Hiatal Hernia and Reflux but No Heartburn?

[jns1022]

I was diagnosed Thursday with a hiatal hernia based on symptoms alone.  I get extremely nervous when going to the doctor and I know I should've asked him these questions but failed to.  Hoping someone here could offer me some insight.  

I've been having a dull ache just under my breastbone for quite sometime.  My abdomen is also tender to the touch from below my breastbone down to my belly button, as well as on the right side and a little aching in my back. The last 4 times or so I've tried to drink an alcoholic beverage, which for me is a margarita or daiquiri, I end up having intense pain right at my breastbone straight through to my back.  It starts about 15 minutes after I finish my drink and the attacks only last for 15-20 minutes.  My doctor thinks that this is due to the hiatal hearnia and reflux.  He prescribed Carafate which I'm supposed to take for the next 30 days and was also told to take Prilosec once a day.

I do somedays feel a tightness from my stomach up to my thoat but it doesn't happen very often so I didn't mention it to my doc.  My throat has been red and irritated looking but doesn't usually hurt.  Are these all symptoms one would experience with a hiatal hernia and reflux.  My main question is is it possible to have problems from reflux without knowing it?  I've never had heartburn in my life.  

Also, I should mention that I had my gallbladder removed in December after having several, what I'm knowing wonder if they really were, gallbladder attacks.  I did have a gallstone but since I'm still experiencing most of the symptoms I had before I'm wondering if my gallbladder was even the problem.  Before all of this started back in August I had been in perfect health and hadn't been to a doctor in probably 6 years.  

[selmaS]

Hi...well if ur surgeon is willing to do the testing and it doesn't cost u more to see him over a GI go to him....and get the tests....if u feel better in that time frame and he thinks u do not need the test...go to a GI if u have a flare up.....

Does ur surgeon feel u can stop meds netime soon?...if not u need to be under someone's care and a surgeon does not do that type of routine care, so in that case again u will need a GI and a good PCP to oversee ur health.

[jns1022]

Thanks for your help.  I'm trying to be patient with the meds.  I've been following an acid reflux diet for the last several days as well.  Hopefully I'll start to see some improvement.  I went back to the general surgeon who removed my gallbladder.  Given that he thinks it's a hiatal hernia and reflux should I go to a Gastroenterologist instead?  He told me that if I was still having problems after being on the medicine for a month to come back to him and he'd do an upper endoscopy.

[selmaS]

I am so sorry u r still having issues and like u said it can take time for the meds to be effective...adding to that a change in diet and lifestyle r necessary to aid the meds.

U may want to ask ur GI dr about probiotics...my father had his GB removed and was having similar issues and come to find out he did have the H,Pylori..this somehow missed it and after taking the antibiotics a probiotic was used and made significant difference to how he felt and feels.

Good luck
"selma"

[jns1022]

When I first went to the doctor over the stomach issues I was having in November, they tested for H. Pylori which was negative.  I had the 3 gallbladder attacks in less than a month and an ultrasound revealed a gallstone.  December 9th I had surgery to remove my gallbladder.  Some of the symptoms I'm experiencing are the same as I had before, not all of them though.  I haven't had any more severe attacks of pain like I did before the surgery.  I went back to the surgeon who removed my gallbladder and he thinks that I have a hiatal hernia and reflux issues.  He didn't order any tests, just told me to come back in a month if the Carafate and Prilosec didn't work.  I've now been taking those meds for 3 days and haven't noticed any improvement yet but I know it takes time.  Trust me, I won't be drinking any alcohol again anytime soon.  Since back in June I stopped eating fastfood except for a couple times, quit drinking sugary drinks, and pretty much cut sweets out of my life.  Ironically that's when all my problems seemed to start.  I've lost 48 pounds since that time though.  Everyone keeps assuming that I must feel so much better but that is most definitely not true.

[selmaS]

Hi ...were u looked at for H.Pylori?....many develop this after having their Gall Bladder removed.

Also, with reflux issues u should be avoiding alcohol as well as making other dietary and lifestyle changes.

Please see the Health Pages for more info ....icon top right of the screen.

Did ur dr do the testing...barium swallow test?..PH testing?....Blood work?

"selma"

[jns1022]

Forgot to mention that I'm also burping all the time.