Hiatal hernia and bile reflux – experiences please?

Bile reflux is horrible, it tastes vile (far more horrible than Acid) and chokes you when you breath it in (so does Acid mind) making you cough for days afterwards. A very low fat diet definitely helps. A Nissen Fundoplication (hernia repair op) helps both Acid and Bile reflux by tightening up the LOS (Lower Oesophageal Sphincter). My personal experience is that if Bile (and far less so Acid) just touches this sphincter it spontaneously opens - letting the reflux out - maybe this spontaneous opening is a (just my) functional disorder, dunno. Anyway (although I haven't had the op myself) I'd say the op would be well worthwhile to help stop the thing opening willy nilly and letting the vileness out...

Bile in the Stomach shouldn't cause problems, the thing is virtually indestructible by Acid / Bile (unless one is sick with that kind of thing of course, like with a H. pylori infection breaking down the protective barrier and things like)...

As for the medicines you mention. Baclofen reduces spasticity (tightness) but this spasticity is probably a good thing with regards to the LOS. Ursodeoxycholic Acid. I'm not sure, maybe it'd help, dunno. Maybe an Abdominal Ultrasound would be diagnostic,, if your Gallbladder is packed then this can cause problems? As I say a low fat diet definitely helps with Bile reflux...

Just my humble opinion. Look afters

Thanks Benny.

Based on what I've researched so far, I'm pretty sure that bile in the stomach is not a good thing and can cause gastritis and other more serious complications. This is my dilemma - I want to be free of the LPR and make sure my oesophegus stays undamaged, as it appears to be at the moment, hence I am seriously considering the hernia repair. But the bile will still be there. That's why I'd really like to hear from anyone who's experienced both and could tell me what they did, how it worked out etc.

There are many many mentions of Nissen Fundoplication in Patient UK, have a squizz at what they say Just in case you haven't already

https://patient.info/search.asp?searchterm=Nissen+Fundoplication&searchcoll=Discuss_Forums

Hi Alex,

I just came across your post while looking for similar information. Like you, I've been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and bile reflux, also bile gastritis. I've only had symptoms for the last 3 months (I've never suffered with acid indigestion before) and it all started a couple of weeks after my daughter was born. Like you, there was no mention of an ulcer in my endoscopy report and I haven't had stomach or gallbladder surgery.

I came across some information about a new procedure called Linx - it's a lot less invasive than nissen fundiplication and it's reversible, but it's only just been approved by the NHS and the long term efficacy of it is unknown (because it's so new). It does sound promising though -

I've heard that Baclofen or Ursodeoxycholic Acid work well for some people. There are also natural products that seem to work for some people - licorice, slippery elm and marshmallow (but check with your GP before taking them as they can reduce the effectiveness of some prescription medications). It's probably a matter of trial and error but there are lots of things to try.

I do hope you get some relief and feel less anxious soon.

Hi,

I removed the link in above post as it is to a commercial site. If users want the link please use the Message facility or Google Linx Surgery.

I don't know if this would be useful http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13604/60904/60904.pdf

Regards,

Alan

Emis Moderator

Hello Clare.

Yes, I'm familiar with LINX, I'd read up on it. Unfortunately, it's not a surgical option for people with HH, certainly not HH over 3cm. It does seem to be worth considering for those with reflux but not HH.

Until I see my doctor again I'm not sure how significant the bile reflux is and it may be that I take the drug route you mentioned or, if the bile isn't a big factor, that I opt for fundoplication. It's sounds awful and not to be considered lightly but, after this much suffering, trying everything to no avail and feeling so physically and mentally wrecked, it may be what I have to do. I'm trying to think positively about it as an option. There's not much positive feedback about it on the internet but I wonder if that's because people tend to be less inclined to write about good outcomes and health forums tend to be full of people who are suffering and, therefore, sharing negative experiences because they want help/advice.

Alex

Hi Alex,

Like Clare I also came across your post while searching for people with similar symptoms. Unfortunately I am unable to give you any advice as I am at the exact same point as you are!

I have a sensation of tightness/lump/something stuck in my throat, confirmed to be irritation of the larynx with a nasolaryngoscopy. I certainly understand where you are coming from when you say you are miserable. This was followed up later with an endoscopy that found a hitus hernia (2cm) and marked bile reflux. Despite the bile in my stomach, I have never developed any abdominal pain. I am at a loss as to the cause of this bile reflux, as I have never had any surgery and there was no mention of a peptic ulcer from the endoscopy.

I was prescribed domperidone which is a prokinetic that speeds up emptying of the stomach. Unfortunately I am still suffering from symptoms of LPR. The 'lump in throat' sensation is not as severe as it was initially, but my throat occasionally closes up if I inhale with exertion, such as after a laugh (swelling?).

One interesting thing I have seen is an article by Dr Stuart Shipko that relates chronic anxiety to bile reflux, but I can't vouch for anything as I have no personal experience with any of this.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Shipko1.html

http://www.stuartshipko.com/research.html

Regards,

Tom

hey, i am a 17 year old and i have been diagnosed with bile reflux about a year ago. i had an endoscopy and i read the results form and it said "significant bile reflux" which kind of freaked me out.

but i had to coop with the change so i had to change my lifestyle and diet and relied on medication.. all was good until a few weeks ago, my medication started to be less effective and now it has no effect at all, i started to feel a burn in my chest which lasts for about 15-30 mins now, and i have what seems like a pain in my heart. did anyone experience these symptoms i need some advice plzz.. thank u

I have finally found some relief from constant nausea caused by bile gastritis. I drink carrot juice on an empty stomach in the morning. I have found the drug Ursodeoxycholic Acid (Actifal) and Great Plains Betonite Clay. I also maintain an almost liquid diet, drink licorice or camomille tea, and sleep sitting up. I hope you find relief.

Hi Alex, I have same problems as you. I also get horrendous gas ( belching that can last for hours.) ant-acids made things worse. After a lot of research I found that digestive enzymes with betaine hcl stopped the gas. They worked with the very first meal. I believe and I have seen it with my own eyes that bile reflux is caused by pressure in the bowel due to undigested food. Due to this pressure bile is forced back into the stomach where it reacts with the stomach juices. The enzymes work great but on the odd occasion that I feel the pressure, pain and gas starting to build up I take one Zantac and it stops the reaction in my stomach. When it's settled I have an enzyme with food and I'm ok again. To stop the lpr at night I have baught a bivvy bed that night anglers use. It has adjustable legs that can be set so you sleep on a slope head higher than feet. I use a 1 inch thick mattress topper and it's the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. I also believe that constipation can cause the bowel to back up and add to the problem. Hope you find this helpful.

Hi Alex,

I have exactly the same problem a 3cm Hiatus Hernia + bile reflux wich was diagnosed after a 24hr Ph-metry. I have seen a consultant last week who gave me the diagnosis for bile reflux and told me that there is nothing to do - no surgery - no medication. He just told me to drink Yakult and eat small meals more frequently (which i have been doing for months already!). I am quite depressed about the outcome, I have no idea of the potential complications and monitoring as he did not tell me and did not arrange any follow-up appointment.

I am in pain every single day with stomach cramps, chest pains and heartburns and also embarassing belching after eating which can last for hours.

I hope you will find some relief...!