Gastro issues

[Anyac81]

Hi I just came come from having a barium swallow, I have a hernia not sure what type yet as they want to take a closer look then write to my Gp with treatment plan etc

I've typically googled lol so many different options come up so I was wondering if any members have had experience with this sort of thing? I know our bodies are different, but what treatment worked? They mentioned surgery, I'd like to avoid that if at all possible!

Thank you in advance x

[grannyjogger]

I have a hiatus hernia which was diagnosed in 1993. I had a gastroscopy three months ago which showed grade C oesophagitis and a 6cm sliding hiatus hernia (apparently this is the most common type). I have been on PPI meds (either omeprazole or Lanzoprazole) for years to manage the reflux. They raised the dose to 60mg a day and added in 300mg Ranitidine and 20mls Sucralfate daily to try to reduce the inflammation. Today I am going to have a nasogastric tube inserted for an oesophageal manometry test and 24 hour pH monitoring to see how the muscles are functioning and to monitor the acid reflux. To complicate matters a little I had my gall bladder removed last year and have suffered with periodic bile reflux since - apparently bile is very corrosive and this has contributed to the condition of my oesophagus

I have already had a consultation with a surgeon about a hernia repair. This is carried out by 'keyhole surgery' (called laparoscopic Nissan fundoplication). The surgeon said I was an ideal candidate for the surgery because my age and weight were in my favour (as a 64 yr old female who is 2st overweight I found this laughable). I have no concerns about the actual operation but I would like to hear about other people's experiences post surgery before I make a decision.

I am also having a repeat gastroscopy on Saturday (who says we don't have a seven days a week NHS service?!?) to see if there is any improvement in the lining of the oesophagus. I hope the tests this week will help me to decide whether or not to go ahead with the operation. The alternative will probably be continuing with long term meds and changes to my lifestyle and diet.

Sorry for the long post but I hope it will help with some of the tests that are available. There is another section of the Health Unlocked community called the oesophagus patients association where people share their experiences of upper GI conditions. However, it was a bit scary because many of the posts are from people post surgery for oesophageal cancer. However, there are a few posts about oesophagitis and hiatus hernia.

Good luck with the tests Anyac.