Anyone have experience with hiatal hernias?

[kimwim8]

Well, I haven't been diagnosed by my doctor yet, but I'm thinking I might have a hiatal hernia. I was in the ER on Friday with chest pains. All heart & lung tests came back perfectly normal. They sent me home with a prescription for acid reflux meds. I am a normally healthy person, and those chest pains have me really scared.

My dad has a hiatal hernia, and thinks that might be my issue too. I just did a little online research and the chest pains seem to be a symptom.

I will be calling my primary doctor first thing Tuesday morning, but thought maybe some of you guys might have some experience or knowledge of hiatal hernias that you could share.

I appreciate any info...

 

[Simba's Mom]

I had a hiatal hernia once. It was diagnosed by a gastroscopy. After a month or two, it went away by itself so I guess mine was never too serious

 

[snels]

Hi,
I don't know much about the topic, but it is a common ailment. I am sure you will get lots of replies. Good luck.

 

[Jennifer48]

I was diagnosted with a hiatal hernia about a year ago. I was working the overnights (10pm-6am) which didn't help. I was very scared when the chest pains began and had to go through many tests. I had an upper GI done and that is how they diagnosed it. The tech there said it was her THIRD one that day! So now, I have to stay away from fried foods and I'm on acid reflux meds that I take twice a day. Not fun, but I guess it could be worse. If I take my meds I'm ok. I went away one weekend with my DBF and forgot my meds and felt horrible the whole time.

My doctor said that for some people it does get better with time but for some, it can get worse and they need surgery to repair that GI tract. Not sure which road I'm headed.

 

[Christine]

From what I've read, hiatial hernias are not the biggest cause of acid reflux. It seems that most people who do have hiatal hernias have no symptoms. However, you can have a hiatal hernia that gives you symptoms. You can also have acid reflux without hiatal hernia (I do).

 

[NikiM20]

My MIL has one and these are a few things i remember. She had to raise the head of her bed so she wasnt laying flat and she also cant lay down for 2 hrs after she eats and she cant eat past 7 pm
Hope this helps

 

[kimwim8]

Thank you so much for posting! I'm anxious to get to the doctor to see how he wants to proceed. Thanks again!!