Hernia got better - and then didn't...

[southofthedowns]

I have bad bloating, major discomfort when working physically and permanent diarrhoea. I feel as though I have just eaten a large meal, even when stomach empty.

Recently had 'top & tail' endoscopy which confirmed 3cm hiatus hernia (plus diverticulosis, inflammation blah blah).

Recently the uncomfortable feelings simply went away, completely - working was no longer uncomfortable and I thought the hernia had resolved itself. Unfortunately the relief didn't last more than a few hours.

The current situation has developed since botched heart ablation last July, see: healthunlocked.com/afassoci... After the procedure I had violent hiccups and awful reflux which makes me think the nerves in my diaphragm are damaged. When things recently got better I thought perhaps the nerves had recovered, it has been eight months now.

I have seen exercises on YouTube which are supposed to achieve relief by moving the stomach back down through the diaphragm but nothing seems to work. Does anyone know how to gain relief? I am on a waiting list but only as a 'routine' case.

[focused1]

I only really got better after the op as I was on lanzoprazole too which I heard too many horror stories about taken long term . Personally I pushed for surgery - a 5 hour op but out the same day . A month of initially liquid nutrients which I blended then on to soft food but worth the endurance as it triggered me to address weight loss . 3 years on and I am a new person . Still watch what I eat as white bread and thick chicken / steak , bacon are still quite hard to digest - otherwise I am fitter , lighter and healthier as before op I was sluggish and feeling rather low.

[southofthedowns in reply to focused1]

Hi focused1

Thank you for your reply.

Could I ask what procedure helped you?

I am not sure how I would cope with liquid food, though losing weight would probably help as I do have a spare tyre...

The current situation is that I have an active job and pastimes which are seriously compromised by the severe discomfort, which needs to be addressed ASAP.

[focused1 in reply to southofthedowns]

I had the Nissan fundoplication which leaves you with 5 puncture wounds - a couple stitched and just covered with thick sticky plasters but now no scars . As this was supposed to be a planned overnight stay but hospital too busy then for the first couple of days I rested in bed . I bought a Nutra bullet so blended all my food in there and was given a strict sheet of what to avoid for a while but you get used to it. After a month I ate most things with caution just chopping everything up . For me though no looking back . It was worth it as my symptoms just got worst . You need to keep your weight down though . I was warned about this post surgery . I lost 18kg afterwards and have never felt better . I had knee pain especially climbing stairs which has vanished .