Hiatal hernia messing about

Digestive health
1

Hi folks

I have a 6cm sliding hiatal hernia which has fairly been kept under control with diet and PPI’s until the last few days. It won’t settle. Symptoms of intermittent chest pain, shortness of breath intermittently, nausea, constant trapped wind and burping up acid, being sick, and regurgitation. 

I’ve started taking probiotics, doubled the PPI, adding in lots of gaviscon and it won’t settle. Even tried the exercise of a glass of warm water and then dropping to your heels first thing in the morning. No joy.

Anybody any ideas or tips to help? Or this is going to be one miserable Christmas 

Thanks

Chris 

2

Hi Chris,

I understand where you're coming from, I'm suffering too and I love Christmas but wish they could push it back a couple of months! I have a small 3cm HH, I'm not convinced it causes all my issues but I certainly believe it causes a good deal of them. I'm back on PPIs with gaviscon advance at night, careful with my diet but still not helping. Had a barium swallow again today but results back after Christmas! I am beginning to feel it is affecting my nerves as the pain has got so bad now. I have some morphine I take occasionally but I know my GP isn't keen to keep prescribing it - so do we just put up with the pain?! I've been to A&E about 3 times now but they find nothing with the basic tests they do.

I hope we both manage to have a relatively pain free Christmas

 

3

Hi Christine

Thanks for the reply and I hope the same for you. What symptoms do you have and why do you think it is affecting your nerves? 

4

hi chris 

​a 6cm hernia is classed as moderate to large which is sliding into chest causing the symptoms you have stated  in your message,  you might want to try raising the  top of your bed on some old books and buying a v pillow to help you sleep more upright  because the valve at the top of your stomach is not closing properly due to the hernia you will reflux stomach acid into your oseophagus which can burn the lining and cause severe heartburn and chest pains your gp can prescribe omeprazole which neutralises the acid and reduces the risk of acid burning the lining  your oesophagus eat less more often which is hard thing to do at Christmas  if you have a 6cm portion of stomach sliding into your thoracic cavity then it will cause tightness in your chest as you have stomach lining pushing against your lungs if you are seeing a consultant you would be wise to discuss your worsening symptoms with him as unfortunately the tear in your diaphragm can only get bigger sorry for being so graphic I hope that you get some relief over the festive period and have a nice xmas.

from someone who has had several hiatus hernia operations.

​have merry Christmas 

5

Hello Andrew 

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately with the NHS it’s not deemed bad and that it would need surgical correction unless you go private. What’s the benefit of a V Pillow? I was having a look at them and can’t figure it out. I did have a wedge but it’s very uncomfy to sleep on. I’ve been on omeprazale for years now and had even reduced my dosage from 40mg in the morning to 20mg in the morning. I’ve started taking 20 in the morning and 20 at night now and gaviscon or Andrews salts in between which does seem to be helping

Thanks

Chris 

6

Hi Chris, I really feel for you. I recently had stomach flu and since then I cannot get my hernia back under control either. I have terrible pain in my groin, ribs, hips, that moves across my back and chest. My stomach feels like there is a fire lit inside. Anti Acids not working anymore and neither is the Gavidcon. Can only eat bland food. The pain ribs you of any quality of life. I hope you feel better soon.