Ulcer and Hiatal Hernia

Welcome to the forum. Remember we're not doctors, so listen to your doctor before us patients.

No, a hiatal hernia is not a reaction to an ulcer. It can take quite a while for an ulcer to heal. A small hiatal hernia doesn't usually cause any symptoms. The ulcer can be nasty. And it might be necessary to check on it.

What sort of "strict diet" are you on? So called "bland" diets don't necessarily work.

Over the counter PPIs are usually only half the prescription strength. Not all PPIs work for everyone. You might try a different one.

You have the right to get a second opinion, but it hasn't been very long, and you are getting normal treatment. If the pain continues you could ask the doctor about trying a different PPI or adding Zantac old another medicine.

Thank you for the posts.

The hiatal hernia isn't as big an issue as the uncomfortable ulcer. The hiatal hernia only bothers me slightly and will give me occasional brief nausea. It usually goes away and doesn't bother me throughout the day. I only feel it strongly when I go to the gym and work out. I do some weight training but no abdominal exercises.

To make it easier, here is what my diet DOESN'T include: tomato sauce/tomatoes, vinegar, lemon, nearly any type of sauce dressing, most red meats, dairy (occasional 2 milk with organic cereal in the morning), chocolate, nearly all fruits (only eat banana and apples), citrus juices, carbonated beverages, coffee (or any type of caffeine), alcohol or any fried and spicy foods.

I stick to eating the appropriate vegetables (leafy greens, cucumber, cabbage, broccoli, corn), chicken and organic turkey meat for the most part. I eat Fage Greek yogurt and carrots as a snack and drink plenty of water.

I don't smoke but did drink socially. I also used to drink 3 cups of Starbucks coffee per day, which I cut out entirely. That and my eating habits (spicy food/fried food) is what likely contributed to my ulcer. I rarely took aspirin. I am someone who does stress sometimes so, again, that could also be a possibility. I don't have anxiety, more like stress from my job (mostly anger/annoyance).

When the doctor saw my ulcer on the endoscopy he claimed is was a 'small' and 'healing' gastric antral ulcer.

I understand I have to be patient but it's hard when you've taken a medication that your doctor says should have made you feel better after 5 weeks and it hasn't. I am trying to be proactive about what I have because I have read too many stories of people living with pain for years or the rest of their lives. And that may very well happen to me but I am trying to exhaust all my options before I come to that sad conclusion. I don't want to feel this uncomfortable burning/pain forever. I can live with the hiatal hernia but not with this ulcer.

Post Edited (repgreek89) : 3/28/2016 12:35:18 PM (GMT-6)

Stress is definitely a contributing factor with feeling worse when you have an ulcer. I know how frustrating it is to have your symptoms, but in reality, you may be expecting too much too soon. Try eating smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day. You might want to ask your doctor if he thinks that Carafate would help your symptoms.

What were all of your symptoms before you went to the gastro???

I am a 26 year old male, in great shape, I eat very clean (organic/non gmo) and have been having a particular symptom that's freaked me out for the last month and a half. I'm worried about ulcers so in the meantime, I've been trying homeopathic remedies in case I do have one.

I'm very afraid of doctors/exams etc...

I would also like to know what symptoms you were having exactly as I fear I may have an ulcer as well but am very against western medicine.

I'm a 26 year old male, eat VERY clean, organic, non gmo, paleo. Do dairy, no alcohol, no smoking of any kind. Trying to compare symptoms.

A small ulcer can still be causing pain, but a small hernia shouldn't. Of course I'm not a doctor!

Your alcohol and Starbucks could be irritating the ulcer!!! It's not necessary to drink alcohol to be social. You could hold some soda water if you have to have something in your hand. Starbucks is tough on my stomach without an ulcer.

Now the lower abdominal pain is different! Did you have that before? Not mentioned first on posts, not mentioned to the first doc? Stomach shouldn't cause pain there.

Xifaxan isn't supposed to be good if you have some bad bugs in gut. It takes,time to fix that, and several treatments over months or years may be needed. Have you had colonoscopy? This is not what you reported originally.