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I've had surgery for a rolling hiatus hernia. My whole stomach had moved up into my chest.

Posted , 5 users are following.

KazzyP
KazzyP

Before my operation I tried to find out more information on the Internet. But the condition was so rare that all I could find was medical reports that were complicated and it was difficult to find out what I wanted to know.  My surgeon had told me he couldn't tell me how bad things were until my operation and he could see for himself.  There are a lot of hernia operation stories on the Internet that are scary. But I'm pleased to say I've had a fairly positive experience. I wanted to post on here in case any of you are in the same place I was in six moths ago (I had my operation five months ago) and just want someone who can understand what you are going through and maybe want some advice.  

2 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Barretts
    Barretts KazzyP

    Posted

    There are two types of hiatus hernia: sliding hernias are the most common where the stomach pushes through the hiatus as a virtual part of the oesophagus. Yours was a rolling, or paraoesophageal hernia where part of the fundus has pushed through the hiatus beside the oesophagus. It is potentially more serious.

    I'm glad you had a good surgeon who managed to sort this out for you.

  • argzxoni
    argzxoni KazzyP

    Posted

    I KazzyP,glad to hear everything went well,I too have heard bad things about the HHop but my doctor says this op is rarely done these days as the PPi s controle the acid flow up into the osophogus.I,ve had my HH for over three years now and it,s not improving one bit.Just had my third endoscopy and waiting to see specialist to see what next.My main worry is cancer of the osophogus.The PPis didn.t work for me so I,m now on Ranitidine,not much better.hope all goes well for you keep in touch.Argzxoni.
    • Barretts
      Barretts argzxoni

      Posted

      Problem is, acid suppressant medication (PPIs & H2RAs etc) my be very a=effective at reducing acid but they don't prevent reflux which, even it's non-acidic, can still cause other problems.

      Acid refluxing can cause Barrett's Oesophagus which can progress to cancer. Reducing acid or reflux can reduce that risk but to reduce symptoms, you really need to reduce both.

    • KazzyP
      KazzyP argzxoni

      Posted

      Hi argzxoni.  The PPi's stopped working for me too.  In the end the bouts of pain sometimes lasted for over 15 hours.  It had started to effect my work and I had started to dread eating. I had been suffering for years before they even did an x-Ray. But when they found out the position of my stomach they had no option but to operate, I was at risk of a strangulated hernia. I hated not knowing. I knew something was really wrong. I'm so glad I kept pushing for answers. 
  • Lee1968
    Lee1968 KazzyP

    Posted

    I'm glad your operation and recovery went well . I maybe in a similar situation to yourself . Back in May this year I had an endoscopy after about a year of relatively mild but frequent indigestion symptoms . The diagnosis was a 6cm sliding hiatus hernia and twisted stomach (volvulus) - which is indicative of a mixed type III para-oesophageal or rolling hernia . This was caused by years of heavy lifting in my job . After a recent consultation with the surgeon I'm waiting for a barium series of x-rays to find out the full extent of the hernia .

    Most of the information on para-oesophageal hernias  states that elective surgery in most cases is the only option . It's positive to hear from somebody who has successfully had this complex surgery .

     

    • KazzyP
      KazzyP Lee1968

      Posted

      My problem was that my diaphragm was damaged.  My stomach was also twisted.  It's really scary because there is no advice out there for people with a giant hiatus hernia.  Once I had my barium meal it all started to become clear.  When I saw the x-Ray, instead of seeing the shape of a stomach- it looked like two balls lying side by side.  The pain I thought was heart related turned out to be hunger pains.  I thought I had asthma but it was just because my lungs couldn't inflate properly. The trouble is that a giant hernia, or a complete intrathorasic stomach, which I had, is relatively rare and you just can't find anything out about it.  I do hope your x-Ray helps to clear things up.
    • Lee1968
      Lee1968 KazzyP

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply . Sorry about my belated response . As I wrote previously I was diagnosed in May , via an endoscopy , with a sliding hiatus hernia (6cm) , including probable para-oesophageal component and extreme gastric volvulus (twisted stomach) .

      Fast forward to this week and I finally had my barium swallow and meal x-rays and it showed something extraordinary . I have no volvulus or rolling hiatus hernia , and according to the x-rays no sliding hernia either - although barium x-rays don't always detect sliding hiatus hernia . Apparently, I have the very rare congenital anatomical anomaly Situs Inversus . All the positions of my organs are reversed in comparison to the usual anatomy , like an exact mirror image . All correctly positioned relative to each other . Therefore my stomach is located in the right side of my abdomen rather than the left , which utterly confused the endoscopist and led to an incorrect diagnosis . Good news but I'm back to square one really . Hope your recovery is still going well .

  • marta50120
    marta50120 KazzyP

    Posted

    Wow i had severe internal bleeding for 2 yrs needing several bld transfusions. No one cud figure it out so I'd get so sick, i went to different hospital and immediately they found source but had to return to original hosp. for test. They had to break a rib and the scar is huge. Since quacks ignored my hernia that each and every time i was hospitalized, ( and it was several times), my fiance wud tell drs to check my hernia. Response was always, "its not her hernia" well it got so big it pushed everything out of place, even my heart. Dr told my family i wudnt have lasted another 2 months and was surprised i was still alive. Its been 2yrs to the day give or take couple days. My outcome wasnt so positive. Much never damage leaving me chronic pain and now I'm bleeding again. Slow bleed but its concerning. So I'm seeing a new dr this next week. Hopefully its something minor. I'm so glad to hear that urs was a success.
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