So confused hiatus hernia

[Littleone88]

Hey all.

So ii have a hiatus hernia. Not sure on size. 2cm ii think:

Ii have constant chest pain like someone is sat on my chest trouble swallowing sometimes burning sensation in my throat. And a dry cough a lot:

I take pantroprazole for it but don’t help. Iv had two ph monitoring test for 24hrs each to test for acid coming up. Which was completely normal both times.

Ii am so confused on what’s causing the pain?

They won’t op on the hernia cos no proof of acid reflux. So I’m just left to deal with pain and confusing situation of not knowing what to do 😞

[adela1]

If you have a hernia, it could be wind that's causing the pain, as the hernia allows gas up in your top cavity. I get such a pain occasionally and am awaiting a SIBO test to see if I have excess gas caused by this. It can happen if you are taking PPIs as they reduce your stomach acid A side effect is that the acid doesn't then kill of all the bacteria it is designed to kill off. I have a 4cm hernia. I also had a ph test which was normal so at least the PPI was keeping the acid low. They say if you can manage your hernia by meds it is better than surgery which may or may not be successful. In any case if you have Barrett's Esophagus you will probably need to take PPIs for the rest of your life even after surgery.

[Littleone88 in reply to adela1]

Oh yeah that makes sense ii guess it could be gas that causes the pain.

Ii haven’t took ppis now for about 3 weeks cos ii feel the same weather ii take them or don’t take them no difference at all.

Would u rather surgery for the hernia??

Ii haven’t got barretts esophasgus well that Iv been told anyways. Ii had endoscopy they never mentioned it then.

U think I’ll be better or taken ppi’s ? I’m waiting for my dr to ring me back for the next step after the ph test ii had done xx

[adela1 in reply to Littleone88]

At first I was keen on the surgery but looking into it and discussing it with a hospital consultant it seems surgery is not always 100% successful or doesn’t always make you more comfortable. It can be done too tightly or loosely. It’s preferred you take PPI medications to control the acid in the (hernia allowed) reflux rather than surgery. However, if your life is made really miserable with severe symptoms and your PPI is not controlling your acid, then maybe surgery is the best. You should hear from your doctor now that you’ve had the test. I’ve just heard my SIBO test is this week so I’ll find out if bloat and chest pressure is caused by gas coming up.

[adela1 in reply to Littleone88]

Have you had any other tests eg ultrasound or CT scan or ECG to check for other issues that may be causing your chest pain? I had all done and OK so doctor seemed at a lost as to the cause of my chest ache. It doesn’t happen very often now for some reason but when it does it’s really uncomfortable. An endoscopy showed my h hernia and Barrett’s. I paid privately for some tests as I was getting nowhere otherwise and had never had such discomfort before. However I’m now back with the NHS for less expensive tests.

[Mauser1905]

The 24hr pH test for sensitive hernia's could be "False Negative". Reproduction of the symptoms when undergoing monitoring can be sometimes not possible. Have this into holistic discussion with the GI team.

opa.org.uk has plenty information on the LINX band as well Nissen Fundoplication surgery. LINX could be useful with lesser of HH and latter in other cases.

Long term PPI for GERD is never a good plan as the root cause is never treated but symptoms attempted to be managed daily basis.

you will notice when you exerting pressure on your stomach the burning sensation assumes. Also the GI endoscopy should find if the gas test fails in your case.

PPI's never fix the HH.

[Littleone88 in reply to Mauser1905]

My dr told me we can’t get the linx here that’s what ii wanted originally.

Iv done the ph test twice now cos my dr thought it was a false neg the first time.

Ii feel I’m going to have a fight on my hand for any help.

Ii dnt like taken ppi’s.

Just what this hernia fixed but ii don’t think there going to let me.

Is it possible to pay for the linx here in the uk do u no?

[Mauser1905 in reply to Littleone88]

Just rechecked 8 months old thread, we had same discussion and can only empthasise with you being on the suffering end.

With me I managed to not reproduce the symptoms even though these were worst other times. body work very funny when the diagnostics go on. with 24hr pH monitor, you become very very aware of the tube and the recorder, natural reaction kind of does not create the episode.

LINX can also be available privately, just look for their uk website. I was desperately looking to get the diagnosis in presumption of the NF surgery or LINX, but the results came up with Cancer. too late for the root cause fix!!

Also NHS offers linx however not al boards have this provision, so chances are your nhs board may not have it. Ask consultant if they can refer you to LINX within NHS board, and at least a second opinion consultation with LINX surgeon in the NHS.

[Littleone88 in reply to Mauser1905]

Ok then thank you so much for this ii will talk with dr about it 😞

So terrible what we have to fight for to get help.

I’m sorry about ur result. Hope your coping ok xx

[Mauser1905 in reply to Littleone88]

Let us know how it went.

Thanks for your concern. I am doing alright. still alive and kicking.

[Littleone88 in reply to Mauser1905]

Good I’m glad u r 💪🏼 fighters!

I will I’m still waiting good old nhs like to keep us on our toes hey. 😊