[Closed] Hiatus Hernia, how to manage ?

Do you suffer from acid reflux at all? I have a hiatus hernia and the acid reflux is unbearable, doesn't seem to matter what I eat, how much, when etc etc. I had to have one of those cameras shoved down my throat (at least it was just the throat!) and after they had examined the results they put me on acid inhibiting tablets. Apparently I could well be taking them until they put me in a box as the operation can have numerous complications, but they certainly stop the heartburn!

I have been told in the past (before I was prescribed the tablets) to avoid spicy foods/caffeinated drinks/fatty foods/alcoholic drinks/eating at irregular times and so on. Maybe some of that will help? Personally, if I had to avoid all of that I think i'd rather be in the box now!

S.

From bitter experience its fags, booze and being fat

The pills help but dont stop the cause

I didnt fancy an op which kind of helped with stopping smoking and cutting down on booze

I have the same. Numerous gastroscopies also.

I try not to eat/drink too much before bedtime or i wake up with a mouthfull of stomach contents.
I take the Lansoprazole everyday or when I can remember anyway, once a week at least.

Worst thing for me is smoking, it kills me for days.
Spicy food has to be real spicy to set it off, were talking Habanero tobasco (which I love) normal tobasco is fine.
Coffee, chocolate and other things I was told to stay away from are also fine with me.
Luckiest of all alcohol is fine unless I hit the shots like Tequila.

My mate has the same and still smokes everyday but hasn't drunk a beer in years as it kills him.

I guess it affects everyone differently.

I struggle after exercise with mine - take a load of Gaviscon before I set out on a ride and the ride is fine but suffer 12/24 hrs after. Such a hernia call also affect your vegas (spelling) nerve and make you feel grotty or you lungs contract so it says on the web somewhere. I have a few more tests to measure acid in my throat etc but will go for the op if I can.

My dad had the usual gaviscon habit but in the end had the operation to get it fixed for good. It's fine now but the surgeon "nicked" an artery so his keyhole surgery ended up with a huge scar. However he's a lot happier now the hiatus hernia doesn't bother him

Thanks for all the advice lads, had the camera etc but future does not look bright but its not going to stop me.im only 46.ATB tim

If you've not been started on a med like Lanzoprazole/omeprazole, then I'd suggest that avenue first - GP or gastro specialist should be happy to do this, although GP might wish to start Zantac/Gavison first for ££ reasons. Be advised you're not meant to take any other acid reflux type treatments with Lanz/omeprazole, that includes over the counter stuff like Gaviscon or Zantac.

Regular small meals & snacks help me, and there are certain foods that I know to avoid, sadly this includes tasty stuff like curry, but I'll take the risk at times. I refuse to kick my caffeine habit though!

I have been put on lanzoprazole too recently. I had a ultrasound but that came back clear. Not had the 'force fed' camera yet!

Can I ask what symptom's you had/have?

My gastro probs are more likely related to gastric irritation caused by another medication that I'm currently on (dexamethasone, it's a steroid). Foul drug, but I need it at the moment.
Might be a HH thrown in from some of the symptoms, but I'm waiting to see if things improve when the dex stops at the beginning of June.

My symptoms where reflux always after any size meal, burning in throat (acid) chest pains when excersising and really uncomfortable when trying to sleep. Now taking 20mg Omeprazole daily, 3 days in feel better but taking this forever i think i will struggle. Back to quacks in 24 days will let you know.