Hiatal Hernia?

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum but definitely not new to the condition we all share.

I want to know what Hiatal Hernia pains are like. I'm getting discomfort/bloating around on the left side of my body, under my diaphragm all the way up to my shoulder, with some fluttering of gas sometimes in my chest (which led me to think that I was having palpitations). EKG and extensive blood test turned out fine, had an upper GI four years ago (15 yo) and said my LES wasn't working quite right (the issue was quite minor then). I'm due for another upper GI and probably will ask for some heart tests/and even an endoscopy.

It would make me feel "better" if I knew I had a hiatal hernia, after all, at least I know what's wrong with me.

I'm 18, on a super strict/healthy diet, I exercise regularly and unlike most teens, I don't drink or smoke. Heart disease doesn't run in my family, I am really positive my heart is in great shape.

Will I need surgery? I'm not scared or anything, but I'd like to know what I should do. Thanks and I wish you the best.

Dear couchtater,

Thanks for your quick response, but can you clarify whether that's Yes most likely you need surgery, or Yes, most likely you have hiatal hernia?

Thanks again. I talked to my doctor and he said "hernia usually doesn't have pains".... I'm not sure how I felt after hearing that... especially because pain is almost present with hernia (come on! a part of your stomach is stuck, how can you not feel pain...). I'm getting an upper GI soon so hopefully that'll be informative.

Doctors, can sometimes be so "Hit me in the face". If you feel the pains and you know they must be related to your stomach do not back down on it, get the endoscopy done.

I have LPRD (also known as silent reflux) and my doctors say its impossible for my reflux to get up to my throat and even into my lungs, bla bla bla. But I know that its affecting my throat and lungs, so I know how you feel.

I also dont know what I have exactly, couldnt do the manometry and phmetry test because I just freaked out. Ill go next week to argue with my doctor for another chance at those tests.

So get all your tests done and from there, you can make a decision. Do some research on the Nissen Fundoplication and in case you have a small hiatal hernia you may want to check out the LINX device.

Let us know!