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Hiatus Hernia Repair - Yay or Nay?

Posted , 27 users are following.

robynjade
robynjade

Hi guys! Just looking a little advice regarding Hiatus Hernias, a weak sphincter valve and fundoplication surgery versus other methods of treatment. 

First a little about myself. I am 22 years old, living in UK (Northern Ireland) and have just been diagnosed with a small hiatus hernia and an un-functioning sphincter valve. 

I have been suffering with pains for almost 4 years now, since age 18. GERD.. Reflux, stomach pains, chest pains, sore throat, coughing, the weirdest belching sound which is almost constant and sounds like a dragon around my breast bone (I physically can not burp) vomiting, periods of constipation/diarrhea, back pain.. The list really is endless, and these symptoms are mostly intermittent but sometimes very severe and debilitating. 

It massively affected my life, especially throughout university and I don't know how much more I can take. I have had to pass up on massive career opportunities and miss a lot of work because of my health. I was hoping to travel to Australia in the early half of 2015 but I don't think it is realistic with my current health problems.

In the last 4 years the NHS have literally part diagnosed/suggested I have all number of diseases, or sometimes told me there is nothing wrong at all.. I have been treated/diagnosed/referred for bronchitis, Celiac disease, MA, arthritis, and a whole host of other random things.. But have never heard the word hernia mentioned.. To be honest up until a month ago I though a hernia was something boys got on their bits!

I have tried every type of antacid available. Tablet form, steroids, some rotten pink liquid, gluten/lactose free diet, laxatives, pain relief.. To be honest nothing has ever really worked notably and as I am quite bad at taking tablets I would occasionally forget to take them and not feel any better/worse off for it.

I have been to see endless GPs, had a 6 night stay in hospital, been to out of hours, A+E and never really got any answers apart from a prescription for yet more drugs and on the odd occasion a referral.

Finally made the decision to go private about a month ago after an NHS gastro doc suggested an Endoscopy. I couldn't wait months for answers so after finding out my Dad's company have private health insurance with H3 for our whole family I booked into Kingsbridge private hospital in Belfast. In the last month I have had my private consultation, a barium meal which revealed a small hiatus hernia and a weakening in the stomach valve (apparently mine does not close at all!) this was re-confirmed with an endescopy and I had a colonoscopy to confirm there was no bowel problems. 

I had my evaluation appointment today with the private consultant who has recommended a dietician, some form of antacid, a laxative to relieve pressure around my bowels to hopefully relieve some abdominal pain and a review appointment in 3 months.. I broke into tears when he said this.. Although I have had a definite diagnosis which I am massively relieved about, it is exactly the same thing I have had tons of NHS docs tell me.. Meds meds and more meds! He polished it up with a dietician and said the only other option is surgery but he wouldn't advice because I am too young and there are a lot of complications. 

I came on tonight to research the surgery and although the side effects some of you guys are facing seem awful I doubt it is worse than how I feel now. Honestly I feel like I have nothing to loose! 

I have booked a review appointment for 3 months with the same consultant but now I am seriously considering ringing tomorrow to book another appointment and beg for this surgery.. I feel like I am 22 and my young adult life hasn't even started yet.

In an ideal world I would get the surgery in around January, have a few months recovery and be on a plane to Australia sipping strawberry daiquiris by April. I understand recovery can take much longer than this but I am at a wits end.

I just wanted to appeal to any one else in a similar situation to see their thoughts.. Do you recommend surgery, have you had it done, How did the procedure/recovery go? Or can you recommend any other forms of treatment? 

I am particularly interested in finding someone who has the complication with the valve also as I have only been able to find one comment relating which said it involves another part to the procedure to replace/repair the valve while they are fixing the hernia? 

Thanks

Robyn 

3 likes, 66 replies

66 Replies

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  • chrissy51966
    chrissy51966 robynjade

    Posted

    Hi everyone... just when I thought I had this gerd and HH under control,I get the chest pain back today. Not terrible but constant dull pain. I m very gassy too. Is this something that will go on forever or is it supposed to be managed with ppi and antacid which I m already taking.

    This whole thing is stressing me out and making me so scared of the future.

    I had a rather big meal today.could that be the cause of the pain?

    • chrissy51966
      chrissy51966

      Posted

      One more thing. I feel like I constantly have to clear my throat. I can't laugh hard or scream. It hurts😢

    • gwen45436
      gwen45436 chrissy51966

      Posted

      Hi again.  This is how it is but some days are really good, others not so good.  People tend to find PPIs don't help and in some cases can worsen it.  I refused then and take Ranitidine morning and night.  Mastic Gum at night heals the tum whilst sleeping which I take.  The throat hurting is acid coming up and needs neutralising.  There are lots of things that can help.  Have you tried chewing gum?  It neutralises your saliver and can really calm our stomach.  Also extra virgin olive oil taken the spoonful can soothe the throat and chest.  There are lots of things you can  try and I am sure loads more tricks will come via your post.  Don't despair, people get huge relief from certain things, it is just finding which suits your body. 

      Gwen

    • chrissy51966
      chrissy51966 gwen45436

      Posted

      Thanks Gwen! I will give everything you suggested. I live in Africa and I really pray I find mastic gum.

      I take omeprazole but it doesn't seem to work at all!!! And yes I had a few goods days last week but here I am again. Chest pains n tight throat...

      I will keep on looking fofor various things to help me cope.

      Thanks again Gwen.

      It's such a good feeling to find people who understand my situation.

    • gwen45436
      gwen45436 chrissy51966

      Posted

      Yes, I know what you mean about not being alone.  One point  on the chewing gum - use sugarless and don't chew it for hours.  30 mins is enough or it can make acid come back up.  But you can do it a few times a day.  I had a bad night myself last night, don't know why.  Woke up with ringing in my ear and a tight chest and throat, then today salmon hurt me coz I was inflamed, it usually does not.  You will get to know what will help you.  Loads of things out there.  PPI, I think is not the answer.  Do you take probiotics - either in the form of Kefir Yoghurt drink or plain probiotic organic yoghurt.  GERD and HH can be caused by too much bacteria in your tum and these will kill them.  Docs (well here in UK just don't know it).  They just go with PPI which is nonsense.  I think they should only be used when it is a must, but not at your age and so soon into this GERD/HH lark.  Loads you can do to treat yourself.

      BTW you can get Mastic Gum on Amazon easily. 

      You will get there and get used to how to handle it.

      G.

    • chrissy51966
      chrissy51966 gwen45436

      Posted

      Thanks Gwen!! You definitely are my personal advisor😄...i would have lost my mind if I did not people like you. Who would think a forum on the Web could give you so much comfort and reassurance?

      Bless you...

      I am heading to the pharmacy to see what I can get.

      Will keep you posted.

      And I m so sorry to hear you didn't have a good night. I hope you feel better today.

    • philippe73664
      philippe73664 chrissy51966

      Posted

      Hi Christelle, your chest pain can be caused by the movement you make during the day, just be careful when you are lifting or pushing something, light weight all the time, dont lift anything heavy. It will put pressure on the Hernia. Now I'm trying slowly to cut off my PPI, not easy but I will give a try. Take care.

    • chrissy51966
      chrissy51966 philippe73664

      Posted

      Thanks philippe...I was had a good couple of weeks until yesterday😢...back pain and diarrhea and now I have nausea...I cut off my PPIS for a bit and now I feel like I m back to square 1. I feel awful! Do you have stomach issues and nausea as well?

    • philippe73664
      philippe73664 chrissy51966

      Posted

      Back pain can be cause of the reflux, the esophague is very close to the spine and you feel it there when it's on fire. Dont cut off your PPI cold turkey. Can you cut your pills in two slice like me ? No diarrhea but constipation yes, back pain yes if I burn too much, no nosea. Good luck it's not easy ... Are you looking for surgery ?

    • chrissy51966
      chrissy51966 philippe73664

      Posted

      Thanks Philippe... This is a never ending isissue huh? No I am not looking into having surgery. My doctor told me it's a small hernia and can be controlled with PPIs and good diet. But I have failed to to rally adjust my diet and I feel so bad for having enough strength to overcome my cravings. Are you considering surgery yourself?

    • chrissy51966
      chrissy51966 philippe73664

      Posted

      Hi philippe! How are you keeping. I m still suffering with back pains. Do you think I should see a GP? I keep thinking they must have missed something. The pain is constant. Not unbearable but present.
    • philippe73664
      philippe73664 chrissy51966

      Posted

      I'm thinking about surgery yes or I dont know, it's in my mind, not a big fan of PPI, I try to take the minimum (20mg) per day but sometime 40mg. Do you have back pain like in the middle of the back between Shoulder Blade ? If yes it's the Hernie, probably the reflux inside down the esophagus.

      My Hernia make me burping all day, it's driving me crasy ..

    • chrissy51966
      chrissy51966 philippe73664

      Posted

      Yes my pain is right in the center of my back but sometimes more to the left side. I still taking my PPIs but only 20mg a day. Some days I really feel like I m on the road to recovery than from nowhere the pain reappears.such a vicious circle. It's exhausting. Thanks for your reply philippe

  • rhonda08053
    rhonda08053 robynjade

    Posted

    Hi. My Boyfriend and I have been getting wet up for Him to have Hernia Repair Surgery.

    He/We are very scared, but hoping His quality of Life will be better for it. In Florida,USA.

    They are doing Robotic Laparoscopic Gastrophageal Valvuloplasty suppose to be less invasive. Maybe you can check into it for Yourself. He is going in 3-4 weeks from now, I will try to get back and let you know how it goes. Multiple smaller inscison. rather than such a large one. I hope You feel Better soon.

    • chrissy51966
      chrissy51966 rhonda08053

      Posted

      Hi Rhonda!Please let us know how it goes so we take it into consideration as well.

      Good luck with the op.

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