Hiatal Hernia

[PattiCinNC]

I am a 49 yr old female with severe GERD.  Three years ago I had a Nissen's Fundiplication and a 4cm hiatal hernia that was surgically repaired.  Unfortunately, both failed.  I now have a 5.1 cm hiatal hernia, and my GERD is just as severe as prior to my surgery.  I have been on 60 mgs of Nexium in the morning and 40 mgs of Zantac in the evening for three years.  My Physician's Assistant has chosen to use 40 mgs of Priolosec for the hernia.  My question is this -since the hernia was originally surgically repaired and reopened, and I have been on Nexium and Zantac for three years - both of which are also prescribed for hiatal hernias - is adding the Priolosec to the mix really going to make a difference?  Or am I just wasting my money?  I am having severe abdominal pain from the hernia, chest pain that radiates up into my right shoulder (but not down my right arm).  I have had diarrhea for 18 out of the past 24 days, and have lost 9 lbs.  I have no appetite, and am severely fatigued.  Blood work shows ALT is 71 and a CT scan showed the hernia and an infected abdomdinal lymph node.  I have terrible gas, bloating, and feel like I have eaten Thanksgiving dinner even when I haven't eaten anything.  Other than phenergan for occasional nausea and the priolosec, and a repeat CT - that is the only course being taken.  Should I seek treatment from a GI specialist?

[NayaPixie]

From what I know the Prisolec is another H2 blocker like the Nexium and Zantac . I'm 27 years old and I too have severe GERD and Hiatal Hernia and have since completely changed what I eat so I don't have to take the medication any more. I was told I was to be on Nexium then Tecta and then Zantac indefinitely but I have a subnormal immune system and don't react well to medication and so instead of becoming almost an invalid experiencing the rare side effects of all those drugs (* I found that the more your on them the worse it becomes your body will continually try to copensate for no acid production due to the drugs and of course hurt you thus causing you to take your next dose, vicious cycle I couldnt cope with) so I chose to maintain this by diet and moderate exercise in about 4 months I lost 40lbs and still losing it because I refuse to do the sugery I sleep on a wedge pillow ( at a 30 degree angle) and am completely vegetarian and absolutley no fats oils or deep friend anything unless very small amounts or good olive oil in salad as I cannot consume dressings and little butter never margarine. It's really hard I don't deny that I miss steak and bacon but now that I've been off meat so long my body won't digest it I just throw it up now and we all know what that feels like as people with GERD...absolutly effin horrible. I walk 20-30 mins a day 3-4 times a week since lately Ive been in a lot of pain in my chest cavity even acidic foods such as blueberries and strawberries are causing me pain and gas so much that Ive had to start eating Gaviscon tablets again which honestly also help.  But if you really are tired of playing Rusian Roulette with your life you'll change your diet accordingly because we all know as GERD people what can happen over a long period ot time....esopahgeal and/or stomach cancer hence why doctors prescribe the meds they dont want our esophagus to become that way> I'm doing everything in my power becaue of stories like yours where the surgery doesn't work as I am really apprehensive about surgery.  Until I get so bad I will let God help me help myself not some doctor who wants to open me up to do a procedure that has the potential to fail. I went from eating steaks hamburgers and bacon and eggs to rice made with no oil just salt and water, plain salads,melons, water, tofu, soy based foods....but its better than becoming an invalid on the mediactions i can't handle or trying to recoup after surgery.

[selmaS]

HI Patti,

A GI dr sounds like a good place to go....when u have an issue like this it is best to go directly to the specialist.

Please post an update

"selma"

[PattiCinNC]

Thanks for your response.  My gall bladder was removed 6 yrs ago.  I haven't been checked recently for h. pylori, but was last year.  I had my repeat CT on Friday and will get the results soon.  I am now barely able to eat anything, the pain from the hernia is pretty bad. I am going to get the results from the second CT and then make an appt with a GI as I am tired of play russian roulette with my health with a PA who doesn't seem to think that these symptoms are worth even seeing me in person.

Thanks for the post.

PatticinNC

[selmaS]

AN after thought, r u following the diet and lifestyle changes which can aid the meds???

[selmaS]

Hi...I am wondering if u were checked for H.Pylori or ur Gall Bladder?

Also, have u had a PH test done to see if ur acid levels r high?...bcuz they can be too low and cause u to feel like this too.

It is possible u need a probiotic and not the PPI's u r taking.

I am not sure if u r going to a GI dr, but u may want to get a second opinion.

Good luck and please post an update

"selma"