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Hiatal Hernia. What helps?
I was just diagnosed with a small hiatal hernia but I'm feeling pretty miserable. I was a perfectly healthy person and this all started a couple months ago. It started with a feeling of a "lump" at the bottom of my esophagus (or top of my stomach). Sometimes I had a burning feeling in my esophagus. I mentioned it with my gastroenterologist before a routine colonoscopy; she pretty much dismissed it but immediately put me on Prilosec in the morning and Zantac.It really doesn't help very much. before bed. I had and EGD and she diagnosed and irritated esophagus and stomach and a small hiatal hernia.
I have now given up coffee, wine, chocolate, beef, tomatoes and eating after dinner (everyday the list grows.) We have propped our bed at an angle. I am afraid to eat. She insists that the hernia is not causing this, but it must be. I'm in my 50's, perfect weight and have never even had heartburn. If this doesn't improve soon, I am thinking of going to Mayo for a full evaluation. I can't live this way and I DO NOT want to be on medicine the rest of my life.
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Hi @mjdavidson, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Although members can't offer medical advice, they can offer their personal experience with hiatal hernias. People like @drpepper, @koryn, @woogie, @sickvick, and @murphy1231213 may be willing to share.
I also shared below a Q and A about hiatal hernias from Mayo.
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Surgery for hiatal hernias:
— https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-surgery-for-hiatal-hernias/
MJ, is what you described above what you are currently experiencing? Have they offered any other resolutions besides surgery?
Doctors did many tests and concluded that I have hiatal hernia and has some ulcers, that may be bleeding slowly, because of my low iron and ferritin. They suggest surgery, I do not have heartburn or any other issues, what can I do to avoid surgery? Margo C
I had the same situation. I had surgery which took 5 hours and have some GERD but 90% improved. If you had the surgery did the stomach migrate back again? I did have the stomach in the chest as you described but have not had any recurrence after surgery. Are you asking about having repeat surgery for the same issue again?
I had a giant paraesophageal (sliding hiatal) hernia. I have had a very rough, painful journey. This explains a bit of what I have gone through.. it is from a blog that I should keep up, but just haven't. No advertisements .. unless Google slipped them in.
http://zarogasnook.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-long-time-passing.html
My situation was and is not the “norm” by any means and hopefully my story will not scare you.
Make sure you listen to what your body is telling you.
If I you have any questions I will be be glad to answer them.
Zaroga
Is it possible to survive this when no one will do a second surgery. Can it be cured when surgery isn’t an option?
Hi @tempiej and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I wanted you to be able to connect with others who have had a hiatal hernia so I moved your post to a discussion talking about What helps a hiatal hernia.
Did they say why they could not do a second surgery?
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1 ReactionThank you! I appreciate all your help! They just said a second surgery is too dangerous to do on anyone. I’m not overweight and do everything I can find to treat myself at home but the pain and lack of ability to eat is growing. A friend referred me here.
@tempiej
What surgery did you have?
Do you have other health problems such as heart disease or COPD… or anything else?
ZeeGee
@woogie @betterb4 I had a hietal hernia before my GERD progressed.. then I was one Nexium for a decade.. my local Central Iowa GI doc said that a Nissen would help.. the Nissen was a disastet.. I lost 50# from my otherwise slender body.. I went to Mayo for the diagnosis of post operative gastropanesis..a daily challenge in eating..Mayo GI said the Nissen could not be fixed as the stomach hairnet like nerves have been damaged..so I have gained back 30 some pounds.. it fluctuates..5 or 6 pounds.. but eat small meals often..chew very well.. elevate bed head.. Mayo put me on Mirtazapine to make me want to eat.. on the generic Nexium too. Ken
@elleheart, I would like to introduce you to @ken82 @fourof5zs @woogie and others who have had hiatal hernia and surgery. If you have questions, please ask.