Have hiatal hernia and can't take medications: Suggestions?

@zchristine72 get a checkout with a cardiologist. I had same. I found out alot of the gerd pain had to do with a myocardial bridge. Its congenital. I just found out because im starting having symptoms related to the same feeling as GERD which I also have and a hiatel hernia.

@zchristine72
Hello Christine, I am sorry that you and I are going through this. My symptoms are (but not limited too) intense chest pain, severe pain in the abdominal area, shortness of breath, belching so loud that if in public places it is embarrassingly noticeable, excessive gas, difficulties swallowing (I have choked so bad that I thought that I was literally dying). I have had severe vomiting and naseau that started over 18 years ago and most Doctors keep giving me medicines that do not work at all. One Physician only gave me Nexium (something that can be purchased over the counter) for several years. During Covid, my condition escalated and I vomited nearly everyday for a year and a half.

Gastroenterologists (who knew one another) both said that it was in my head due to stress but the medical tests and instruments do not lie. One of these two specialiast did not do any testing at all but only went by the notes that his peer had written. I made clear that this is not a second opinion.

In addition, I had ulcers at times, Hpylori bacteria several times and then finally three years ago, a hilial hernia diagnosis. After more than seven different Gastroenterologists and over an 18 year period, I got this diagnosis for the hernia. Sometimes I feel that my stomach is twisting. In my research I found that with the hilial hernia, the stomach can twist and strangle a person to death. However, the Doctors still downplay it and say just take these meds. This is why I say that surgery needs to take place soon (I could be wrong but I do not think so in my particular case) Sometime I am afraid to go back to sleep after episode because I may not wake up the next morning.

Finally, we have to be our own best advocate and fight for solutions because to most Doctors, we are only a number. When they minimize your symptoms, don't let them. It is good to hear that you are getting an endoscopy and Colonoscopy. There are other testing procedures that I underwent like the Ph bravo tests, Barium Swallow / Upper GI Series test, Esophageal Manometry. Once again, I was told to ignore my manometry score which was 16,000 points (normal is below 8,000).

I would ask specifically for the hilial hernia related tests. Also, if you are diagnosed with a hilial hernia, ask what level (there are four stages). If it is a three or four level, this is not good and surgery (in my opinion) may need to be considered especially if you are in stage four. I am now fighting to have my hilial hernia repaired but so far, no Doctor will do it. Hope that this helps. I do not want to see anyone get to critical symptoms like mine. The very best to you.

@zchristine72 I am sorry you’re experiencing these issues. I know what it’s like to have to have a plan before going out. I am finding that small intestinal bacteria Overgrowth SIBO causes a lot of of my symptoms. I take Oregano oil under the tongue or there is berberine and other natural supplements that you can take to help.

I have a hiatal hernia and it is a continual learning curve. Could you explain why you cannot take the capsules you mentioned and what that medication is intended to address.

Thanks,

@annpeters Thanks for your remarks. My symptoms are not as severe as some stated in this thread but I am trying to stay ahead of things. There are so many variables on what is tried it is hard to know what is helping without a truly dramatic quick result. I have been on Berberine for about a year and the level of abdominal discomfort has decreased which perhaps reduces pressure.
I use Berberine HCL 450mg combined with Berberine Phytosome 550 mg. Twice a day with food. All supplements are not created equal.
Over the past two years I also significantly modified my diet to accommodate recommendations for those with GERD/Silent Reflux. This has helped also.
I also have IBS.
It is a challenge trying to balance the differing tolerations of these conditions which narrows down what I eat for sure. When possible I prepare pureed or soup/broth types of meals and small portions (a normal portion for sure is bad for me), and finish main eating by 2-3PM except when I go out to eat.
For me: no more beans, vegetables need to be cooked (not salads), no rich foods, etc.

@jenlove1973
Hello Jen and thanks for the feedback. I will definitely look into the Cardiology. I have been having tightness in my chest with some deep pain. A few weeks ago, I was rushed to the ER on suspicion of having a heart attack but they said that I was an anemic and there was not enough oxygen in red cells when going to the heart. Now I connecting my heart condition to my hilial hernia. Thanks

Hummingbird lady
I have a hiatus hernia 3 cm and have lost 25 lbs. I have not been able to see a specialist, the waiting time is 6 months. I have been suffering with this for more than a year, am in pain most of the time and cannot eat much. I have pretty well given up on being helped, I am taking pantaprazole and a variety of herbal medications but nothing helps. I have pretty much given up. Is there any help out there?

@meziadin - fellow members such as @ken82 @brasileira @rashida @greta63 @parrotlady may have some input from their own experiences with hiatal hernia with the weight loss, yet a 6-month wait to see the doctor. They can speak to whether there is any help out there for this problem, including the pain and inability to eat much.

@jputh9322 if Voquenza is helping you, I would stay away from surgery. My doctor told me at diagnosis that hernia repair can cause more problems and it is better to leave it alone, unless is is a very large hernia - which mine isn’t.

@meziadin ask your doctor for an h pylori test. Sometimes that could be a root cause more so than the hernia.

Sleep with the head of your bed elevated a few inches (upper legs or casters of your bed on bed risers). I stop eating and drinking about four hours before going to bed. When I get pains I take sips of water - just a few sips, not a gulp or two. Peppermint can exacerbate your condition as it tends to loosen the spincter between the stomach and esophagus, causing acid reflux which in turn causes chest pains. So I would avoid peppermint tea, candies, etc. Peppermint is good for stomach upsets - but not for stomach problems caused by a hiatal hernia. At least, that has been my experience.