I really need some help and advice about a stomach issues that I am hoping to get to the bottom of

[JennWoo]

Since I can remember I have had a sensitive stomach and it is really getting to the point where it is affecting my mental health as well as physical. Whenever I eat (or don't eat in fact) I get this weird mix of symptoms that are between indigestion. The best way to describe is it like air escaping from my stomach but not a burp. Weird I know. The doctors have put me on Lanzoprozole to try and combat these symptoms and it's never worked. They have also put me on Ranitidine which has also never worked. They did refer me to get a camera down my throat (I've forgotten the actual term for the procedure sorry.) I was then told I have a Hiatual hernia (where my stomach is poking through my diaphragm). I am talked to them about surgery and the doctor I spoke too says that are never going to do it because medication usually works. I let this go for over 4 months and now my stomach is worse as ever. It truly is effecting my life. I own a business and can't spend a decent amount of time at a computer. They only thing that makes the symptoms lessen in lying on my back and working on my laptop. I am taking citalapram for depression which I have been told can affect your stomach. I just really don't know where next to go. I'm wondering if anyone has had the same issues and which treatment the doctors have recommended to you. I am also curious to see if anyone has had surgery for a hiatual hernia and whether that worked for you or not. I would really appreciate any information people can give me. As I said, I am at my wits end with all of these issues.

[JennWoo]

Another thing that is important to mention is that since I have had these issues in recent times I have got wheat + gluten free, dairy free and I am already vegetarian

[Rossan]

Hi JennWoo!

I don't have a hiatual hernia or know about it.

However, I wanted to suggest looking at medicinal charcoal tablets. I used to take them a lot for trapped gas. The idea is that the charcoal absorbs excess gas.

Perhaps you could check with your doctor/dietician if they think it might be helpful or if it could interfere with the hiatual hernia. I can buy them in most pharmacies in the UK.

Best wishes!

[JennWoo in reply to Rossan]

That is an interesting take! I shall look into that. Thank you Take care!

[JennWoo in reply to Rossan]

Sorry, one more thing. Do you know if medicinal charcoal is different to activated charcoal?

[Rossan in reply to JennWoo]

Huh - I hadn't thought about it!

This is the brand I usually buy, where they call it 'medicinal': charcoal.uk.com/

But this page on the Holland & Barrett website suggests they're the same (apologies for long link)

en.healthhubml.wsdev.org/vi...

[JennWoo in reply to Rossan]

Amazing! Thank you so much! Have a nice evening

[Stuart24]

Hello, hiatus hernia is common, most people don't realise it and it requires no intervention unless severe. I have one. Sounds like excess acid production which is why they have given you different PPI's. Excess acid production causes gas as it is neutralized by pancreatic bicarbonate in the duodenum. There are different triggers for acid production, even psychological ones. But there are also food triggers that cause this excessively, which are fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes (particularly concentrated), garlic, milk, caffeinated and de-caff coffee and tea, cola, peppermint, chocolate and aspirin. Cut out these things and see how you go.

[Glossyrossy]

I would agree with Stuart. I have a small Hiatus Hernia, recently diagnosed with Barium swallow. This is not a real worry at all. As Stuart said many people have one and it does not cause significant problems. I would not have surgery. I have significant acid reflux and now have a month on 40mg omeprazole. I am waiting for it to kick in as it is not immediate. What is more significant and you may want to consider this....I have enormous oesophageal spasms which I suspect are bought on by stress. I am a fit, healthy runner and have been hit with huge stomach and reflux issues since the lockdown. I am especially worried about my TWO old 93 year old parents, who live alone in a house ( although my sister is able to pop in) STRESS plays a hugely significant part in our lives and although its hard to recognise this and accept it, maybe stress with work or business might provoke some of these symptoms. Only a thought.

[JennWoo]

As most people I am probably unconsciously affected by everything that is happening. I do also run my own business which at times becomes very stressful. To be completely honest, I haven't been taking my lansoprazole regularly which I am guessing doesn't help at all. My main issue is not really knowing what my symptoms are. I feel like if it was indigestion, that when I took antacids that I would feel better but that's no usually the case. If it was nausea, it i took stuff to help that then I would feel better. I used to work in a office where they would have varies different teas, which may have actually helped. I love coffee but that might also have an impact. I have stopped drinking that for now to see if that helps me at all. You think it wouldn't because I only have one cup in the morning but maybe that isn't helping at all.

I do appreciate you taking the time to give me your opinion. They have all helped. I guess it just takes me doing more trial and error

[weegmack]

Hi there. Sorry to hear you’re suffering so much. Maybe I can help a bit.

I have IBS and hiatus hernia. I’ve done a lot of research into hiatus hernia, because my gastro and GP both seem to think I shouldn’t suffer so much with it 🙄. I know exactly that feeling you describe - like indigestion, but not quite; like feeling the need to burp and it never comes up; the gnawing feeling in the stomach. It’s exhausting. It’s called “the great mimic”, because it can be so painful, some people think they’re having heart attacks, pancreatitis or gallbladder problems.

I have found that stress, anxiety and tension make mine worse. I also can’t drink any fizzy drinks (even fizzy water) or I feel like I’m going to explode! I’m careful with acidic and spicy foods and I don’t eat any wheat (but the latter is because of IBS). After some research, I found a medicine called Kolanticon, which has been a God send! My GP laughed as she hadn’t heard of that for years - it’s a pretty old, chalky suspension but it works wonders for me. It has antispasmodic properties, so it relaxes everything and just takes away that grim feeling.

In bed, I always sleep slightly raisesd and I’ve found a v-shaped pillow really helpful. I also take one Nexium at night (esomeprazole), which is so much better than ranitidine or lansoprazole.

I drink hot water with breakfast, which helps too and I drink peppermint tea also.

I hope this helps. Xx

[Nothing_but_books]

Hi JennWoo,

I think I read that you're taking citalopram for depression? There is a drug for depression that has no stomach issues. I've asked the pharmacist (chemist), and this seems to be the only antidepressant that does not cause stomach issues. Brand name Remeron, generic Mirtazapine.

By the way, I have gotten some relief by raising the head of my bed. I just put risers under the feet (at the top only), but I found this just now:

"Elevating your head during sleep is an effective lifestyle treatment for GERD. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to elevate your body from the waist up if it isn't possible to elevate the head of your bed. Just using additional ordinary pillows isn't effective."

I do hope you get some relief soon. Been there. Stomach problems are a bear. Grrrr...

[TobeyL]

Hi,

Stress, anxiety and depression do tend to make digestive issues worse, including GERD.

Is your citalopram helping? And are you getting other support for your mental health issues?

What you may find is that once you get this under control your digestive problems may get better.

I recommend you talk to your doctor again, maybe you need to adjust your citalopram dose or swap to a different SSRI.

Good luck.