Hiatus Hernia

I had a gastroscopy not long ago and they discovered a very large hiatus hernia. It is causing me a lot of discomfort and the new food restrictions coupled with my Crohn's food restrictions leaves me not a lot of dietary choice.

I was talking to my GI today and told him I'd like to fix the hernia; but he says he hasn't seen good results with this surgery. He said that once they fix it, you can't burp or vomit any more. He's concerned about the burps because the gas can wreak havoc on the gut.

He is going to refer me to a surgeon so I can discuss it further. But I was just wondering if anyone here has any experience with this.

Thanks.

I also have a hiatal hernia. My doctor has me on omeprazole for it. It's caused a lot of problems in the past but generally goes away the same way I treat Crohn's: liquid and/or soft diet, not straining that general area, and rest when you can. I know these don't always work though. Also, I've noticed that sometimes when I overexert myself it begins to act up.

My husband has one. He has goteen alot of relief from DGL Licorice and digestive enzymes. He's drinking coffee again and eating pizza, sauce, sausage & chocolate. The licorice is all natural, but you need to get a good quality brand for the most benefit. I am amazed hoenstly! He feels so much better that he only takes his ranitidine once in a while. Certainly not everyday.

Thanks for the replies.

I've had one for a number of years and really had no symptoms as I was taking one Pantoloc a day.

A few months ago I started experiencing pain and distension just under the rib cage. I just assumed it was my Crohn's acting up in a new area although it did seem to be awfully high for Crohn's. Then I started getting terrible acid reflux and heartburn. Turns out my hiatus hernia has become quite large. I've doubled the Pantoloc which has helped somewhat. Although I do get bouts of nausea which I attribute to this as well as the food seems to sit in the part of the stomach above the diaphragm for quite a while.

Added to my Crohn's dietary restrictions, this is a real pain (often physical ) so I just figured I'd get it repaired and at least I could cross that one off the list. Nothing is ever quite so simple though, is it.

I also do voice overs and sing and am finding I don't have nearly the control over my breath that I did which is frustrating as well. I also suffer from sarcoidosis and apparently the acid and reflux aren't good for that.

Anyway, I'm just exploring my options right now. My GI has set me up for a small bowel follow through just to get a lay of the land in the esophagus. I do that in a couple of weeks. Don't have an appointment with the surgeon yet.