Hiatus Hernia: Worse After Eating....?

I have a hiatus hernia and Barrett's + had gallbladder removed. I thought after the gallbladder went all would be well but not so. I rarely get acid reflux although I know the results show that I do have it but do get all the symptons you mention. The surgeon who took out the GB performed another gastroscopy and arranged for a barium swallow. The tests revealed that my stomach is coming up through the large sliding hiatus hernia which means that meals sometimes get stuck in the chest. Hence a feeling of extreme fullness even after eating only a small meal. This condition also causes severe burping at times. I am being put forward for a hiatus hernia repair and a stomach wrap repair as this condition will not improve. I can be ok some of the time and then others I have severe nausea and food reflux. It is worth pesevering and telling people you are not well. So many people are suffering. Good luck in getting an answer and treatment. I do take a food enzyme before my main meal and that seems to have stopped me vomitting.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm dreading the endoscopy.

I'd not heard of Barretts or related GB problems. I'll have a look on the net now.

I have had two gastroscopies. Ask for sedation. 3mg if possible. Think nice thoughts. It's over quickly. I have to go for an acid test next. Tube up the nose, down the throat into the stomach and worn for 24 hours. I am more worried about that than the op.

Hope you get on ok.

Just had my mabnometry test and 24 hour oesophgeal monitoring test. I was very anxious but it was not too bad. Funny sensation when the tubes go in etc. Go back tomorrow to have catheter out of throart/nose and monitor given back. Next step should be op.

How did it go, Gemini?

Fine. Funnily enough I didn't have any major symptoms yesterday so didn't have to press the button (heartburn etc). This morning a nurse took out the tube, slurp, and typically I have started getting some symptons. At least it is all over now but it wasn't anywhere near as awful as I had presumed. Next thing should be an appointment to see the Consultant to discuss the op.

Thanks for asking.

Hope you are not suffering too much. Eat little and often and low fat if possible. Red meats will take much longer to digest and may give you problems. Keep main meals moist. Avoid too much fruit. Avoid, if possible, cirtrus fruits and juices, coffee, alcohol, chocolate (I couldn't give up the chocolate or tea). Eat a least 3 hours before bed. I have my main meal early whenever I can then a cup of tea and low fat digestive at about 8 pm. I also use Lactofree milk which seems easier to digest

I'm glad it went well, Gemini.

I'm at an earlier stage than you- I'm on the camera stage. All these tests are awful to anticipate, but then so is living like this. I'd rather have a tough few months of tests than a lifetime of suffering with choking and bloating.

Keep in touch- it'd be good to have a fellow sufferer to talk to.

Will do. Feel a slight tenderness in throat and chest but not at all bad. Feel tired though. Must have been build up to going for test.

Hope all goes well with your test. Please ask for sedation into the arm or back of hand not just the spray. You will be aware of what they are doing but shouldn't get distressed. It is over quickly and then you get a cup of tea and biscuits. It's the only way to find out what's wrong.

I had surgery for hiatus hernia 1 year ago! I still cannot eat properly! Can only manage soft food comfortably, meat is impossible! And on xmas day I ended up in A&E as meat got stuck in entrance to stomach and oesophageal and throat went into spasm! This has happened twice! I was told I would be able to eat normally by now! But now realise that I never will. Soft diet is all I can manage comfortably. I have pain and feel sore most days. I think I need to go back to my surgeon but the thought of this terrifies me. The only positive is that I do not get heartburn or reflux. 

Hi this sounds exactly like what I have been suffering. I thought I had angina or something but as I noted when the symptoms started it was always after food or drink - it gets so bad I also cannot walk and wheeze like and old man out of breath (I am only 54 and considered myself reasonably fit) my GP hasn't even mentioned this and is sending me for an ECG whilst on a treadmill. While I am there I will ensure I get a chest X-ray now to also rule this out. I do not believe it is heart related as no pain at all in left arm but this sounds spot on. I have found Chinese food to be the worst - feels like a heart attack while eating it -  so have stopped all of that. Any more info appreciated. Cheers