Hiatal Hernia. What helps?

Hi! I really feel for you, I can hear how worried you are. I have a type 1 early hiatal hernia, but my mother has a severe one. Occasionally, they have to go in there and stretch it and she’s gotten food, stuck in her throat and not been able to breathe before. Very scary. The first thing I wanted to caution you about is that she was on Prilosec or omeprazole for years and unfortunately, the warning that omeprazole can increase the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) came true for her. So definitely talk to your doctor about how to avoid that.

Because of her experience, I do not take omeprazole. Instead, what I do is, I’ve identified my food triggers and avoid them, for me, largely spicy or fatty foods, and I never over eat. I follow the Japanese principle of eating to 80% and then stopping. I always stay completely upright while I’m eating my food and for as long as I can afterwards while I’m digesting, which for me unfortunately takes a little bit longer because I have a mild gastroparesis. I never eat and go right to bed that’s a huge no-no, even if it’s a bite of food! And smaller more regular meals throughout the day seems to help as well, so I have breakfast, lunch, early dinner, and then a snack at least 3-4 hours before I go to bed. I no longer use alcohol or nicotine as well, and even for my half-caffeine coffee in the morning, and make sure that I have it with a bite of food so it doesn’t hurt my stomach as much. Also adding anti-inflammatory spices or herbs like turmeric or cinnamon to your coffee grounds in the basket can help a little bit.

I can’t think of anything else, but if I do, I’ll comment here. I wish you the best of luck!

We are in the same boat! I am also in my early 50’s, suddenly started having GERD symptoms, and was diagnosed with a small hiatal hernia. My doctor has prescribed morning and evening meds. I have had to totally change my diet. No alcohol, no caffeine, nothing acidic at all. I had to learn a whole new way of cooking and eating. Eating out is limited to Sushi, which I seem to tolerate. It is very frustrating … my doctor just kept prescribing more medications to fix the side effects from the original medications… not good. I am also in the process of getting a second opinion. Keep us updated on your progress. Maybe we can learn from each other!

As already mentioned, low acid whole food diet is a must. I also find relief chewing sugarless gum, and using Gaviscon Advance, the UK version. It's an alginate that plugs up the stomach to keep the acid/pepsin in its place. A lot of people use it at bedtime. I also use it before exercising. It is salty when first used it might sting the throat or esophagus. I found that after my throat/esophagus healed the alginate sooths when I have a spasm. It is available on Amazon. pricey but for me I don't use it as much as before (if I followed the diet religiously I might not need it at all, but I do love me some of those no-no foods).

Just curious, why did it take so long for them to decide to do the surgery....the permanent fix?

Gaviscon Advance is worth the price

I have had two high hernia surgeries. They both come undone, but I would still give them. Mine was moderate to large, so there is a difference we can live with it. One of the things I just learned is sleeping on left side is good for her so hopefully that helps.

Pardon my talk to text I could talk about this and I just had a telehealth with my doctor really really good and I am going to. He wants to instead of balloon before we do another surgery. I’m in my 50s in the last four years. This is crazy.

Again pardon talk to text but has anyone had the Intragastric balloon
For hiatal hernia my dr recommended it today along with Botox for easier emptying -before trying a final redo of surgery. The bitch of hiatal hernia surgery is my dr said no sit ups ever again. The real pain is morning I have severe burps - yet I did recently try Galveston & I like it .. good recommendation. Let me know I’m getting a second opinion but I do really trust my surgeon.

I've dealt with these problems since 40s - GERD then a small HH. Famotidine worked for a long time until I got the HH. Now I take 20 - 40 protonix daily. I do watch what I eat and try to eat slower by really chewing my food. I do sleep on a incline. However I have trouble when I wear a bra. Has anyone found a good solution to this?

Sorry that sounds awful!