Hiatus Hernia/ reflux

Digestive health
1

Hi everyone just got back from seeing my specialist after having test over past 2 years 3 endoscopies and the 24 hour monitor test to be tild they can do nothing for me due to the 24hr test showing that my oesophagus (food pipe) is only working 40 per cent and the op would leave me unable to swallow food or liquid.. Come home with very mixed feelings had a good cry as I am now left just the same pain and all problems   and unable to take my meds for my osteoarthritus in my hip and knee.They now want me to have another endoscopy and biopsy test to see how inflamed . 

2

Shame Linda, so sorry they surely can do something! I also take anti-inflamatory for Arthritis but take Nexiam to offset it & don't know why they need another endoscopy when you've already had one! Can you not get another opinion?  Wish you luck Ruby.

3

Hi Linda,

Really feel for you.

Keep perservering; you will get some answers in the end.

Just out of interest, has anyone looked into any immune system problems as an explanation?  Arthritis and sever gastric problems, mouth ulcers, dry mouth etc etc could all be a sign of an underlying immune problem such as Lupus...  

Just an idea.  

Hope you are feeling a bit better soon.

Lee

4

Hiya, 

I'm the same is you. Same problems for over 2 years.  I have got an appointment on the 18th of Nov.  Seeing another consultant for my hiatus hernia and bad reflux. I am hoping I can have an operation to sort this out.

5

Hi Lee, I have rhemotoid arthiritis which is i remission at moment and also have fibromyalgia along with osetoarthiritus in hip and knee. I understand if they cant op because of my oesphogaus been poor but dont know how I can continue with the pain, did explain that I cant take antiflam tablets for other conditions but they said its funding etc because I asked why cant they repair the poor muscles first. The only think he said was I was a bit young to have the weak problem in my oeshogaus only working 40 per cent and asked if I had ever had a small stroke ?. Very upset at moment but will have to come to terms with the pain  thank you for replying    

Linda

6

Hi Ruby the specialist said I cant take any anti inflamatory because my stomach is inflamed they are doing another endoscopy to see how bad  and if there is a bug he said also to check the cells as they can change and become canceous  but he said that is rare. He did mention about getting another opinion      Linda

7

Hi Linda,

Really sorry they won't do anything. I would definately be asking for a second opinion as sometimes a new Consultant will have new ideas. My original Consultation was with a locum - and a very poor one at that! I am waiting for my second consultation in December. Wish you all the best!

8

Hi Linda... sorry to hear that your condition is so bad currently sad Maybe get another opinion, there has to be something they can do!

9

Hi Linda,

So sorry to read your post. I too have been suffering with chest pain/reflux for the past year had umpteen tests including 2 endoscopies and PH manometry. I have been told (after my 2nd manometry) my LES is too tight and surgery is not an option. I have seen 5 gastroenterologists - they all seem to pass me on from one to the other as though they dont know what to do with me and still the pain continues.

I do feel sorry for you if it's any consolation I think I do know how you must be feeling. Would definitely try for another opinion and keep on mythering your GP - there must be something they can do for us!!

Best wishes,

Lynne

10

Hi  Lynne so sorry you are having similar problems its hard when you are suffering and nothing can be done I do know from research that in some areas/hospital you can have op to strengthen your oesphagus muscles. But my surgeon does not know were he said , I am East of England Can you not have your LES that it too tight stretched or released to make it not at tight. We will just have to hope 

Take care

Linda

11

Hi Clarey all the very best for your app in November hope you get a positive outcome

 

best wishes

Linda

12

Hi Glennie

Thank you will just have to hope for the future

Hope all goes well for December

Linda

13

Hi BiancaThank you will have to wait and see what the second biopsy says

Linda

14

Many years ago my daughter had the old method of Hiatis Hernia repair which the method was to insert a pipe in the stomach to repair the tear. She still has to take Nexiam but has not had the symptoms you all mention. I must stress though, it was a terrible op & took her awhile to get over but it did stop those awful symptoms. Good luck with your efforts .

15

Take heart. I too have had  all the test imaginable. I also was told not operable. I did consult with a gastroenterologist professor and she told me that all the swallowing problem and stomach up under my ribs etc is not at all hiatal hernia related. I have been told IBS. Now IBS covers many things. It is so called because they know that there is a bowel problem with no real answere. From the words of the professor IBS is actually an intorerance to certain foods and not everyone ha the same intolerances. It is mainly  matter of trial and error which can be very time consuming. The main list of food intolerances are certain grains, sugar, dairy of all kinds  nuts eggs and a lot of red meat. I now have rice milk (BUT NOT SOY RICE MILK), they also recomend almond milk but that can be a pain also because of anyone intolerant to nuts. I have a recipe book written by Sue Shepphard called low fodmap diet. So many fruits contain different sugars such as polyols and others that I cannot think of off hand. No citrus fruits. 3 months of probotics does help repair the damage to the eosophagus and he stomach lining from the acid reflux. Also some herbs. I have taken Slippery elm (Shelp Line)and probotics from the refrigerated section of the pharmacy. I am sure that you will benefit from not having an op.It woudl do you no good. An hiatal hernia is associated with the food intolerance only from the bloating pushing the bowel up high into the chest cavity. Hope this h elps.

16

Hi Wanda

Thank you for your reply will definately look into what you have said and do the research

many thanks

Linda

17

This sounds like a lot of sense to me & definitely worth a try.

18

Hi Linda,

Apparently my LES is not always tight but spasmodic which means surgery would not help - tablets prescribed just made it all worse and so I did wonder if maybe I hadn't been off medication for long enough before I had the manometry test. Anyway, I have been referred to a Professor for a second opinion- my appointment is not until January which seems an age away.

Best wishes,

Lynne

19

Hi Wanda,

Thanks for your post will definitely look into this. Also I have been taking Aloe Vera Juice which I think has helped a little although I am taking that many tablets don't know which are working and which aren't!!

Best wishes,

Lynne

20

 Hi  Lynne, it will seem ages away but sending best wishes that they can do something for you

Linda