I have a medium hiatal hernia which is giving me major issues. I had an endoscopy confirming it.
Upon researching surgical repair options, one of the permanent results is not being able to burp or vomit. This terrifies me!
Can anyone weigh in on this? Is there another surgical option where this wouldn't be the case.
I will be having a follow-up with my GI doctor soon and will certainly discuss it with them. Until then, I'd love to hear from anyone who can give me some solid feedback. Thank you!
In 2020 I had laparoscopic surgery for my hiatal hernia and GERD. It was successful insofar as I no longer have the excruciating acid reflux into my throat. However my then-large hernia was around 7cm. After surgery, now four years later, it is around 14-15cm. The mesh is still in place, so reflux is still in check and I have tests every two years to track the hernia. But I do not, can not, vomit. I have Ondansetron on hand at all times. I inform all doctors and anesthesiologists about it and they ensure that I have anti-nausea meds to prevent nausea.
When I travel, I am especially careful to avoid stimulating vomiting, whether on a cruise or in a country with questionable sanitary conditions. It's my greatest fear that I'll be somewhere remote and have an incident that causes nausea and the regurgitation sensation, so I do everything to prevent it.
But burping? I belch like a man!!! Nothing stops the burping, and frankly. passing of gas the other way. It's ten times more frequent than before the surgery. There is nothing painful about it at all. I don't think you have to worry about burping.
In 2020 I had laparoscopic surgery for my hiatal hernia and GERD. It was successful insofar as I no longer have the excruciating acid reflux into my throat. However my then-large hernia was around 7cm. After surgery, now four years later, it is around 14-15cm. The mesh is still in place, so reflux is still in check and I have tests every two years to track the hernia. But I do not, can not, vomit. I have Ondansetron on hand at all times. I inform all doctors and anesthesiologists about it and they ensure that I have anti-nausea meds to prevent nausea.
When I travel, I am especially careful to avoid stimulating vomiting, whether on a cruise or in a country with questionable sanitary conditions. It's my greatest fear that I'll be somewhere remote and have an incident that causes nausea and the regurgitation sensation, so I do everything to prevent it.
But burping? I belch like a man!!! Nothing stops the burping, and frankly. passing of gas the other way. It's ten times more frequent than before the surgery. There is nothing painful about it at all. I don't think you have to worry about burping.
My fundoplication surgery was horrible. The surgeon cut my esophagus and I was on a food line for three months and then soft food. I have developed Gastro paresis and extreme constipation. I would not recommend that surgery for anyone.
I had a Nissen Fundoplication surgery at Mayo Rochester on October 18, 2016. I had a 4 cm hiatal hernia, and suffered from GERD since 2004.
Since the surgery to fix the hernia and malfunctioning sphincter between my esophagus and stomach, I have had NO heartburn -- at all! This is awesome because Mayo also figured out that I don't properly metabolize both PPIs and H2 antagonist medications, and taking these medications was basically slowly killing me.
So glad I had this surgery, and I ADORE my Mayo GI/Hepatology and Thoracic Surgery team!
Sorry to hear the meds are no longer working, @vincev700. Are you seriously considering surgery at this point? What is your doctor recommending you do with the meds not having the same effect?
I had a Nissen Fundoplication surgery at Mayo Rochester on October 18, 2016. I had a 4 cm hiatal hernia, and suffered from GERD since 2004.
Since the surgery to fix the hernia and malfunctioning sphincter between my esophagus and stomach, I have had NO heartburn -- at all! This is awesome because Mayo also figured out that I don't properly metabolize both PPIs and H2 antagonist medications, and taking these medications was basically slowly killing me.
So glad I had this surgery, and I ADORE my Mayo GI/Hepatology and Thoracic Surgery team!
I had hiatal hernia repair that failed just two months afterwards. I think this might be because I have chronic constipation and strain. I am told there is a 50% chance this second surgery on Oct 2 will fail. The dr said then she would have to do open surgery which I am scared of because I have breast implants. I am hoping if I eat smaller meals and try not to strain on the toilet this second surgery will work. Has anyone else had similar experiences ?
I had hiatal hernia repair that failed just two months afterwards. I think this might be because I have chronic constipation and strain. I am told there is a 50% chance this second surgery on Oct 2 will fail. The dr said then she would have to do open surgery which I am scared of because I have breast implants. I am hoping if I eat smaller meals and try not to strain on the toilet this second surgery will work. Has anyone else had similar experiences ?
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In 2020 I had laparoscopic surgery for my hiatal hernia and GERD. It was successful insofar as I no longer have the excruciating acid reflux into my throat. However my then-large hernia was around 7cm. After surgery, now four years later, it is around 14-15cm. The mesh is still in place, so reflux is still in check and I have tests every two years to track the hernia. But I do not, can not, vomit. I have Ondansetron on hand at all times. I inform all doctors and anesthesiologists about it and they ensure that I have anti-nausea meds to prevent nausea.
When I travel, I am especially careful to avoid stimulating vomiting, whether on a cruise or in a country with questionable sanitary conditions. It's my greatest fear that I'll be somewhere remote and have an incident that causes nausea and the regurgitation sensation, so I do everything to prevent it.
But burping? I belch like a man!!! Nothing stops the burping, and frankly. passing of gas the other way. It's ten times more frequent than before the surgery. There is nothing painful about it at all. I don't think you have to worry about burping.
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3 ReactionsWhen I had my fundoplication my surgeon told me I would never throw up again. Said in case of flu or whatever,
it would all go the other way.
My fundoplication surgery was horrible. The surgeon cut my esophagus and I was on a food line for three months and then soft food. I have developed Gastro paresis and extreme constipation. I would not recommend that surgery for anyone.
What surgery did they do for you?
Opps I see it now. I read too fast
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1 ReactionWelcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @vincev700. Did you also have surgery to repair a hiatal hernia?
No I am researching. I have Gerd. I've had it for years but it has come to the point that the meds are not working.
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1 ReactionSorry to hear the meds are no longer working, @vincev700. Are you seriously considering surgery at this point? What is your doctor recommending you do with the meds not having the same effect?
I had hiatal hernia repair that failed just two months afterwards. I think this might be because I have chronic constipation and strain. I am told there is a 50% chance this second surgery on Oct 2 will fail. The dr said then she would have to do open surgery which I am scared of because I have breast implants. I am hoping if I eat smaller meals and try not to strain on the toilet this second surgery will work. Has anyone else had similar experiences ?
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1 Reaction@msturcken - here are a couple of other Mayo Clinic Connect discussions on hiatal hernia surgery you may wish to check out:
- Had anyone had surgery for a hiatal hernia? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-had-surgery-for-a-hiatal-hernia/
- Hiatal Hernia Open Surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hiatal-hernia-open-surgery/