Hiatal Hernia problems

[shell1925]

Hello all!  I have posted here before and I am still having the same problems.  For the past 3 days I have had abdominal tenderness and chest pressure which is remarkably worse when sitting or laying down.  The chest pressure woke me up many times last night.  I am experiencing what I would describe as "classic" heart attack symptoms but I have gotten a clean bill of health from my cardiologist in terms of my heart.  I do have a hiatal hernia with GERD and esophageal ulcers (but not Barrett's esophagus).  I am taking Protonix 20 mg 2x a day, but it is not helping at all.  I don't know what to do at this point.  My gallbladder was removed in September, and my symptoms did subside for awhile but have came back in February.

From what I have been reading on the internet a lot of my symptoms can be related to either a heart attack or hiatal hernia.  I believe my hiatal hernia is pressing on my vagus nerve which is causing my problems.  I have this constant feeling of something being stuck in my throat, abdominal pain, chest pressure, jaw pain, and left arm pain.  I am at a loss right now, does anyone have any input of this?  I go back to my GI doctor on Tuesday, and I am hoping that maybe he can find a reason for all of this.  

Sorry if I am rambling but I really want to get to the bottom of this.  I never had any problems until I got pregnant in 2006 with my son, which is when they think my hiatal hernia developed.  Thanks for listening to me!

Shell

[shell1925]

I also forgot to mention that I have a constant stomach gurgling and either soft stools or diarrhea about 3-4x a day.  Sometimes it occurs as soon as I eat something, I can't really find a link between certain foods.

[glsmith40]

Dear Shell,
I too am in the midst of a health dilemma.  I am sufferring same as you describe.
started 12 months ago with a bad heartburn with my heart beating irregularly.
Left hospital and the condition improved although now had ectopic beat. This also improved with time until 5 weeks ago.
I failed to mention my gallbladder was removed 10 years ago and stools are rarely solid.
Now, mainly, my symptoms I feel are related to vagus nerve syndrome as I discovered here yesterday from an old post.
I have chest pressure, lump or throat tightness,heart beat racing, stomach feels like bowling ball stuck inside, hot flushes with sweating, tingling in left arm and  foot mainly, headache and foggy feeling in head.  I think mine may be triggered by food.
not sure if I have hiatus hernia but going fro gastroscope tues.
Also have basically had my heart cleared but everytime this happens it is scary.
hope this helps.

[shell1925]

I know what you mean as far as this being scary!  It stinks that something like hiatal hernia/GERD has to have very similar symptoms to heart problems, especially in someone like me that was diagnosed with anxiety in 2003.  Through meds and therapy I overcame it but, it is always going to be there.  I just have to make sure I don't let my mind wander too much.

I woke up this morning with the chest pressure, lump in throat, sore throat (like it has been burned with acid) and some bloody sputum.  I go to my PCP at 1:30 for a test follow-up and hopefully she can either deny/confirm this is all from hiatal hernia/GERD.  I don't have a trigger, it just happens.  I am trying to find a link between food and diarrhea but haven't been able to.  The only thing that I do that I know FOR A FACT can cause my symptoms is bending over  I'll keep you posted with any info I get from my PCP today.  Good luck to you and I hope you start feeling better :)

Shell

[xl_dean_lx]

One thing that I will suggest that is certainly worth a shot, is when you have true heartburn/reflux flare ups. Drink 1-2 tbls of Apple Cider Vinegar. When I get reflux this remedy works great and is much healthier than prescription meds. Apple Cider Vinegar has alot of benefits and this is just one of the few. Hopefully this will atleast bring you some comfort when other options dont work for you.