Oesophageal Diverticulum

[romeo]

Hi everyone,

I have a small but quite symptomatic hiatus hernia and I'm feeling a lot of discomfort in the upper left side of my chest, much further to the left that one would expect the oesophagus to be. I've had an endoscopy and barium swallow and I've been told that I have a small mid-esophageal divertiulum which I'm assuming is causing the discomfort. I have lots of burping but no reflux. In fact I've never had typical GERD symptoms, but feel this constant irritation in the upper left of my chest. In fact when I drink water it's as though the water is flooding into the left of my chest as opposed to entering the stomach through the midline of my body.

I'm keen to speak with others who might have had a diagnosis of diverticulum or who have had similar symptoms.

Thanks,

Romeo

[Vineet_Sharma]

Dear Romeo,

My name is Vineet Sharma, and I recently came across your message regarding your diagnosed diverticulum and the associated discomfort you're facing. I can empathize with your situation, as I have also been through a similar experience.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a mid-esophageal diverticulum, and like you, I experienced discomfort in the upper left side of my chest. While each person's experience may vary, I found that certain lifestyle changes and treatments helped alleviate some of the symptoms.

First and foremost, I would recommend discussing your symptoms and concerns with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and guidance. They may suggest dietary modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods or eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the pressure on the diverticulum.

In my case, I also benefited from techniques to manage stress and anxiety, as these can sometimes exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, elevating the head of my bed during sleep and avoiding lying down immediately after meals helped prevent discomfort.

While it's quite symptomatic, I find it interesting that the discomfort is located further to the left than one would expect the esophagus to be. Despite not experiencing typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as heartburn or acid reflux, I feel a constant irritation in the upper left area of my chest. In fact, even when I drink water, it seems to flow into the left side of my chest rather than entering the stomach through the midline of my body. Additionally, I've been experiencing frequent burping, which adds to the discomfort.

Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can provide invaluable support. Besides this platform, I found online support groups and forums dedicated to digestive health to be excellent resources for sharing experiences and gaining insights into managing symptoms.

Please remember that what worked for me might not necessarily be the best approach for you, as everyone's situation is unique. It's important to consult with healthcare professionals and follow their advice.

I wish you the very best in finding relief and connecting with others who can offer support and understanding. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with.

Take care and stay positive!

Warm regards,

Vineet Sharma

Esophageal Diverticulum Scan of Mr. Vineet Sharma diagnosed by Dr. KiranPeddi in Hyderabad

[romeo in reply to Vineet_Sharma]

Hi Vineet,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for giving such a comprehensive overview of what works for you. Your symptoms sound identical to those I’m having. If you’d prefer to discuss this privately please do, but could you tell me how large your diverticulum is, whether you also have a hiatus hernia and whether you’ve been advised to manage it with lifestyle modifications rather than with e.g. surgery.

Thanks and wishing you good health

Romeo

[Vineet_Sharma in reply to romeo]

Hi Romeo,

I appreciate your message and I'm glad to hear that my experience resonates with your symptoms. I'm happy to provide you with the information you're seeking.

In addition to the diverticulum, I do have a hiatus hernia. It's a condition where a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can contribute to symptoms such as acid reflux and discomfort.

As for managing my condition, my healthcare provider, Dr. Kiran Peddi, one of the best gatsroenterologists in Hyderabad has advised me to focus on lifestyle modifications rather than pursuing surgical intervention at this point. These modifications involve dietary changes, such as incorporating high-fiber foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding trigger foods that may exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing stress management techniques, and adopting good eating habits have been recommended to me.

However, it's crucial to keep in mind that every individual's situation is unique, and treatment approaches may vary based on specific factors such as the severity of symptoms, the size and location of the diverticulum, and the presence of other related conditions. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider to receive personalized advice and guidance tailored to your needs.

I hope this information helps, Romeo. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or if you'd like to discuss this privately. I wish you good health and a smooth journey towards managing your condition effectively.

Best regards,

Vineet Sharma

Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia by Dr. Kiran Peddi

[romeo in reply to Vineet_Sharma]

Thank you Vineet. I appreciate you taking the time to write such detailed responses and wish you good health.

All the best,

Romeo