Posted , 5 users are following.
I was diagnosed with a 2cm hiatal hernia 4 years ago. Every year it flares up and i get a very tender spot just under my sternum and to the left that hurts when touched. Been to GP and changed from omeprazole to esomeprazole to ranitidine, Stomach hurts when bending over. Does anyone else have these symptoms? All GP seems to do is prescribe more tablets.
0 likes, 6 replies
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NC10 alan26008
Posted
1000% YES. I have this exact pain. Afew months ago i was also diagnosed with a 2cm HH and i also will have flare-ups where that spot below and tot the left of the sternum becomes extremely sensitive and painful. It is almost as if my lower ribs become painful to press or touch. I also will have a dull aching pain at the base of the sternum. The pain can even radiate to my back also.
My flare-ups tend to last a week+ but then subside. My GI doctor advised me to avoid weightlifting exercises that could irritate the hernia, such as sit-ups, crunches, heavy squats, or flat bench press. I am also on 40mg Omeprazole twice a day for the next few months.
I hear you man. It is no fun!
chrissy51966 NC10
Posted
Same here. We have had the same symptoms NC10. I tried running yesterday and did a few squats and a few minutes later I couldn't stop burping and I had stomach discomfort. Does it mean I will never exercise again?
NC10 chrissy51966
Posted
Certainly notttt 😃
So, I have read the accounts of individuals who reported that running and sprinting caused pain, yes. I can even attest to this myself when, on occasion, I have experienced pain while playing basketball or football. I have read that exercising on an empty stomach is ideal for our cases. Indeed, I do not lift weights or play sports immediately after eating and I also avoid drinking too much water during these activities. The best strategy is to be well hydrated prior to such activities.
With regards to exercise activities, it is indeed possible that your hernia is such that running does cause you undue pain. If this is true, there are other possibilities such as riding a stationary bike. This will allow you to get your heart-rate up without the pounding running puts on your joints and your hernia.
You also mentioned you had pain when performing leg squats. Now the reason squats can be dangerous is because if you put a lot of heavy weight on your shoulders, it will compress your chest and lower abdomen as you perform the motion. During my worst flareups, ANY amount of compression was painful. So there are several adjustments you can make to work on your legs without compressing your abdomen.
1.) Squat with light weight dumbbells in each hand while focusing on keeping your back strait to avoid any abdominal compression. Puff out your upper chest during the motion to stabilize your back. (I do this especially on leg day)
2.) If you have access to a gym, use a leg press machine. This will allow you to lay back at an angle and press your legs forward without compressing your abdomen. Again, use light/moderate weight and high reps for this. Using heavy weight will cause your core to tense and compress.
3.) Use a stepping crate (or even stairs). Hold light/moderate weight dumbbells in each hand and step up onto the crate with the same leg several times then switch to the other leg. Again, your back and abdomen will be strait rather than compressed.
These are just a few possibilities for recreating the typical "squat" motion without compressing your hernia. Hope this helps! Don't get discouraged!
chrissy51966 NC10
Posted
Thanks NC10. How I wish I could work out with people that have the same condition. This will def help me in my workouts starting tomorrow. I gave up and did nothing today.
And exercising on an empty stomach makes sense.thank you so much NC10.
NC10 chrissy51966
Posted
You are most welcome 😃
maggie25776 alan26008
Posted
I have a 4cm HH and currently have a flare up, just like you pain at bottom of sternum, tender to touch and rib pain.
Nothing seems to help, have to wait until it calms down.
Would love to know what people do when they get a flare up