Hiatal hernia & esophageal spasm

Yes, this is exactly how I've feeling. I was diagnosed 12/31/14. I've had all of those tests. I also have the spasms which he gave me Librax and it helps some but it doesn't get rid of them. I do know stress is very bad for this condition so try to relax as much as you can. I also have reflux but I had surgery for that in 1992 but it still gives me problems. There are some things you can do at home to relieve some but mainly get lots of rest, watch what you eat and try to be stress free. This may sound crazy but it helps me to sing or take a deep breath and when you exhale tighten your stomach muscles..this strengthens your muscle. I pray and hope you find comfort because they will not do surgery unless it's necessary because HH is a bulge and if they start cutting on you it may make it worse which makes sense. Hope this helps you some.

Hi, I have the spasms and have HH and gallstones diagnosed. Certain foods will stick in the gullet and also remain over long undigested in the stomach. I got to the stage of only being able to eat liquidised and a very bland limited menu. I'm in the UK and things move slowly with the health system at least in my area. After many months and tests etc, the docs could only suggest gallbladder removal for the constant pain and nausea etc and then would look at other symptoms remaining after that. Unfortunately the surgery has been postponed by the hospital several times, so we don't yet know if this will make any difference or not.

I do believe the HH has been part of the problem but it all flared up at a similar time and my digestion went into crisis. I also am convinced that a series of things triggered off these events, H Pylori treatment, a bad fall and injury, being made redundant from work, family troubles etc. I also think I had a bad bacterial overgrowth, like SIBO, causing severe bloating and belching, but also I think the gas caused a back pressure on the valves and irritated the stomach and HH (although a scope looked normal).

I have found some improvement by taking peppermint oil caps, charcoal caps, probiotics, oregano oil and olive leaf caps, tumeric, vitamins and minerals, Co Q10, gaviscon (occasionally if acid reflux is occurring but that is more rare), buscopan again occasionally for cramps, magnesium for spasms, massage of abdomen with essential oils, avoiding trigger foods and bad fats (due to gallstones in my case). A wedge pillow at night helps a little too. I'm not 100% by any means but have gone from liquids to be able to eat more foods - not dry or bulky though. Little and often for meals. I had zero appetite and all food hurt before, now I am hungry again but wary as the pain of food sticking or not digesting is horrid. But I feel better for including more foods.

 I also get dizzy and light headed or very hot and shaky if I eat too much at once. I have come off PPI meds as they do not suit me and actually am better without them. I did think I had gastroparesis at times. Certainly slow motility has been associated with gallstones.

The Dr does not really suggest anything but PPIs and the surgery. They do not seem to think HH is anything to bother about!

I hope you can find something to suit you - I did also go to a chiropractor who helped somewhat, but then I had a bad relapse of symptoms, so stopped going - some people have found they can help with HH though, by posture and adjustment. Good luck!

In my opinion i would go for a second opinion, due to the fact he does not suggest a motility study.   Which is the sure way of knowing what is the problem, get to the root of it.  I had your similar sypmtons and its debilitating for years.  You are young and get to the the root of it soon.  The gagging, throwing  up, and chest pain was the worst for me.  Peppermint was the worst if u read to take for this problem....so i dont know why he would recommend it.   In fact when u have the surgery as well if u do u have to stay away from peppermint.  That does not relax the spasm......no need to suffer like this get the ph probe done and the motility study and go from there,  no more guessing is my opinion....good luck liz