Hiatal Hernia Diagnosis

Posted By Jim on September 12, 1998 at 17:11:01:







I am a 45 year old male in good health.  I have normal blood chemistries, No occult blood, have had a normal upper GI series 18 months ago, a normal upper GI CT scan 18 months ago, and a Lap chole that revealed chronic gallbladder inflammation in the absence of stones.  I have normal Bowel movements.  I have made another appointment with my GI specialist and have requested an endoscopy.  This is response to chronic discomfort pain, nausea, and spasm just below the sternum.  I have taken Prevacid which does help some in reducing the discomfort but it is incomplete.  I have thought of either a motility disorder or maybe even "chronic gastritis' as a diagnosis.  However, I have wondered if this could be a hiatal hernia?  I have heard that it is frequently diagnosed using an upper GI series and mine was normal.  However, I have heard that an upper GI series is not very sensitive.  Also, would they have not seen something when they "checked around" at the Lap Chole?  What is the definitive way to diagnose a hiatal hernia?  Also, I have had 3 previous hernias repaired in the lower GI area a number of years ago.  Thank you for your response.