18 Year old diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, miserable. Losing the will.

Hello, thank you for opening. As the title reads I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia in March of this year. Miserable is an understatement. This all started in Nov. of 2011. My grandmother and grandfather both lost their lives. My grandmother passed away due to bone cancer, and my grandfather passed away due to attack, and we found out my father was cheating on my  mother, so I was stressed constantly and was anxious all the time. However, before this time I was as healthy as could be. Im only 18, athletically fit, no health problems previous except fracturing a couple of bones playing football/basketball. Im sorry if this is too long a post, but I just really need someone to listen, someone to guide me. Ive had ALL possible acid reflux symptoms. Lump in throat, chest tightness, heart palpitations, feeling of acid itself, crazy pain under the breastbone, CANNOT BREATHE 24/7. My gastroenterologist is an amazing woman, and I have respect for her, however, i feel like she just doesnt listen to me. Kept telling her I couldnt breathe as that by far to me is the most uncomfortable symptom. It doesnt matter what Im doing, i could be walking, jogging, anything and everything. I have been on reflux meds and they do help with everything except for the breathlessness which bothers me the most. Ive had all kinds of tests. Abdominal Ultrasound, Abd. CT Scan, Upper Endoscopy, EKG's, Echocardiogram, Stress Test, 3 Chest X-Rays, Blood Tests,and more I may have forgotten. Im also constipated. :( I was told to take anxiety meds after a few nasty panic attacks. And I didnt at the time, but im desperate and I was told that they do make you feel better, and there is an existent link between anxiety and Acid Reflux. The past 7 months for me have been hell. It seems like everything in my life is where it should except my health. I love my beautiful girlfriend, I did great in school, and hope to be a doctor someday, my parents marriage is back on track. Im just scared, and desperate, Im in a bad mental place, but have faith. However, i cant see things getting any better, Hiatal Hernias are inoperable, and im only 18 if i were to be lucky and live up to 50, thats another 32 years. I just cant live like this, im losing hope and im scared. Im really scared, all symptoms are manageable except for shortness of breath all the time, I want to compete with my friends, and play sports and lift weights, I just want my life back. Please if theres anyone out there, anyone at all willing to post and help me out. I will be more than willing to listen, Thank You and God Bless everyone out there.

[kb107]

all tests were negative, and I meant to say heart attack, and im also worried about long term effects of PPI. Sorry for the mistakes, and thanks again.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  How was your hiatal hernia diagnosed?  Hiatal hernias are NOT inoperable.  They almost never require surgery, but in severe cases, surgery can be done.  Have you tried a GERD-friendly diet?  Have you had pulmonary testing?

[kb107]

hello! thank you for the response i really appreciate it! and it was diagnosed through an upper endoscopy! and Yes I have, for the most part! ha, its hard sometimes. And, I have had a breathing-spectrometry test, in which they determined my lungs are getting a normal amount of oxygen. So, that was taken care of, my Doctor said it was anxiety related, thats why im considering the anxiety meds, but at the same time, a hiatal hernia does cause shortness of breath, if you just think about the anatomical distributions and structural components of our bodies, in terms of the diaphram and where the hiatal hernia occurs, but I really dont know to be honest, it could be anxiety and the HH, i just feel as if my doctor is being stubborn in the information that she knows, stating that its a small HH and shouldnt be affecting me in this way but it is. and im really frustrated. :( i see her tomorrow.

[patient915]

Yes, both a hiatal hernia and anxiety can cause shortness of breath.  I think that trying an anti-anxiety med will be helpful in determining which is the problem.

[kb107]

Thank you for the help, I guess I will take anxiety meds to see if it helps, Im just really nervous and not looking forward to the future, I just want to feel better.

[patient915]

Yes, it can be stressful but the anxiety meds will help with that too.

[trixieplayer]

Bless your heart young man! I can understand your apprehension regarding your health improving. I have been trying to figure out a possible diagnosis for my symptoms. However, I am in my 50's and lifestyles tend to change at this age. You are so young. I am sorry that you have a negative outlook on your recovery. My most recent symptoms concluded that I suffer from a hiatal hernia. Wow! It is very painful at times. I am unable to swallow food without a great deal of pain.I hope that you hang in there and follow your dr.s advice and instructions. I pray for a reprieve from your scary symptoms. You are so young, it must be discouraging for you. Hang in there, don't give up! I hope you feel better soon!