Hiatus Hernia

[Martin Richards]

Presentation
I was diagnosed (endoscopy) with an Hiatus Hernia 10 years ago after suffering regular and severe heartburn.I am not sure if the Hernia is a "Rolling" or "Sliding" type, only that it was small at the time of diagnosis. Omaperazole drug treatment took away all of my heartburn symptoms, and effectively solved my problem.

However, more recently I experienced an episode of chest pain which I thought was heart related, but, after tests my hospital indicated that the pain was likley to be the Hiatus Hernia. Particularly as it was associated with alcohol consumption.

In addition my symptoms now include a feeling of mild discomfort in my throat,ie the sensation of a lump or foriegn object when swallowing.

Lifestyle
For some 10 years I took part in competitive weightlifting, and at 6ft tall I weighed approx 16 stones of largely muscular body weight.
I do not smoke but prior to my recent problems I regularly drank alcohol.
I have now given up alcohol and weigh 14 stone, I still weightlift but only moderately avoiding direct compression of the stomach.I do not get chest pain, but my throat is slightly worse on post lifting days.
I perceive that my overall health is improved by exercising with weights.

Question
Is weightlifting progressing my Hernia?

My doctor thinks this a mute point and says weightlifting exercise might even help!

Are my medical records likely to show which type of Hernia I have, "rolling" or "sliding"?

[Tomfri]

A related discussion, Any advice would be great, please respond was started.

[maddog]

I wasnt given anything at all, it finally went away on its own.
I had lost a heap of weight and I was scared to eat.
It took about 8 months and the symptoms finally dissappeared. That was 4 years ago and I have had only 1 other episode that only lasted about 1 week.

Are you getting heartburn as well???

[tova]

What do they give you for the Globus Hysteria?  That is also my problem.  I have GERD then goes into my throat causing a tightening....is very scary!  Need help!

[maddog]

Martin,

I know what are you going through. I was diagnosed with a Hiatus Hernia 8 years ago. The heartburm was controlled by losec.
I work out in a Gym about three to four days a week and I suspect my hernia came from weightlifting although specialists cant confirm this.  

In 1997 I had a feeling of a lump in my throat, like there was a golf ball stuck in my throat. I was starting to think I was going mad. After seeing my third throat specialist I was diagnosed with having Globus something which is a muscle spasm in the throat possibly caused by acid reflux.

This feeling lasted for about 8 months to a year so be patient with it.

I often ask my doctors if I should give up weightifting, some say no and some say yes.  

Good luck!!!