PPIs and other modifications have not always helped my GERD. In the past year or so it has gotten much worse. My hiatal hernia developed into a paraesophageal type. about
2/3 of my stomach is folded onto itself in my chest. My esophagus looks a bit like a series of S curves and I have motility issues.The anatomy was confirmed by barium swallow as an endoscopy really can't measure sideways. At this point, doctors (I've gotten a few opinions) say that surgery to correct the hernia is important as my type of hernia can become strangulated and that becomes a serious medical emergency.
I'm relating this because my inclination was to just live with the symptoms despite doing everything on the list of lifestyle changes. I think It's important to know your anatomical situation. In my case, surgery is warranted to correct the anatomical defects with helping the GERD as a secondary benefit.
Post Edited (Susan G) : 12/29/2017 10:12:15 AM (GMT-7)