I can't find anything that will help me
I'm on Zantac.. take gi cocktails all the time.. still take tums. It's driving me crazy having chest pain all the time!
They told me it's a small hernia which I wouldn't think it would cause this much problems
Has anyone experienced this or have learned a way to cope. I can't live like this
Hi Elizabeth, working as a nurse I have dealt with patients having hernias, and unfortunately some are inoperable unless they become worse and the pain is excruciating. For most patients with hiatal hernias usually slow sips of water helps initially, then medications such as omeprazole and ranitidine (zantac) are taken regularly at same time everyday before meals to neutralize the gastric acidity. Most patients with hiatal hernias leads to experiencing gastroesophageal reflux, where the acid refluxes reaching the back of your throat causing your chest pains and heartburns. In order to prevent this you have to follow some simple measures same as patients with GERD. First avoid acidic food such as softdrinks, coffee, chocolates and spicy food. Eat small to moderate amount of food and avoid getting too "full" also try to avoid laying down 2-3 hours after a meal, this allows the food enough time to leave the stomach. Do not eat or drink 1-2 hours before bedtime but if unavoided try to sleep slightly upright with two pillows under your shoulders, make sure your upper body is higher than your belly. One of the risk factor is obesity, so weight reduction is also recommended for this issue. For extreme cases of hiatal hernias most of our patients undergo surgery we call Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, in this procedure the fundus which is the upper portion of your stomach is stitched together with your esophagus in order to prevent the reflux, this is the most effective treatment as far as I know. But ofcourse always consult with your doctor and follow instructions 😊
I hope this helps.
Toni
Thank you soooo much. I will try to stay away from those triggers. I've been to the er a few times before I got diagnosed thinking I was having a heart attack or something.. I'm only 25 and In pretty good health. They said mine was caused by pregnancy, I'm a small girl and my son didn't drop down untill late in my pregnancy, he ended up weighing 10 pounds. So they think that's what caused my stomach to push up.
I've heard using anti acids can cause you not to absorb nutrients as well is that true?
Hello again Elizabeth04,
Like any other medications, Antacids also have side effects.. since you are taking Ranitidine, I can share with you that this drug can cause vitamin B12 (folate) deficiency in the future and may lead to anemia especially on a long term use so please ask your doctor how long you have to take the medication and if you may probably need vitamin B supplement? Some Antacid containing magnesium may cause diarrhea and some brand that contains calcium can cause constipation, be mindful to read the label and ingredients properly to prepare yourself for any of this side effects.
Lastly, if you are planning to have a baby, kindly consult your doctor as this medication can affect the fetus.
I hope you are coping well.
Toni
Thank you very much
I've been looking at more natural ways to deal with acid reflux. I've found that maybe apple cider vinegar may help? I also saw where anti acids can cause deficiencies.. kinda got me thinking on which road I want to take to deal with the problem
I have gastritis and a hernia. The bump in the middle of my chest was extremely painful for a year and a half. I am on 300 mg of Zantac 2 x per day. Finally the pain has started to decrease. My bump no longer hurts. Keep taking the Zantac. Give it some time. I was also on Carafate twice per day, but is triggered migraines so I had to stop.
Thank you! Yes the pain is horrible! I'm going to keep trying the Zantac, I'm only on 150 mg once a day and then taken my gi cocktail. I may need to up my dosage. I've already started to change my diet, so hopefully I can find some relief soon!
Remember to stay away from spicy foods and foods that trigger pain. Tomatoes, citrus, meats, etc. Don't let up on doc if in pain. Make them do their jobs!
Thank you 🙌🏻
Yes citrus is the worst for me.. drink some orange juice and it's all over from there
Hi
You could try a chiropractor. I had a small hiatus hernia and was on omeprazole twice daily for 8 years. I also had pain. I saw a chiropractor and after 2 sessions the pain was gone. Some chiropractors are trained in popping the stomach back into place. It won't work for everyone as I think it can pop/slide back out if the diaphragm clamp thing not tight enough ......sorry not explaining myself clearly can't seam to stay awake today. I'm still on omeprazole as still have acid reflux but the pain and difficulty breathing has gone. Guess I don't know for sure if the stomach back in place without another endoscopy but it feels a lot better. Will go back if the pain comes back
It wasn't a painful manoeuvre by the way, involved deep breaths whilst chiropractor gently pressed down on the stomach
I did once try the at home technique ......you may need to google it as forget the exact rules but it involved drinking a large glass of warm water n jumping off a step. The weight of the full stomach n gravity meant to pull the stomach back down. Didn't work when I tried it tho but think it depends which kind of hiatus hernia you have as some are sliding.
Hope you find some relief soon
Jo
Hi Elizabeth04
I know how you feel as have had a hiatus hernia for over 22 years and still have lots of problems with it. I have tried lots of medication, but none worked, or I have had severe side effects with them & now I have back onto Ranitidine 300mg twice daily. I have been told even if it gets worse they can not operate as I would not survive because I have lupus, even though I occasionally need anti sickness injectionsif my Cyclizine tablete don't work, as I am still sick at least once a week.
I hope you get the right medication to help you soon it's just trying them out, but eventually your symptoms may settle and may only flair up now and again. I am on the highest dosage of the Ranitidine there is it may work for you or not, I am not medically trained to advise, but that is what I take
Are the doctors sure this pain is all down to the hernia?
I didn't know I have one until I suffered damage to my throat from rising stomach acid. I have Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. I take 30mg Zoton Fastab lansoprazole. It is faster/ better action games than the generic lansoprazole. I don't know what gi cocktail is? Is it OK to take tums as well as your medication?
What investigations did you have? Barium Swallow and endoscopy?
I had an endoscopy. I'm thinking that's all the pain could be down to. I've had all sorts of other test including cardiac work up. I also have chest muscle strain?
Do you get any throat pain from the acid Reflux?
Nope. Just mainly chest pain 😕
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