Hiatus Hernia advice needed

Digestive health
1

Hi everyone,

I've recently been diagnosed with with Hiatus Hernia, through an endoscopy. Mine is a 4cm sliding one.

Over the past 3 months the quality of my life has drastically dropped, I am being sick almost every day (whether I eat or not), getting a burning sensation, burping non stop and well as being bloated constantly.

The doctors have tried various medications before my diagnosis, however nothing has helped.

I've read a lot online in regards to the condition, and frankly don't want to be on tablets for the rest of my life. Is there any way possible I can opt for surgery? My GP has not been helpful at all and at times I feel like I am hitting my head against a brick wall.

Can anyone recommend anything?

Thanks in advance

Shaz

2

Hi Shaz

I also have a hiatus hernia - seems it is quite a common complaint. Even my doctor had it. I also haveBarrett's Oesophagus.

Pariet has been marvellous for dealing with the reflux symptoms over the years.

Last week I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome & am looking at what specific food groups are not being absorbed, as well as taking Digestive enzymes & probiotics.

My GP believes the hiatus hernia reflux condition needs to be treated with drugs for the rest of my life. I have recently seen a naturopath who thinks my conditions should be able to be sorted with both eating suitable foods with the addition of health supplements.

The IBS is all only in the early stages for me so there seems to be many alternative solutions.

Would not suggest surgery of any description & this has never been mentioned to me.

Patience is the best attribute, as well as trying lots of different alternative approaches.

I have had 4 endoscopies now as they need to check on the Barrett's to see that it is not progressing into cancer.

Good luck

Kimberley

3

Kimberley,

I have an Hiatus Hernia two and have been suffering from unexplained weight loss. All my tests (Abdomen CT and ultrasound, colonoscopy, Endoscopy, X-ray,s bloods etc etc) have been normal except for the hernia and small erosions in my oesophogues.

Anyway you say you are having problems absorbing certain foods? I have been loosing weight for no reason and it appears that the probably cause is poor absorption of nutrients. Have you lost weight due to this?

Also, any joy in finding what food don't absorb very well? My digestive tract doesn't seem to work right at the moment.

I am also suffering from a lot of white foamy acidic saliva which I am convinced is related to the hernia (My doc as just changed my Medication from Omeprozole to pantoprazole, and said to try it for a month. I did double my omeprazole dose for a week and my saliva did improve for a while but it is now back to normal.

Do any of these problems sound familiar?

Thanks

Derek

4

Hi I am also in a bad state and can't understant why the medication works for so many but not me.

I was diagnosed with hiatus hernia and heliobactorpylori plus gastritis and was cleared of the last two and felt fine.I was already on omeprezole as I had been put on due to being prescibed carbemazapine and 3 x 400mg iboprufen a day so this was to protect my stomach.

I have now been on the omeprezole for two years and more recently taking anti nausea tablets.I have no idea where the continual nausea has come from as it used to be mild and intermittent. I feel ill with nausea dizziness and acid in my mouth all day everyday. I have collapsed with the acid coming through my nose it is rampant. I can not increase the omeprezole as when I do i have more stomach pains and gagging and headaches.My insides race due to the laxatives and anti nausea tablets. I have been in hospital and told not the hernia not the gall stones. I also have asthma and MS. It is affecting my life big time I can not go out and dread the MS kicking in as it will due to the stress and inablilty to control this. I was offered a new oral drug for my MS but because of all this can't do it.

5

Morsel, The Acidic saliva is the worst. It is destroying my teeth and gums. I have also had it come through my nose, which really burnt.

I am currently not taking medication, as I have got a repeat endoscopy in just over a week and the doc wants to check for H Pylori.

Have you tried any other PPI's? I have tried lansaprozole and pantroprozole, none work to good. I just want my saliva back to normal.

I would of thought that if your gastris and H Pylori were cleared the PPi's would work.

I have been told that PPI's do not work for everyone. So looks like we are in the same boat.

Let me know if you find a PPI that works, and I will do the same if I find an answer.

6

OMG. Please look at alternatives rather than surgery. Diet, breathing exercises and digestive enzymes all work for some people. Acidophilus probably would help too for the gut generally.

I have a friend who just got into bad eating habits and not breathing well, once I got her to eat slowly, chew well so the saliva has time to do its job, and sit up properly while eating and do deep breathing exercises after the meal, the problem which she was taking all sorts for went away.

My sister was in agony several times before I knew she had a problem. Same thing. She was stressed, not eating properly and shallow breathing. She has not had a problem since doing the above. Others who have had the problem longer may need more help but would suggest digestive enzymes, artichoke tablets or fennel.

Obviously

If you are taking other medications ask about contra indicators

7

Hi

Thanks for the replies Tiny T and Derek. Much appreciated. I do take a probiotic,cod liver oil vit D,I have dried liquorice dgl and charcoal. I do deep breathing and have relaxation tapes. I sleep up right on a reading pillow which is damaging my neck. My diet is healthy when I do eat I have lost a lot of weight. I try and walk round the block and have a little chair cycle if I can't..

I have increased my omeprezole to two a day in the hope it will get rid of the swilling acid. I do know I feel lousey on two.Plus the metaclampromide plus the laxatives.This is actually a new development had it now for ten days previously had it for two and have weeks then stopped for a couple of days and now back.

Feeling very tired could just go asleep,nausous,dizzy and light headed can't concentrate.

8

Hi Derek

Just to mention that at the moment I am chewing gum which keeps the mouth acid at bay. Make sure you get orbit as this is approved by dentists.

9

I've been suffering with an Hiatal Hernia for about 7 years now, I had 3 endoscopies before it was discovered. I was taking Omeprazole for 18 months & it just wasn't helping at all. To be honest my GP was a waste of time & the frustration I felt was un-real.

I moved house & joined the new surgery, ( I didn't move to get better health care, my job was the reason) thought i'm going to see my new GP & get this sorted once & for all.....Explained my problem that the acid was relentless, it was keeping me awake, it was affecting my job because I was always so tired cry . He put me on a new repeat prescription of Lanzoprazole 30mg & within a week I could feel the difference cheesygrin I felt so different in myself, I was sleeping again etc.

There have been lot's of things I've had to cut out...the worst for me was giving up my morning cup of tea, yes if you are suffering badly, go without a cuppa for 3 day's & you will notice the difference, green leaf & veg have been a big problem too sad , it's surprising what you do have to cut out & sadly it is all trial & error, it pay's to keep a log book/diary of what you are having & how it affects you.

I've been on this same medication now for about 5/6 years & it's very rare I have problems, I can pretty much eat anything, including hot, spicy foods, but forget the citrus stuff, ketchup, certain salad products. If I do eat the wrong stuff, I soon know it...when the ol' dreaded lump in the throat flares up it's ugly head, & I learn very quickly it's things too avoid rolleyes . Alcohol is another one sadly rolleyes cut it out, don't get me wrong, I loved a glass of wine with dinner...but it's had to go & I do feel better for it.

If your symptoms aren't improving, it is so important to go back to your GP, if your having no luck try a different GP at your surgery.

But the biggest offender for me was tea. It does get easier & you do learn to adapt, but sadly you have to be patient, easier said than done I know. I hope this helps a little, I know the frustration but it does get better. lol

10

Hi

Just an update for all. I have given up PPIs as I was concerned about the affect on nutrient absorption plus I felt I should be able to have a normal bodily function with the correct food intakes. It is now about 4 months since I have given up. I also saw a Naturopath who tested my blood which was very clumpy & irregular in shape etc. All in all he gave me a score of 2.5/10 for my blood & said he was being generous. He gave me a list of supplements to take & when I returned in 3 weeks he said my blood had improved to 6.5/10. He wanted to give me different supplements but I chose to see if just my eating/drinking patterns could support healthier blood & will return to him in the near future just to see what my blood looks like now. I was alss taking additional EFAs & probiotics.

I gave up alcohol for a few months & also tea & coffee. I have just resumed drinking alcohol again - but only glass per day. I rarely suffer from any form of reflux now & do not eat any of the 'bad' foods for reflux/acidity. I also eat virtually no sugar & I was always vegetarian. I get at least an hour of exercise every day, drink a lot of water with lime juice or apple cider vinegar. At my next endoscopy I am being tested to see if I am gluten, fructose, lactose, mannitol or sorbitol intolerant as I am still experiencing IBS symptoms of flatulence. I try not to eat any foods with chemical preservatives in them. I also have samll often meals & do not lie down within 3 hrs of eating.

Whilst I do not believe we need to be constantly taking supplements if we are eating a good diet, the body can certainly use a detox before it can start getting better. All of us are different however, so I can only speak from what works for me.

11

Hi there everyone

I have been diagnosed with hernia too...sliding one at 3 cm

Also gastritis, have been on medication since

nov and nothing is working

I've lossed my job over it,lossed my honeymoon

Ruined my wedding day.. Am so depressed

Have lost nearly 3 stone bcos I can barely eat

Am sick most days, in constant pain

Just waiting now for 2 more tests

Another camera to go down me plus a 24 hour

testing thing

I can't believe how my life has changed so much

12

Hi Shaz i have had a hiatus hernia and acid reflux for over 15 years. it all started when i had long periods of not eating, ie approx 9 hours an then eating carbohydrates instead of a proper healthy meal. here is some info which may be of use to you. also there is a new thing now that the USA have created which wraps around the valve - yet to be brought out but worth you looking on the web. its a metal thing.

anyhow:

firstly if you are overweight, lose it, as this puts pressure on your stomach and also i do have palpitations after i have eaten sometimes.

higher the top of your bed up - you can get some items from a mobility shop that go under your bed legs or put a brick under each one at the top. your body is higher so the acid during the night wont travel up as much as if you are flat.

avoid bending down with your head forward - where possible bend your knees.

avoid the following drinks and food:

orange juice, alcohol, raw onions, oranges, red meat (especially pork - this is the worst one for me)

tomatoes (although i still have them, they are supposed to increase the acid in your stomach), crisps, chips and potatoes on occasions. greasy food, batter on fish, spicy dishes (indian type food), pickled onions, anything in vinegar, unless its a sweet vinegar. coffee.

i have rinitidine from my doctor (also known as zantac) - obviously higher dose than you can get over the counter. this works really well for me, providing i have one in the morning not long after i get up and one early evening before my evening meal. i tend to brush my teeth first, because sometimes i am sick after earting if i brush my teeth aftewards, so your tablet will also come up. i also used to take, in addition to this a tablet called prebio 7, from holland and barrett health shop. its expensive but taken inbetween your medication it really helps, although some people do suffer with diarhoea with this, but good to try it.

also eat small but regular meals and eat healthy. i find it too many carbohydrates in one meal that doesnt help.

finally years ago when i first was diagnosed, i also had a tablet from my doctor that stopped your stomach muscles working, therefore the food and acid wasnt pushed up to my throat. my dose was too high, and i found i couldnt swallow my food, but the dose can be reduced. i cant remember the name of them but if i find it i will let you know.

good luck and hope this helps sue

13

Well I had my 6cm hiatus hernia and GERDS diagnosis about four years ago. I was on lanzoprazole,

Ranitidine and domperidone. Then recently they have put me back on omeprazole that I have had before that didn't get on with.

And it feels since them I'm eating the ranitidine like sweets to stop the acid rising up every time I bend down at work. I have been shore of breath for months! I can't participate in the sport I love to a level I want to

Because its like I'm unfit? Yet I shouldn't be?!

By seven month bump is the perfect bump! I'm convinced the more has gone into my chest cavity at the moment and I can see an unusual lump on my left side.

One thing I will say someone I work with who has private healthcare has GERDS and they have put him on a drug I believe begins with Z......and it has worked miracles. Was one a away now he only has one every three. But the nhs refused it to me because of the expense.

Another point I felt I should bring up. It is not the ph level of the food/beverage as it goes in it is what it becomes once the enzymes have done there jobs.

Hence I believe I have no problem with ACID cheese but tomatoes , cucumber , and orange or lemon I can't do!

CIDER made from apples which are acidic I can enjoy a few of those! Haha smile

14

Hi Shaz....are you on Domperidone as they helps with the sickness I've found along with Ranitidine for the

Reflux.

Hope that might be of some help! smile

15

That drug my friend was on is NEXIUM , he just takes them every third day now. So the NHS Could probably save money in the long run as they are so effective you don't need them every day!!

16

That drug my friend was on is NEXIUM , he just takes them every third day now. So the NHS Could probably save money in the long run as they are so effective you don't need them every day!!

17

Does anyone else with this feel the need to drink constantly. I have a bottle water with me at all times an must go through 5litres which is probably too much! I just have the dry rancid burn in mouth otherwise. sad

18

Hi

this doesnt sound right. althought antacids do have a tendency to make you a little more thirsty, it shoudnt be this amount if i were you i would go and see the doctor and check for diabetes or other things that may cause it. let us know how you get on.

19

Hi,

I must say that meds do not work for all. I tried the PPI's and I even tried rennies at one point, I tried different strengths, surgery is right for some people, I do deep breathing, I eat slowly, I eat small meals, I even tried eating 6 smaller meals a day, my partner is a hypnotherapist and that works on anything with me... anything but this, I lost a job because of this.

So if the sickness and pain are are bad for you as they are for me, along with the other symptoms don't completely rule surgery out. I am booked in for pre op next week. will let you know how that goes.

Take care.

Chrstine.

20

Thank you everyone. Will be back to the docs when I get back from holiday. Xx