GERD/Hiatal Hernia

[Cecil290]

Pains started 5 years ago..where esophagus meets stomach...but these attacks worsen over time..Now, are drastic..so painful to inhale..Never have had heartburn symptoms, but that scope camera showed H.Hernia...Had  heart test with some sort of fluid...I passed the heart test fine !....Few months ago...due to this..in coma & on Ventilator...and 3 heart attacks ..Hospitalized for a month.......Only medication am on is  liberax.....80% of the time...hurts to walk...talk..etc. ............. The Dr.(a Surgeon)...said  (his parting words) "You have GERD and H.Hernia, & I  can't help you...go see a heart Dr.... you  are like those people with gray hair....you just have more of it !"  walked out and closed door !   I have tried all those meds. such as Peto.,Tagamet, etc.... With H.Hernia...is it normal to have inhale problems...what kind of Dr. should I see ? Thank you Kindly....C

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi Cecil290,
You have Hiatus hernia, GERD and ischemic heart disease.
Hiatus hernia generally have symptoms like -
1. Mostly asymptomatic
2. Heart burn and regurgitation - you dont have these
3. Anemia
4. Chest discomfort
4. Difficulty in swallowing

Shortness of breath can occur in the paraesophageal variety of hiatus hernia. But since you have had heart attacks, the shortness of breath may be even due to heart problems.

I am not able to understand what you have said-
You had 3 heart attacks and also you passed the heart tests. These are contradicting each other.

I would suggest you meet a heart specialist first to assess the function of your heart and a gastro to get relief from hiatus symptoms. Since you have had three heart attacks, I dont think surgeons would be ready to do any surgery for your hiatus hernia.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[Cecil290]

No words kind enough to express my appreciation...To explain passing heart test...A few months BEFORE this coma/heart attacks is when I was A+ with heart test...this test was part of trying to find out what my problem was...The H.Hernia was NOT discovered until AFTER in coma for 10 days on Ventilator and 3 heart attacks..Of course, I did NOT know anything about any of this ! One Dr. said H.Hernia caused coma,etc. because of pressure on diaphrgam/lungs...Another Dr. said heart caused coma,etc...Am very puzzled !...Thank you kindly....Cecil