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← Return to Hiatal Hernia. What helps?
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Having been through this, I would get a second opinion from a different GI doctor. Mayo told me to sleep upright, stop eating for the day at least three hours before bedtime, and to avoid certain foods: greasy foods, spicy foods, peppermint, and more.
Your inclination to avoid meds long-term is spot-on! I had a 4 cm hiatal hernia and GERD issues for years, and the sphincter between my stomach and esophagus was failing. My home doctors treated me with Nexium and it's generic equivalents for years. Twelve years later, and getting sicker and sicker, in September 2015 I took myself to Mayo and they figured out that I genetically don't properly metabolize these medications, which is the reason why I was getting sicker and sicker. Thing is, even if you do properly-metabolize these meds, these meds themselves inhibit the enzyme system that metabolizes these medications, which means that people on these meds long-term will slowly develop symptoms to the medication inhibition. (Both Prilosec and Zantac are also inhibitors.) Unfortunately, the majority of doctors don't know about it.
So solve this problem for me, last October Mayo performed a Nissen Fundoplication surgery on me to fix the hernia and GERD issue. No more meds for me!
Replies to "Having been through this, I would get a second opinion from a different GI doctor. Mayo..."
Also, thank you for so much information. I think I would turn to Mayo sooner, rather than later, if I don't find relief through diet changes. It sounds like they are more thorough, and I'm glad you finally have relief.
My heartburn issue started in February 2004 when I was 32. My doctor put me on Nexium at that time. Mayo figured out my genetic drug intolerance when I was 44, and they did the surgery later in the year after I had turned 45.
Interestingly, my brother has the same exact issue and has had the same exact surgery to correct the hernia and GERD. My mom has GERD issues, as well.
I truly wish I had gone to Mayo sooner -- at least a decade sooner. They not only figured out this issue, but they figured out a bunch of other issues in other specialties for me as well, including endocrine and sleep.
Could you tell me which doctor you saw and where?
I, too, had a Nissen Fundoplication performed on me several years ago. I now have gerd, a hiatal hernia, the operation has come undone. When I eat a lot, I can feel my hernia protruding and feeling hard and causing a lot of pain. I also have trouble with constipation. I have had bowel problems since I was very young. I was told not to eat four hours before going to bed. When I do, I suffer from horrible burning coming up into my throat. I just asked my doctor to change my pills from Amitiza to Lizness. Today is my first day of Lizness. Has anyone had any experience with either of these ?
I am so relieved to hear you had a good outcome from your surgery at MAYO. Can you tell me your surgeon who performed the hernia surgery at MAYO.
I really would appreciate it. Thank you. So happy to hear you no longer take the acid reducing meds. Take care.
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May I ask what age this all started with you?