Hiatus Hernia, gastritis and reflux! When will this hell end?

Digestive health
1

Hi everyone. Is there someone out there who is going/has gone through this hell? Three months ago my symptoms started from no-where. Burning acid reflux, claggy throat, bouts of nausea and chest pain. My GP initially prescribed Omeprazole but after three weeks there was no improvement so he sent me for an endoscopy. I was so worked up - my mother died from oesophagal cancer - I had to have sedation which was great - go for it - as you don''t remember a thing! I was diagnosed with a sliding hiatus hernia, acid reflux with two mucosal breaks and gastritis. By this time I was a nervous wreck and had lost weight -mainly because it's hard to eat when you feel sick. I was also finding that I was getting full after only eating a few bites. Once again I got really worked up and rang the consultant to say that I had lost about 10lbs in 3 months and had lost my appetitie etc. He sent me for a CT scan which came out totally clear. Blood work was fine too. I should have been happier but am still finding despite being on another PPI and taking metclopradine for the nausea that things haven't improved. My symptoms are now seriously affecting my life and driving my long suffering husband mad with worry too!

They are:

nausea - this comes on in the night - 3 am - and often lasts until the early afternoon the next day

tight chest - feeling of spikes down my gullet and round my waist after eating

exacerbation of my asthma- sometimes linked to the tight chest after eating

lump in throat

loose stools and windy flatulence.

apart from the first bouts, I don't really get heartburn.

I am a teacher and leading a class when you feel sick is awful. The symptoms are worse if I eat late at night - I've done all the stuff with the raised bed head etc - or eat a fatty meal - quiche/pizza.

I have already gone to the GP so many times that I feel embarrassed about it and have developed health anxiety by googling so many websites. My GP has referred me for counselling as I am in such a state about all this. I never dreamed something like this could wreck you life so much. What do I do next? Should I keep badgering the GP until I get the right drugs? How long will the condition take to settle down? Will it ever? Any advice would be really appreciated as I am at my wits' end with this horrible disease. Thanks for reading

2

Hi poos -

Sorry to hear you have joined my club.

After suffering with this (including hiatal hernia) for more than 10 years, I've recently discovered the only consistent relief I've ever had.

To start, do these things starting today: 1. eliminate sugar (every bit, right now) 2. severely limit carbohydrates (stay under 100 grams from all sources) 3. incorporate digestive enzymes with meals.

You will feel significant relief by day 2.

Google Keto and Paleo diet recipes for clues on meals.

Also, finish eating/drinking 3 hrs before bed. Ideally, you should be eating very small portions at dinner. Typically, I eat a small portion snack (greens, protein, fat) at dinner. Frequently, I'll skip dinner.

None of this is as hard as it seems.

Pills have real long term limitations and negative health effects. They are important in treating the short term acute phase. However, you must alter your diet for the long haul. Yes, you can still enjoy an occasional treat but each treat has a price.

Best of luck to you.

3

Thank you for replying. I am really struggling with this but will implement the changes you suggest. I could never have dreamed that this would cause such problems for me.

4

Here's links to a few of the sources I use...some of the links are direct to treats but the sites are also helpful with other recipes.

I've found that *pure* Stevia is the best sugar substitute as it is a natural plant source free from chemical processing (compared to splenda and the like).

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-quinoa-63344

http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2013/09/16/how-to-cook-quinoa/

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/10/pumpkin-spice-quinoa-breakfast-cookies.html

http://www.peggyk.com/recipes/quinoacookies/

http://stellastyle.com/site/2013/02/15/totally-free-george-stella-low-carb-cookbook-download-2/

http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-fluffy-ricotta-pancakes-48085

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/italian-cream-cheese-and-ricotta-cheesecake/

http://www.apinchofhealth.com/forum/vbb/showthread.php?5230-Low-carb-bread-Try-Oopsie-rolls!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-lamb-burgers/

http://glutenfreegirl.com/2013/08/quitting-sugar/

http://www.reddit.com/r/ketorecipes

With each meal I take http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Essential-Enzymes-Capsules/dp/B000GFSVPU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384613328&sr=8-1&keywords=digestive+enzymes

Here two really good links that describe why these strategies work....Highly recommended..

Start here: http://chriskresser.com/heartburn

And here: http://chriskresser.com/get-rid-of-heartburn-and-gerd-forever-in-three-simple-steps

I know you're a bit worried and I imagine all of the reading and my suggestions seem overwhelming but keep calm. I believe that these changes will provide a lot of relief for you as they have me. Keep at it and you'll begin to have more good/great days than bad.

5

Thank you very mcuh for your reply. My doctor is not really all that bothered by this condition so I have found this forum very useful. I will start to go through the links and hopefully they will help even if I don't use all of them. I hope you are well.

6

Thank you both for sharing your experience. I started having problems "out of the blue" just over a year ago and I am now taking a PPI and Metoclopramide (the detailed side effects of that one scare me!). I will be reading through your recommended links in the hope of finding something that helps.

7

@April55 -

My initial advise to anyone new to this is to eliminate carbs and sugar from your diet. It sounds harder than it is. Once you remove (moslty eliminate carbs/sugar) you'll realize that they are the source of your condition. It will be easy to make good choices and Keto/Paleo recipes will help you the most.

I wish you all the best.

PSF

8

Hi everyone ,I am new to this website.last week I had endoscopy which showed a 2cm sliding hiatus hernia and gastritis.I have been on lansoprazole for a few years.I have constant nausea,total loss of appetite.Have had vomiting and diarrhea.My appt to see the consultant is'nt till march.I am desperate now to have a scan..feeling really down as I don't feel I am ever going to feel well again.I have constant belching as well.I am on sick leave at the moment.I have recently tried acupuncture for the nausea.But sadly it did'nt help.Any advice would be very welcome.

9

I cut out sugar (use monk fruit or raw honey) switched to almond milk (sugar free) and whole wheat and grain products. Basically eating healthy.  After 4 years of omeprazole twice a day for my hiatal hernia, I not only am no longer taking omeprazole, I am off my other meds as well!  FYI, omeprazole inhibits the absorption of Calcium.  My bone density scans were worse everytime I got one done.  I am looking for the next one to be better!  Be sure to cut out the milk, even skim milk has 13 grams of sugar!

10

check out monks fruit.  I read some negative things about stevia

11

Hi everyone,

I have only just come across this forum and appreciate it is almost a year old but hoping one of you are still checking in!!

Poos- has your condition cleared yet at all? if so what was the outcome?

I have almost the exact same symptoms as yourself and feel totallty frustrated and down as mine has been going on for almost a year now! I have tried all kinds of meds and currently on my 3rd round of lansoprazole. The problem i have is the constant sickness, which, obviously prevents the tablets from working.

I too had an endoscopy (with no sadation, which i would NOT reccomend) and have a the same as you described, hernia, gastritis, etc - im currently awaiting my bioposy results, these can take upto 6-8 weeks though!

Mogro- I really hope you are through the worst as i too feel really down not knowing when i am going to feel well again.

I have tried diet solutions as listed in here - i never use sugar anyway, exception of sweetners in tea, but i dont eat - or try - not to eat things with alot of sugar in.

I just feel like this is never ending, i have been in and out of work trying to get back to a 'routine' but im debating this is helping as im making my sick record worse with constant seperate occasions.

I go some days where i feel ok-ish, as in no vomiting, still have the nausea, and headaches, plus general tiredness and exhaustion. this is then quickly followed by days of vomiting and feeling terrible.

Again, like you poos, i feel like my doctor isnt taking me very serious and im 'just another sufferer' im going out of my mind as i feel like i cant socialise, i cant make plans, i cant attend parties, the list goes on ....

Any update on changes for the better would be great.

Hoping to hear from you!

12

Hi poos. I am a 42 year old wife and mother of 5 girls. 8-21. I hope this thread is still active. The firsy timenI noticed something was wrong was I was woken up from a dead sleep in aginy upper abdomen pain. Thesevattacks went in for years. I still egt them from time to time. I stillbdont know if its the gerd or the gastritis that causesthem.I have gastritis due to h-pylori a stomach bug that eats your stomach lining. I also have gerd and hiatal hernia. I have nausea, ulcers (lesions) I get stomach pain when upset and after eating certain foods. Ive been suffering with tjese symtoms for about 5 years. Prilosec doesn't do that much and I have to take zantac for flare ups. I have nausea whn I drink liquids. I have trouble swallowing due to the hernia. Sometimes anchoke on my fluids because the hernia is so narrow thay theres a blockage and the fluids wind up going down the wrong pipe. I am really glad I found your thread. I would love.to hear your advice. I need to do something and really change my diet. Thanks.

13

Im sorry I thought this was poos thread page.

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Maam do u eat any raw fruits any cereals what type of meats or fish how many calories are u able to get in in a day  thank u kindly

15

PSF how can one do this if they have to eat certain fruits and grains & veggies thank u so much

16

I have been suffering with similar problems for the last three years.  I have had an endoscopy and that showed a sliding Hiatus Hernia and Gastritis.  I am not as bad as yourself, as I don't get nausea, but the acid burning is getting be down, especially in the evenings.  I am on Lansoprazole and Gaviscon which only give me some relief.  I will definately try cutting out all sugars - difficult as they are hidden in so many things.   Hope ou get some relief too from the many replies you have had.

17

I am really sorry you are all dealing with this horrible condition, but all these difficult diets can't be much better!

I was diagnosed with mid-severe gastritis, following a colonoscopy. I then took omeprazole for over a year with spotty improvement at best. I finally got tired of waking up with stomach pain every time I closed my eyes even for 15 minutes. I am now taking Nexium (which I asked my GP to prescribe to me) and I'm living a whole new life. Limit all sugar? Limit most carbohydrates? God bless you for having the stamina and strength for being able to do that. I am now pain-free and happy with the little purple pill called Nexium. I hope there is a simpler way for the rest of you also!

18

I just recently have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia after having a endo. Scope. Done (sedated thankfully) i have been on medication for about 2 weeks now and it caused me to lose my job in the beginning. The medication had helped a little bit but i still cant really eat anything and there os a lot of discomfort when i breath deep. I am taking prilosec and famitodine and zofran as needed for nausea. I ordered slippery elm to see if that will help. I have elevated mybhead at night and have taken tums before bed. I do not eat at least 4 hrs before bed either.

When I wake up it seems to be worse but i.do try and eat. After about 2 bites im done. I dont drink much either so i am probably dehydrated. I havent had any pop in almost 3 weeks. I also havent had any surgar since i cant really eat. I go back to the GI specialist I just dont know what they will actually do for me. By not eating I am not getting the nutrition I need and its causing me to get light headed easily. Any other suggestions on what to do........

19

Hi Joelen,

I'm a newbie on this forum and have just discovered it by accident while searching for some info on the exact same symptoms as everyone else here. My doctor prescribed me Nexium as well (40mg per day) which had no effect at all so he put me on 80mg. This made me really sick/windy so reverted to 40mg again.

I had an abdominal ultrasound and apparently I will have to have surgery as the hernis is so big it's causing swallowing problems - which makes me panic. I'm afraid the Nexium isn't doing its job of healing the hernia, and the gastritis, reflux and nausea are causing real problems. I'm going to try the various diets other people have recommended and hopefully I may not need surgery.

Good health to everyone who suffers like this!

20

You poor soul, I really sympathise with you as I have been suffering with this problem for about 14 years +. Indigestion, acid burning, pain in the chest and down through between breast and underneath that area. I have had 2 endoscopies in the past and am due another one very soon as it has flaired up really badly again. I have been told I have gastritis/acid reflux and have taken nearly every ppi there is going. I did change my diet a while back and felt better for it but have slipped back unfortunately, and am going to address that again. It is so hard because you just don't know what to eat and the pain and discomfort is awful.