Hiatus hernia.

I've heard it said that about 30% of women in my age group have hiatus hernias. I've had 3 gastroscopies but fortunately not needed surgery. I'd advise small meals, because I begin to feel choked if I eat more than is comfortable. And keep off acidic foods which means limit the delicious strawberries available this summer!
The NHS website
www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiatus-hernia/
has all the advice you need.
And good luck - you will have lots of company on this forum.

I've had a hiatus hernia for over 30 years, it started when I was pregnant with DS2. I was told it would heal itself after the baby was born but of course it didn't. I've never been offered any treatment for it other than the suggestion I lose a bit of weight. As it only troubles me occasionally - when bending, crouching, coughing or if I eat a large meal - I have not done anything about it. Maybe one day when I'm feeling braver.

As has been said the advice is smaller meals and dont eat anything that upsets you. Some people find that high fat and highly spiced foods upset them. It may be a case of trial and error until you find what is best for you. Good Luck with the op - I hope it goes well.

Nanawind - I have had a hiatus hernia for some time now, wasn't offered any treatment but was advised to avoid fatty foods, this has worked well for me, I never have any problem at all. I hope all goes well for you.

Hi,
I have a sliding hiatus hernia.
Cooked cheese plays absolute hell with it, so I do try to avoid it, even though I love cheese.
I dont know how you are at sleeping propped up a bit, but its recommended if you get acid reflux.
I get the acid, and sometimes really bad pain in my chest/stomach too.
(Probably because I don't take much care of myself)
I haven't found anything to help with the pain, so if you do find something that helps, I'd be interested too

I’m another with hiatus hernia. Are you on any medication, Nanawind? I find sucking Rennies helps, but also take Ranitidine (eg Zantac) most days. I suck a Rennie as I’m going to sleep, and sleeping on left side helps a bit.

For me, starchy foods are the worst culprits, bread, scones, pastry, but anything I eat can cause me trouble. I’ve learnt not to eat big meals, and never eat late at night.

Bending down to pick up things, gardening etc can be a problem if you have hiatus hernia, but I find taking ranitidine about 1/2 hour before I start going out to weed, prevents me getting the acid reflux.

Get your bedhead propped up on two breeze blocks(8 inches) or specially made wooden equivalent. Settle to sleep initially on your left side. Don't eat for three hours before you go to bed.. Small frequent meals.

Ditto everything already mentioned. Had a hiatus hernia for many years, sleep on 4 or 5 pillows and on my left side when possible.
I stopped Lansoprazole as it was no more effective than Gaviscon which I take at bedtime.
Avoid tight clothing around your middle and take care bending.

Harrigran, I think that a lot of pillows may give you a stiff neck. Better to use bed blocks to make the entire sleeper lie at a healthy angle.

My sister has a large Hiatus Hernia,i am surprised she hasnt been offered an operation, but it is quite painful sometimes when she needs to bend

My doctor has said I could have a sliding hiatus hernia. Story too long to go on here but don’t get acid but severe pain on the left side front and back like a stitch and cramp. Definitely trapped air. Over the last three years I cut out every single food that could trigger it I’ve had endoscopy CAT scan MRI ultrasound everything tested and it’s negative. Every Sort of food seems to trigger it and definitely bending down or standing. The only thing that eases the pain is lying down flat. It’s a mystery! I have it for about two or three months and then it goes off. I’ve tried four different kinds of PPIs. Can’t work out whether they help or not good wishes to everyone all the messages really help.

I've been diagnosed with a hiatus hernia. 7cms sliding scale. Is there anyone who can give me advice how to cope when it's at its most painful. I've stopped all the usual foods that aggrevate hiatus hernia's. But I'm still getting attacks of it every couple of weeks. I am taking omeprazole 1x 40g daily and take gaviscon when it flares up. I would be grateful of any tips from anyone out there who also suffers.

Alexa

Get your bedhead propped up on two breeze blocks(8 inches) or specially made wooden equivalent. Settle to sleep initially on your left side. Don't eat for three hours before you go to bed.. Small frequent meals.

Hi, I've been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and just had surgery to repair a shattered right femur. Ever since I've had nausea when sitting. When I lay flat on my back it goes away and I feel better standing which I'm not supposed to put any weight on my right leg for 6 weeks. Also bending over makes it worse. I had this happen after surgery before and it took a while to go away. Has anyone else had this after surgery?

Since posting this., I have had an awful episode. Quite painful for a few days, spoke to my doctor, he said carry on with what I'm doing diet wise and exercise and take my omeprazole daily. It has eased off but can't think what I ate or done wrong. So I shall be returning to my doctor again if it happens severely like that again. I have an electric bed which highers the top, but usually end up sliding down, will try and sort that out as well. Thank you for your help