny underwent specialized reflux testing, including the Bravo™ pH Monitoring Test, to better understand the cause of his symptoms. The evaluation confirmed he was a candidate for concomitant transoral incisionless fundoplication (cTIF), an advanced minimally invasive procedure designed for carefully selected patients whose reflux is related to underlying anatomical changes, such as a hiatal hernia.

Unlike traditional anti-reflux surgery, cTIF combines robotic hiatal hernia repair with transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) to restore the body's natural barrier against reflux. The fundoplication portion of the procedure is performed through the mouth without additional abdominal incisions, helping preserve normal anatomy while treating the underlying cause of reflux.

"Many people live with reflux for years without realizing there are treatment options beyond medication. While effective medical therapy is available, it doesn't work for everyone and there are concerns about potential side effects from long-term use," said Wadhwa, MD. 

Choosing UC Health

Even with his clinical background, Danny approached the decision as a patient first, looking for a team he could trust to guide him through every step of treatment and recovery. Before deciding where to have the procedure, Danny researched GERD treatment programs at medical centers across the country.

He ultimately chose UC Health because of its collaborative approach and expertise.

"There's a science, but what you really want to master is the art," Danny said. "Dr. Wadhwa has beautified the art form of the cTIF procedure." 

During the procedure, Dr. Wadhwa performed the transoral incisionless fundoplication while Dr. Van Haren repaired a small hiatal hernia robotically.

Although Danny knew recovery would require patience, including a liquid diet before surgery and a gradual progression back to regular foods afterward, he felt confident in his care team from the beginning.

More Than Excellent Care

Danny says what stands out most isn't just the successful outcome.

It's how he was treated throughout the experience.

"I wish I could thank each and every care team member for their patience, compassion and knowledge," he said. "They were so good at communicating. They made my care seamless. They made it easy to be a patient every step of the way."

Having worked alongside nurses and physicians himself, he knew the level of coordination required to deliver exceptional care. Experiencing that same compassion as a patient left a lasting impression.

From pre-operative appointments through recovery, he always felt informed, supported and listened to.

A Cup of Coffee Worth Celebrating

The biggest challenge after surgery wasn't the procedure itself.

It was following the temporary dietary restrictions while his body healed.

But Danny knew it would be worth it. 

The day after surgery, he poured himself a cup of coffee.

For the first time in years, he waited for the familiar burning sensation.

It never came.

"It was a 'wow' moment," he said. "Being able to drink coffee without symptoms felt incredible." 

Today, he enjoys visiting Urbana Café and trying new restaurants without worrying about reflux following every bite.

Back to Living

Today, Danny is focused on finishing anesthesia school, traveling with his husband and enjoying the foods he once avoided.

"Being able to eat without consequences has changed everything," he said.

More than relieving heartburn, treatment restored a quality of life he hadn't realized he'd been missing. 

Helping Others Find Relief

Looking back, Danny wishes he had known about cTIF much sooner.

"I want people to know this treatment exists," he said. "I hope more people hear about it because I think it sets GERD care up for a very positive future."

He encourages anyone living with persistent reflux symptoms to seek an evaluation instead of assuming medications are the only option. 

"As a nurse, I've seen how life-changing the right treatment can be," Danny said. "As a patient, I experienced it myself. I recommend Dr. Wadhwa all the time. If you're living with GERD, see if you're a good candidate for cTIF. I'm exhibit A for how well it works."

Advanced GERD Care at UC Health

While medications successfully manage GERD for many people, persistent symptoms may warrant a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether an underlying anatomical issue is contributing to reflux. At UC Health, specialists use advanced diagnostic testing to personalize treatment recommendations, including minimally invasive options like cTIF for appropriate candidates.

At UC Health, gastroenterologists and minimally invasive surgeons work together to evaluate each patient's anatomy, symptoms and treatment goals to determine whether advanced options like cTIF are appropriate. Our team-based care offers comprehensive reflux testing, personalized treatment plans and ongoing follow-up designed to help patients reduce symptoms and return to daily life with confidence.

Expect more. Call 513-475-4930 to schedule an appointment.