Singer Nick van Eede (Cutting Crew) recounts his diagnosis of reflux and LINX surgery

When I first met Nick, like so many patients with “LPR” he was approaching his wit’s end. Singing is his life and the problems that he was having with his voice, which for most people would have posed no real problem, for him were potentially catastrophic for his career. Similarly, he had no heartburn or other typical symptoms of reflux and the first challenge as always was recognising the likely nature of the problem and having the right tests available to be confident that surgery would help.
We’re so delighted that Nick has done so well after his LINX surgery and that he’s been so generous in sharing his story. He’s become a great friend and hearing it again when we talked was fascinating; we always learn so much from listening to our patients . We hope that others with similar problems will find it equally interesting.
Find out more at: refluxuk.com/
Contact us
Whatever your question about reflux or the services we provide, we are here to help. Please call us on [phone] and a member of our team will be pleased to help. Alternatively, you can send us your questions using the form below, or email [e-mail]

[@FernandaCardinale]

My parents left me all dicos and Cd's, magazines of Cutting Crew. Love Nick and the guys. Best band of all the times. Nick is absolutely handsome and chaming till today. Best gitar of 80's! Best vocal! ❤

[@matebesisehume2623]

I’m just a 21 year old boy who’s being is dependent on his music, and now the one thing that made me feel fully alive and like I had a purpose is being halted by reflux. What a turn around

[@addo2419]

Reflux at your age isn't normal, you may be intolerant to something, have some tests done. Also they have some pretty good médecines that work 7 days in a row now, that is more powerful than Maalox, like Nexium or something

[@careyashley8309]

Jesus is the only thing that can make you fully alive. Career won't always be there. Jesus will.

[@matebesisehume2623]

@@careyashley8309 now how did we get here little miss Ashley?

[@careyashley8309]

@@matebesisehume2623 heh have a great ,& blessed day! Let's just leave it at that! ❤️

[@matebesisehume2623]

@@careyashley8309 weird

[@liliana8209]

Nick you're Adorable person!! I thank you for your timeless songs..they are a blessing for my spirit. Saludos desde Argentina!!

[@neilbrandon]

Interesting.. I was told about Mr Boyle by a man in a Storrington cafe, who was saying how amazing the linx surgery had been for him.

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

In 1987 Cutting Crew was the first cd 💿 I purchased. I have not only reflux but also asthma Exacerbation secondary reflux and Barrett’s which is precancerous secondary to chronic reflux. Recommend lifestyle changes and taking one’s meds.

[@lorraineorsinger5717]

Hi Nick. All your bands music is just awesome. And I just died in your arms is just one of my most favorite's. I was just 19 when that song had first come out.❤Hope your doing well. I would love to one day to have come out too one of your shows. ❤Thanks for all the great music your band has put out.😊

[@batphink2655]

Don't think I could do that Linx procedure as I've had 'Dysphagia' for 37 years and swallowing is difficult. Last year it nearly killed me I went down to 112lbs as a grown man. After 8 days in hospital ,it gradually improved to where I can eat soup, some bread, very soft food NO sharp edges/ corners and no steaks! It often ruins my own singing. Glad Nick is ok.

[@Refluxuk]

So sorry to hear about your struggle with reflux and dysphagia for so long. You're quite right, most reflux surgeries (such as LINX and fundoplication) aren't suitable for people with poor oesophageal mobility, such as dysphagia. Most of our patients with this condition and who want a surgical treatment go for the RefluxStop procedure!

[@patrickcephacile]

Hello. I just came across your work. I believe I have the same problem that you are dealing with. I am a singer and singing is my passion. For years I have suffered from voice problems. I always have a sour feeling in my mouth and I often have to clear my throat. Previously I had burning throat. I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. I was treated with omeprazole. This eliminated the burns. But my voice problem persists. And the doctors don't seem to understand me. My recent nasofibroscopy revealed nothing abnormal in my vocal cords. However, I can no longer sing normally. I believe you can help me. How can I meet you. I don't live in the UK

[@TonyPhillips858]

Your symptoms are literally what I have been dealing with for YEARS. I am also on Omeprazole and have had various tests done. I have tried countless home remedies too. My confidence is gone, and I have developed other physical issues including alopecia on my beard, causing it to thin and turn white in patches because of the stress I am constantly under. I may consider doing this. Thank you for sharing. I has helped me feel not so alone.

[@natashacollier5248]

Are there any studies on singers with hiatal hernia repair with Linx or fundoplication? I’m a classical singer and need surgery. My surgeon does not know if the intro abdominal pressure drying singing will affect the repair.

[@Refluxuk]

I'm not aware of any specific formal research on singers who have had a LINX surgery, unfortunately.

[@levi5073]

I'm pretty sure my reflux was caused by bad lifestyle choices. At it's worst, I was sleeping in a chair because I couldn't lie down at all. Three years on and the NHS have done absolutely nothing to help me. I'm in constant discomfort and have become addicted to sleeping pills in order to sleep through it. What's worse is that I may also have chronic gastritis, based on separate symptoms. So, my life is a living hell. How much does the LINX surgery cost, guys? Please help.

[@addo2419]

Are you in the USA?

[@gabrielbenigni6644]

don´t trust just on your feelings. It may be an anatomical problem.

[@amorarsenal6789]

❤❤❤

[@neilbrandon]

Will the linx make throwing up impossible?

[@Refluxuk]

No, but it can sometimes be a bit harder. refluxuk.com/treatments/linx-reflux-surgery/

[@Isaa5500]

Are you allowed to have an MRI now you have metal inside you.

[@Refluxuk]

Hi there! Great question - with the LINX device, you can have an MRI as long as the machine is a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner. Otherwise, it is not recommended. Hope that helps

[@Isaa5500]

That’s great… I guess I wouldn’t recommend this implant for a younger person as they may need to go through many MRIs in the future?

[@Daniel-fb2xi]

Scam.

[@davidtaylor5038]

Silly Daniel.. I’m a singer I’ve just had this procedure.. it’s not a scam

[@careyashley8309]

His career shouldn't be what defines him tho. It should be within himself and if he's saved, it should also define him as a child of God.

[@reinatycoon3644]

Saved my Jebus or Allah.. or any of the other 4198 religious teachings??