Hiatal Hernia & Gerd now worse due to SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)

[WFMD13]

I have had a hiatal hernia and GERD for years. Took PPIs such as omeprazole for years but then developed SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). PPIs can be a causative item for SIBO so I've gone off them. I beat the SIBO but it (I suspect) has come back and one of the symptoms is swelling which impacts the hiatal and I wind up with a lot of sometimes violent belching. I noticed that a lot of people on this site use omeprazole and the like - I won't anymore. I'm hoping to have an endoscopy to tell me what my situation is and have done some research on the different types of HH repair - endoluminal fundoplication (clips are put on the hernia) seems the most promising but I understand it's new. I also have asthma (controlled), type 2 diabetes (controlled by diet & exercise) and now osteoporosis (PPIs can erode bone I've read). I've held back from medical appointments due to COVID but the situation is worse and I have to get checked.

[focused1]

I had the Nissan fundoplication op in Jan 2018 . I feel the cause of my hiatus hernia was gradual weight increase . Luckily you are on a liquid diet for 3 weeks after it with gradual intro of solids . I had lost 15lbs with little effort . I also signed for a PARIS rehab gym programme . I have never felt fitter . Before op I weighed 17kg more than I maintain at now . I take medication for nothing . I am 60 years old and work full time . This op gave me new life and confidence.

[WFMD13 in reply to focused1]

Only heard of the endoluminal fundoplication - can you explain what the Nissan one is? Was your recovery period very long and how long since you had the procedure. Also - where are you? I live in a desert area in the States - both vegetation wise and medical care-wise - nothing nearby for treatment.

[focused1 in reply to WFMD13]

Not a medic but I will have a go . Briefly the upper part of the stomach / gastric fundus is wrapped around ..this is plication , the entire end of the esophagus then stitched 360 degrees . The hiatus is also narrowed by suturing to prevent /treat the hernia so when the stomach contracts it closes the esophagus thus preventing stomach acid . The surgery was 4 ish hours I was treated by NHS in UK . At the time - Jan 2018 the hospital was busy . Arranged overnight bed was cancelled and op was then classed as day surgery . I went home at 9pm very groggy and bewildered . I bought a Nutrabullet to liquidise all food but didn't feel hungry for days . I had 5 plasters on puncture wounds and couldn't get them wet for a week . I felt a pulling sensation and I spent a good 2 days in bed at home as I felt weak . After 6 weeks I could gently exercise and was put on a PARIS rehab programme which is a discounted open gym membership with personal trainer that attends on certain days and times . The main thing was modifying my diet to 3 meals a day with portion control to shed a bit of weight which was easy after a months liquid diet . I maintain the loss of 16-18kg and continue long walks , bike rides and Zumba - now via You Tube .

[WFMD13 in reply to focused1]

Thank you so much for detailed reply and congratulations on your success in changing life-stye (I've already done that since I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes - lost 53 lbs and now do portion control and exercise - no meds needed). GERD is still a problem though.

[focused1 in reply to WFMD13]

For me the surgery changed my life . I was told that long term medication would potentially lead to ulcers and anyway I didn't find they worked , finding them hard to swallow . I was given lots of tests before I was accepted for surgery . None of the pleasant - more of an endurance test . I am 60 and feel fitter and more motivated than I have done for years .

[WFMD13 in reply to focused1]

Super - perseverance did it!

[focused1 in reply to WFMD13]

Not just with this . Every appointment for anything is spun out with loads of tests .

[Mum007 in reply to focused1]

Hi. Did you get joint and muscle pain with Gerd. Did your sternum hurt and did you feel nauseous and fatigue with it. Could you tell me who did the op and where please.

[WFMD13 in reply to Mum007]

I did not get joint and muscle pain with the GERD and have not had an operation for either condition.

[Mum007 in reply to WFMD13]

Sorry this was for Focused1

[focused1 in reply to Mum007]

I felt grotty in every way . I had a swollen stomach , bloated achy . Hard to pinpoint anything .

[focused1 in reply to Mum007]

The op was done via NHS - day surgery by Natasha Henley at Stepping Hill Hospital . Stockport.