Hiatal Hernia Support Group

Hello
I wanted to take a moment to say "thank you" to those of you who communicated with me and shared your experiences these last several months. As you know (from my original post), I was horrified at the thought of having surgery, and at the same time could find no relief for my symptoms. After much research including numerous doctor's visits, second opinions, chiropractors, natural supplements, and life style changes, I could not alleviate the symptoms and decided to have the surgery.

On 10/26 I had the Toupet Fundoplication, which is a partial wrap (270 degrees). The hiatal hernia was also repaired. At this point (2 weeks later), I am eating soft foods and getting better but, I have a long way to go. The gas bloat is an issue, but I am hopeful it will subside over the next several weeks. Only time will tell if I made the right decision.

Take care, and best of luck.

Ishmael

Hi Ishmael

I replied ages ago but I se now it never appeared. Great that it is all over. hope you are well.

Which doctor was right/ I guess you did have a hernia. Makes you feel like going back to see that other one and tell him he was wrong!u

Thank you, Shantarn. The surgeon who did not originally detect the hernia (using the Barium Swallow) eventually performed an Endoscopy and did find the hernia. Since he recommended the partial wrap (Toupet), I decided to go with him. The first surgeon would only perform the full wrap (Nissen) which I felt was too much for my condition.

Thanks again for responding and for your kind words. I hope you find good health with your home remedies and natural supplements. It is the best way to go if you can make it work.

Ishmael

I wonder why the Barium meal didn't detect it.

How are you feeling generally now? Still on liquids?

I am doing realy well, thank heavens. For a while there I was wondering how I could live a life with constant pain, nausea, vomiting, discomfort an hardly being able to eat anything. Couldn't even bend down to pick up something from the floor.

Now I vitually have no symptoms although I am aware it is still there.

I think 3 things have helped. 1) Kinesiologist checked every single food and drink I ever have and told me what my body was no comfortable with - not allergic - but just didn't sit well with it. I stopped everything on that list that was making my body work at digesting it - and I was strict with it.
Then I went to a therapist who has a machine called Physiospect. That was amazing. It detects any problem areas in the body on a cellular level and goes a long way to correcting them. I had about 12 sessions. Fascinating to watch it working on the computer. It has great writeups on internet. I went becuase I knew someone who had been cured of something drastic.
Making sure I handle any stress that arises, instantly. I am sure the Hernia was caused by a severe bout of stress I had that was really unusual for me. Now if I feel the slightest fear arise, I sit quietly and meditate until its gone and I am at peace.

The only reason I am aware the hernis is still there - is, now that my body has been free of all products it doesn't handle well, it is really fine tuned- so I very aware when I have something not ruight. A tiny bit of cows milk produces an instant feeling of discomfort in the hernia area. I am convinced now that food id a major factor.
It is great to be able to travel again. I just came back from 2 weeks in Japan - no problems whatsoever. I was very careful with the food and ate very little of anything and checked content of everything. No chemicals. I usually eat organic anyway.
It seems to be working for me.
I am sure you will be fine and will be delighted to live without all that pain and hassle. it will be great for you. You deserve some relief.

Shantarn,
I am so glad you are doing much better, and you now have your symptoms under control. Regarding the Barium Swallow, I was told that it does not always detect a "sliding" hernia. If the hernia is not sliding at the time of the test, it will not pick it up. This is why the Endoscopy is the best method to use. This is the third week since surgery and I am eating some solid foods. The biggest adjustment so far is "portion control". I cannot consume as much food (at one time) like I did before surgery.

I can imagine your trip to Japan was a wonderful experience. I bet you had a good time. Prior to my retirement in January, my wife and I had planned to travel around the U.S. in our convertible. We traveled down the eastern seaboard to Key West, Florida and through the Everglades (over 3000 miles). Shortly after we returned, I became ill which put a damper on our plans. I am hoping to get better so we can start traveling again this spring.

I appreciate your friendship over these past several months, and hope you continue to have good health. You are welcome to contact me anytime. If you would like my e-mail address, let me know. If not, you can contact me through this web site. Your trip to Japan sounds like an interesting experience.

Take care,
Ishmael

Spring will see you adventure bound, I am sure. Just a slight hiccup in one's life. Moving forward to fun and joy the way to go.

Japan was amazing. What a culture. It was wonderful to see how people should treat each other. They have total respect for all - kids, old people, tourists, all are treated with a quiet voice, dignity, bows and a smile. I learnt a lot from their grace, beauty, efficieny, cleanliness, and never 'passing the buck'.