Should I contact my Rheumy about my Hernia? - NRAS

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Should I contact my Rheumy about my Hernia?

Frankiefocus profile image
13 Replies

Hi everyone I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia last week and wondering if I should cal my Rheumatologist about it or is this something thats not important. Any advise would be helpfull.

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Frankiefocus profile image
Frankiefocus
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13 Replies
helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

It’s always worth telling them. Depending on what drugs you are on they might not be interested, but good to have it on your notes. Hope you manage to control it, as most uncomfortable!

Frankiefocus profile image
Frankiefocus in reply tohelixhelix

Thanks HH x

Gjkas profile image
Gjkas

Hi ,wouldn't do any harm to tell your Rheumatologist about your Haitus Hernia.

But it's not actually his field.

I have a 16cm Haitus Hernia and I am under a Gastrointerologist .

Hope this helps.

Gigi71 profile image
Gigi71 in reply toGjkas

I have a large HH, I don’t know the size, it gives me a reflux cough and find it hard to fit in the Gaviscon Advance med I have been prescribed with all the other meds I take, some interact if taken within 2 hours. I also take a PPI in the morning. How do you manage yours. X

Gjkas profile image
Gjkas in reply toGigi71

Hi Gigi ,just wondering, are you under a Gastrointerologist, or was it your G.P that referred you for a gastroscopy???.

How did you find out that you had a Haitus Hernia.???.

I'm not managing mine very good, even though I avoid spicy foods.

Depends on how big it is, a couple of inches don't give too much trouble.

But if it gets any bigger, then its a different matter.

I was told that if I have trouble after eating anything, to lay down with your head slightly raised and put your hand on your chest and lightly smooth your hand downwards to your stomach. It does help a little.

Doctors are not keen on doing a Haitus Hernia Repair because it is quite a big operation.

Don't lift anything heavy.

Sometimes when I eat i will actually bring some of my food back up on my plate, YUCKY. Gaviscon doesn't help that much. I used to be on Omerprazol, but Gastrointerologist put me on Lansaparoz because they are stronger.

Sorry i can't really help you.

But if you get so bad that you have a job to get your food down, then go to your G.P or A&E.

HOPE YOU CAN MANAGE IT.

Its a rotten thing if it gets out of hand.

Hope youll be okay.

Take Care Gjkas. x

.

Gigi71 profile image
Gigi71 in reply toGjkas

I was having terrible reflux approx 17years ago and my GP sent me for an Endoscopy, it showed a hh as well a slight bleeding in the stomach, I was put on Lanzoprosol , as I didn’t want to give up my nsaids. This worked well for many years. Roughy 3 years ago I started with a cough after food and when I lay down at night. I had to have an X-ray as changing over to MTX and showed a white opacity in my lungs. I had a CT scan I also had a nodule and was given a further X-ray about 6 months later. They did not think anything was serious, however the hh had grown a lot these tests ordered by my rheumy. Last year with my cough driving me mad my GP repeated my X-ray and referred me to a chest consultant, took five months to be seen he ordered another CT scan and advised although I have some mild fibrosis, the cough was a result of the hh and put me on Gaviscon Advance 4 times a day. As I explained with many other health issues namely stenosis in my back the meds for that mean I can’t fit the Gaviscon in, lucky if I take twice a day as also on ferrous sulphate for now. I’ve never seen a Gastrointerologist. I rarely get indigestion and only certain foods won’t go down, mine is just the chronic cough and breathing problems. The problem is I don’t know anyone else with this problem and my GP doesn’t think it is one. I do hope you are getting some help with yours though. All the very best and thanks for taking the time to answer me. X

Gjkas profile image
Gjkas in reply toGigi71

Hi Gigi, never mind what your G.P thinks. They don't know everything.

You TELL THEM that you want to see a GASTROINTEROLOGIST. .

You will have to wait quite a while for a Gastrointerologist Appointment anyway. Because they're such a busy clinic.

So if i were you I would tell your G.P now...They CANT refuse you.

YOU TAKE CARE and look after yourself. Hope you feel a little better. X

Gigi71 profile image
Gigi71 in reply toGjkas

Thank you for advice. Everythinge is a wait with the NHS am currently awaiting a back op. All the best to you too. Xxxx

Gjkas profile image
Gjkas in reply toGigi71

Yeah you're so right. Everything is a wait with the NHS Good Luck with your Back OP.

Wishing you a good speedy Recovery. Gjkas xx.

Frankiefocus profile image
Frankiefocus in reply toGjkas

Hi Gjkas, I have been advised to eat smaller portions when it comes to meal time and it is helping alot as I had the same problem of all my food not going down properly. Also before the meal dont drink alot of water and just a few sips during the meal. I dont get heart burn or acid reflux as I eat a plant based diet so this helps alot too.

embroy profile image
embroy

I got the same problem, all you have to do is avoid Spicy stuff, like lots of Chilli's. I haven't ntold my Rhumotogist, but they can read it on the file. So you need not worry.. mine is about 3 inches or so.

I’ve had one for years suffer with reflux but no other problems Rheumatologist knows but never comments.

Gigi71 profile image
Gigi71

Sorry to hijack your post. I only mentioned mine to my rheumy when I had the next appointment, she wasn’t concerned at the time. X

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