I recently underwent some test ( EKG- Stress Test and Upper GI) because I've been experiencing chest pains, difficulty swallowing and sometimes severe lower jaw pain. The outcome was a diagnosis of a Hiatel Hernia. I haven't seen my Primary for a follow up yet, and I want to be prepared and somewhat knowledgeable of what the effects of the HH are. I'm most concerned with the jaw pain. Can you tell me if this is a sympton typically associated with the HH and what type of medication or surgical procedure is used.

Thank You




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Linda you should post this in the digestive disorders forum. If a Hiatus hernia is bad enough they do surgury. Not a major operation apparently. Having had upper GI problems that my own GP first were HH I went on Prevacid with shots of Gaviscon to follow each meal and also stopped eating after 7pm so I wasn't going horizontal with a stomach full of food. That took care of most of my complaints. I also cut my coffee intake to about 5 cups a week and drink a couple litres of water every day which reduces the need for antacids. The throat discomfort is probably from your bodies own hydrochloric stomach acid getting up too high and burning the esophagus, and the swallowing and jaw pain are just conducted inflammation. I think you can buy Ranitidine/Zantac over the counter and this is a good night time pill to reduce acid. Two Gaviscons ride before you go to sleep as well but the trick is don't eat food too late so the stomach is emptied. Good Luck