Stents and Hiatus Hernia.

[rakeman]

I am coming up to the one year point of having my stent fitted, overall I am feeling good about my heart, I am still taking Amlodipine, Clopidogrel, Aspirin, Atorvastatin and lansoprazole. This reduces at the end of this month when I stop the Clopidogrel and Lansoprazole . I have a small Hiatus Hernia, and on occasions suffer from constipation, for which I take Laxido, The question I have is does anyone else with similar symptoms suffer with burping and pain to the upper left hand side of the chest? I don't want to bother my GP as I feel it is not my heart,

[dunestar]

I too have a small hiatus hernia. I suffered quite a bit for a long time with heartburn which I felt in the chest and back/shoulders. This was a long time prior to developing cardiac issues. Then I discovered a book called "The Acid Watcher Diet. A 28 day Reflux Prevention and Healing Programme by Dr Jonathan Aviv. It has helped me to change my diet to avoid the foods/drinks which cause the heartburn. As I understand it, a hiatus hernia means the junction between the oesophagus and the stomach doesn't work well and stomach acid can reflux upwards.

Lansoprazole acts to reduce stomach acid and is a treatment in itself for reflux. I think it's given to cardiac patients because of the effect which the heart medications can have on the stomach. You may find a change if you are stopping taking the medication. Does your GP know you have the hiatus hernia? If not I would definitely let them know or remind them. My experience is that they don't necessarily pick up on existing conditions which may be buried in your records.

My experience is that you can go a long way to help yourself with the effects of a hiatus hernia if you modify your diet.

[rakeman in reply to dunestar]

Thanks for your reply, I have an appointment to see my GP in three weeks as it is the annual review of medication after heart problems.

[Bethbehappy]

Oh my you have a lot to deal with. I have given up trying to second guess my body. It's all too important and so are you. Go pester your doctor and at least you know it's nothing yuk. I am on the statins and have no problems with that. Diet seems to be the best cause. I have been no use but send caring thoughts. Best wishes Beth

[rakeman in reply to Bethbehappy]

Thanks for your reply, I must admit my diet is a bit dubious as I like all the wrong things.

[Bethbehappy in reply to rakeman]

I seem to spend all my time adjusting my diet. I have weight to lose so I can have a 2 pronged pacemaker thingy and although my diet is really good i can't lose weight. Cut down the carbs and I get ibs cut the fat to nothing constipation. Its down to meds im sure. Right. I'm going to pull up a weed and stamp on it. Have good day.beth

[rakeman in reply to Bethbehappy]

My weight is no problem< I am 6ft 2inches and weigh 12 stone, but I love spicy foods and chocolate, I gave up smoking 3 years ago and food is my comfort from it.

[Maisie2014]

Hi Rakeman. My GP told me to put a brick under each leg at the top of the bed so I wouldn’t be able to sleep flat. It’s recommended for hiatus hernia sufferers. It doesn’t work for my bed but I got the idea. I now prop myself up and take gaviscon if the reflux is bad. I was prescribed with Nexium for this but only took it when I needed it. I’m now told to take it daily because of the heart meds. I have allergies so I watch what I eat and old age now prevents me from eating garlic and pastries. The garlic especially upsets my tummy so I avoid it. If I decide to go for a curry I take the Nexium beforehand 😂. These things work at different times. You just have to work out which and when.

[rakeman in reply to Maisie2014]

Thanks for your reply, With age I suppose I should expect to get aches and pains but it does wear me down at times, and it can get a little embarrassing when I start to burp, I try to hold it in when I am out but it is so uncomfortable, the Doctor put my burping down to my heart meds so hopefully at the end of the month when they are reduced It will get better.