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Hiatus Hernia

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 7/31/2013 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I am a 42 year old male and I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia and barratts oesophagus when I was 26 (16 years ago).
I was put on Losec medication (10mg) and happily took them until the age of 41.
During that period, I had taken them as and when required.
Symptoms got a little worse when I was 41 and changed my medication to omeprazole then to Lansoprazole (30mg).
Again, I took them as and when required.
Then during the Xmas period of 2012, I started suffering with constant diarrhea and sickness with sulphur burps.
This has been ongoing for 5 months, but recently changed my meds again to ranitidine (150mg), and symptoms seem to be nearly gone.
Only problem is I now have a constant acidity, due to the effectiveness of the not so strong medication.
During these 5 months I have had many many tests, with the results now that my barratts has gone, due to medication doing its job and they say that it is a hole at my valve rather than a hiatus hernia ??
I have a pre op tomorrow for a laparoscopic fundoplication, but unsure of whether I should go ahead with the actual op.
It seems that the stronger tablets may be causing diarrhea, and an op may or may not sort this out.
My doctor and even the consultant seem unsure of whether I should go ahead with op, and i feel the general feelings towards it are negative.
I really do not know what to do, but will my hole get weaker as I get older, will taking tablets effect me as I get older.
I would really appreciate any valuable input to my dilemma.
Kind Regards
Wayne
Posted 7/31/2013 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Wayne,

So sorry to hear of your troubles. Did they do a barium swallow to double check that it's not a hernia? I would think if you have a hole at the valve it's not going to get any better until they perform surgery and get rid of your reflux - I presume it's the reflux that has caused the hole? Have they offered any alternatives to you if you don't have the surgery? And what surgery are they talking about is it the Nissen?

If they are worried that the Nissen is not going to cure the problem, have they suggested the Linx or the Endostim as an alternatives and have they suggested a way to repair the hole such as with pigs bowel, which is commonly used in the UK?

I would suggest that at this stage that if your consultants are not sure - that you need to get a lot more information before you make such a huge decision. May I also suggest that you ask some of the moderators on this forum for their opinions as they have been through major surgeries.

Another way I find out information - is to Google the top specialists in the field and ask them a few questions and ask for some advice - you would be pleasantly surprised that a few will actually email you back with information - it's worth a try.

I wish you all the best and do keep us informed of how you get on!
Posted 7/31/2013 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks GC1pink,

I believe they are going to carry out some sort of wrap.
I have no idea what a Nissan, Linux or endostim are, but will be asking the question tomorrow.
The doctor wants me to keep on with medication rather than op, which I would do, as long as my diarrhea stops.
But my other concerns are whether long term tablets will effect me in other ways.
I have been taking them for 16 years now, I don't smoke, hardly drink and pretty much look after myself.
I would love to be able to go out for a spicy curry, session on the beer and have no acid, but unfortunately it can't be, so you have to adapt and cope as best you can.
I will post once I have seen my consultant.

Cheers
Wayne
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