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Hiatus hernia - has anyone had one or surgery to correct one!

9 replies

StrongArm · 18/10/2021 10:03

When dd was about 4/5 yrs old, she had surgery on an epigastric hernia. She has always had terrible tummy issues. Had an allergy to milk/egg/soya (all subsequently outgrown), severe reflux etc.

As an adult now, she has a v sensitive stomach. She vomits fairly frequently. She had a referral and the gastro did an endoscopy and found a small hiatus hernia which is essentially keeping the opening to her oesophagus open rather than shutting. He said this will be contributing to her frequent vomiting.

She has a follow up appointment this week where they are going to discuss whether to do an operation or keep her on medication. It is not of the size where they would normally operate but he is considering it given her symptoms. She will discuss with him this week whether to go ahead with it or not. She is of that age where she really just wants it fixed but i'm not sure if the hernia is the only reason for her vomiting.

I took her in when she had the endoscopy and he did say that the long term outcomes are much the same whether you have the surgery or go on the medication - the problem is, even with the medication, she is still vomiting every week (which ruins her weeks as it takes days to recover).

Just wondering if anyone else had any experience with this!

OP posts:
StrongArm · 19/10/2021 20:15

bump for hiatus hernia sufferers!

OP posts:
HopeClearwater · 19/10/2021 21:17

Yes, I did, a long time ago, but the operation is rarely done these days. Gastroenterologists tend to just chuck medication at you. There are however risks in being on the medication long term. You can look these up. As your DD is so young, maybe an operation would be considered?

StrongArm · 19/10/2021 21:57

thanks @HopeClearwater

I am also concerned as to why she is getting them - she's slim, eats well, doesn't smoke, barely drinks yet has already had 2 hernias by the time she's 21. Maybe it's bad luck but who knows! She has already been on PPIs longer than most people should as she had reflux as a baby too.

I think she is going to push for the op when she sees him this week - he was wavering as to what was the best solution for her so will be interesting to see how they conclude together!

Did you ever get another one or the signs of another one coming and did it just go away in the end?

OP posts:
StrongArm · 19/10/2021 21:57

*waivering

OP posts:
BeaLola · 19/10/2021 23:07

I have a hiatus hernia - I didn't have any symptoms at all , which I understand is quite common, however over last 18 months I have been more poorly which has been attributed to the hernia- it has got very large and the person who did my endoscopy etc seemed certain I would need surgery ..... however I am still waiting to see a consultant (Appt keeps getting cxd by hospital) but during a phone consult after initial endoscopy consultant was of the opinion that I just need to changed how I eat eg very small amounts spread over the day in 6-8 sittings .......

I feel for your daughter - I appreciate it's different but I have never vomited so much as I have over the last year

StrongArm · 20/10/2021 11:14

thanks @BeaLola and I'm so sorry to hear your appointment keeps getting cancelled and that your hernia is getting larger. This is exactly my concern!

yes poor dd, she's about to start a new job as a teacher and she's really worried that she's going to be vomiting in front of all the children etc. and of course it makes her feel really shit. She has also been told to eat small meals and often so she's trying that. Her appointment is this Thursday so I hope they decide on a course of action.

OP posts:
BeaLola · 20/10/2021 19:07

I hope she gets better news this week. Yes being sick after eating such little food is not good, Has she had many other side effects ? I get pains in chest/arm and am also very tired and breathless - wears you down - I am just hoping my next Appt goes ahead

Fingers crossed for yr daughter

StrongArm · 20/10/2021 21:15

She has really ridiculous hiccups - they almost sound exaggerated where she almost whoops it's so loud. She also gets a lot of sick in her mouth and burning pain. I think she's just tired of being sick and she's thin as it is. When she is sick, she doesn't eat properly for a day or so and she's being sick every week so it is impacting her health.

I imagine it's the same for you, you poor thing. Constant sickness and nausea is v tiring. I've bought her some spray vitamins that go under your tongue (vitB12 and vitD). Maybe that's something worth trying if you're also feeling v run down? She also gets horrible periods so is always anaemic on top of all of this.

It really does sound like you need that operation :(

OP posts:
hazelgrey · 21/10/2021 07:13

I had this operation about 3 years ago
I was symptom free most of the time but on occasions my voice would change , I had horrific central pain ( was never sure if it was back or stomach) which would last around 2-3 weeks then just disappear

No reflux

Best thing I had done
Laparoscopically done in one day , 5 small scars on stomach
Not one episode of pain since

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