To answer your questions:
1) The symptoms of a paraesophageal hernia would depend on its type and severity. Volvulus would be the complication that is pretty serious if not treated. But as one of the commenters mentioned below, this is an atypical occurance. In any case, conservative therapy does not work for paraesophageal hernia - I agree with the assessment that sooner is better than later.
2) If you are comfortable with your surgeon, I would consider proceeding with the surgery.
3) To my knowledge, there should be no restriction in lifestyle barring any serious complication from the surgery.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
The danger of a paraesophageal hernia is that the portion of the stomach that's herniating gets trapped and its blood supply cut off. That's a very dangerous situation. On the other hand, it's fairly rare for it to happen. There's no predicting if it will happen, nor any warning symptoms. It either happens or it doesn't. The odds would say that waiting is unlikely to be a problem; on the other hand, it could happen tomorrow. Or never. Whether it's fixed open or laparascopically, in the long run there should be no restriction on any activity you choose to do.
Thank you for the response. I think elective surgeyr is best.
Thanks Again
August 19th is a go. I really appreciate it. The hardest things these days is separating from work for that time period although the alternative would be much worse.
Tom
SO HOW DID IT GO? I AM ASSUMING THAT YOU HAD THE SURGERY. DID IT WORK, AND DID YOU HAVE ANY SERIOUS SIDE-EFFECTS OR COMPLICATIONS? THANKS - LPC
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para-esohphageal hernia was started.