hiatal Hernia just diagnosed with this - Hernia Message Board

shokatsu · 12-02-2005, 10:11 AM

Hi I just had an upper GI done to look for Ulcer and none found, but today my regular Dr called me and said they found I have a Hiatal Hernia. I thought they would find I had acid reflux as a secondary finding, but not this?

Anyway - kinda freeked out. Some symtoms I guess could now be explained are acid reflux ( had this forever and just took tums every night) - occasional bad tightness in upper right chest - very painfull and would go away if I burp, but come right back. This usually lasts for an hour to 5 hours. also I get tightness in throat which I thought was anxiety ( yes I have that too) that comes and goes. Usually lasts for a couple weeks then goes away for sometimes up to a year or so. I also have a lot of stomache gas all the time.

anyway - made appointement to see specialist for this, but have no idea what it really is other then what I read online today. also have no idea on how to treat it.

Brian

shokatsu · 12-02-2005, 04:40 PM

Since I have been chewing on this all day its really wigging me out. I kind of wish I did not know this as all I wanted to find out was if I have an ulcer which I dont. Been worrying all day. I am 35 and falling apart already..I am recovering from a Microdiscectomy right now as well and this was not news I needed.

Brian

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 12-02-2005, 11:15 PM

Hi Brian,

I have a Hiatal Hernia. They hurt, too. And they usually let acid reflux up in your esophagus. It can hurt, right at the middle of your chest about at your breast bone. Posture - good - helps some. Sitting up rather than laying down for 2 - 3 hours after you eat helps. And less stress helps you have fewer symptoms. Did you Gastro Dr. give you any medicines for you hiatal hernia? I take many medicines, and am not sure which one is for my hiatal hernia. I take sucralfate, Nexium, sometimes - Pepcid Completes and sometimes - Zantac at night. They all help to a degree. Most of the time I do not have upper stomach or chest pain. It also helps to eat the right foods and not eat the bad food - except for every now and then!

Come back and talk some more. We can help.

Take care and feel better.

Wannbe

scottv · 12-03-2005, 09:12 AM

I too have hiatal hernia and acid reflux/GERD, so I am very familar with your symptoms. I would suggest sitting down with a doc and exploring some of the possible soloutions. There is surgery or long term meds such as Nexium(I am on Nexium and it controls the reflux very well). I also have some problems with my Gall Bladder that magnify the Reflux on occasion.

With Nexium I have very little problems with plain old reflux, I tried protonix and for me rolaids gave me more relief.

The biggest thing you want to consider is that you want keep this from happening, cuz once you start having an attack it takes a while for the meds to work. Meds like Nexium keep the amount of stomach acid down so that you don't get attacks.

Before the meds I would have problems with acid reflux 4 or 5 nights a week and sleeplessness was getting to be an issue. I also slept with the head of the bed propped up about 3 inches(my wife hated that but it helped).

I hope I answered a couple of your questions, and good luck with your treatments.

shokatsu · 12-03-2005, 11:54 AM

Is this something that I have probably had for a while and just didnt know. I cant think of anything recent which would have caused it. I had surgery and have been taking it real easy. In fact I went in to get upper Gi done to check for Ulcer because I had REALLY bad cramps while on Motrin - since I stopped the cramping has gone away other then tryin to pass the barium ( what fun!) other then that I have had minor reflux syptoms for almost 10 yrs. I guess I am just in shock since my Dr called and told me I have this.

Brian