What is Hiatal Hernia

Hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia is the protrusion (or hernia) of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. The symptoms include acid...

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Discussion:
Difficulty Swallowing With Hiatal Hernia
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I was diagnosed with a Hiatal Hernia in 2006. Had and endoscopy and esophagus stretch. I had severe bloating after eating and after the first 6 months to a year watching my diet and taking DGL Licorice tabs for the bloated feeling after eating i was eating normal meals again and leading a normal life. Now in October 2009 around the 6th I started having difficulty swallowing. I would chew my food as usual and swallow but sometimes a small part that wasn't swallowed with the first swallow would start to get stuck before trying to swallow again. Kind of scary when it happens. I have been on a soft and pureed food diet for a week now. I can swallow the soft foods just fine but still with a bit of anxiety and lack of confidence for fear of choking. I've not actually choked. I just clear my throat when it happens and swallow again. I went to my primary care doctor and he somewhat confirmed by drinking ice cold drinks all the time has made my throat and esophagus swollen. I have an appointment the 27th with the Gastroentologist to set up a date for another Endoscopy. Has anyone else experienced this from their Hital Hernia? Any help and advice would be much appreciated.
Thank You,
Steven
Posted on 10/11/09, 04:10 pm
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Reply #1 - 10/18/09  1:36am
" I get an endo every three years. I have acid reflux and always being checked out to make sure I am not developing Barrets or cancer.

Sometimes the feeling of a lump in your throat or not being able to swallow is from acid reflux aka GERD. Do you get heartburn?

I would read about GERD or acid reflux and see if that might relate to your conditions,. Good luck "
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Reply #2 - 10/19/09  5:14pm
" I rarely get heartburn. With my recent problem though I would get it real bad but it only happend 2 or 3 times. I had my EGD and Esophagus dilation done on October 14th. 5 Days later I am starting to slowly eat some solid foods again. 1 day at a time. "
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Reply #3 - 10/19/09  6:32pm
" I gain a lot of weight in the last 2 years while caring for a hospitalized family member. Soon I began experiencing digestive problems -- but the most concerning was difficulty swallowing.

Certain foods - thin slices of melon or wet lettuce leaves would seem to get stuck and couldn't go up or down. I, too, was afraid of choking.

After endo, the doc said I have a hiatal hernia and the symptoms will decrease when I lose weight - but the hernia isn't going anywhere no matter what I do.

He has had me taking protoprazole (protonix) for a few months now and I have very little problem - only occasional swallowing difficulty.

Here's what I think: I used to consume huge quantities of carbonated beverages. Usually 6-8 24 oz bottles PER DAY. A friend pointed out to me that that stuff will remove floorwax and is probably eroding my esophagus and stomach. Finally I quit that.

I think that whatever the carbonated beverages did will take a long time to heal. I've only been off them for 8 mos.

You mentioned cold drinks -- are they carbonated? "
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Reply #4 - 10/20/09  11:06am
" I was drinking ice cold carbonated beverages, about 1 every other day and daily ice cold fruit juices and ice cold water and popsicles one after the other daily. I have been taking Aciphex for about 2 weeks now and my heartburn is pretty much non-existent. I go see the doctor on November 2nd for my EGD results. The nurse on the day of my EGD said I have Esophagitis. The picture shows red inflamation, to me it doesn't look too bad. I will need to ask about the Hiatal Hernia he diagnosed me with 3 years ago. The hernia from what I have read can only be taken care of with surgery in severe cases. No more cold drinks for me.
Thanks,
Steven "
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Reply #5 - 10/21/09  2:43pm
" SimplyHuman, how long did it take for normall swallowing to return?
Thanks,
Steven "
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Reply #6 - 10/22/09  10:48pm
" it is common for that to happen the larger the hiatal or the location can cause lots of problems...even after surgery you will have that problem...if you can switch your diet to a soft diet that is great..eventually your mind will get over the fear of choking..hang in there... "
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Reply #7 - 11/04/09  2:36pm
" Hello all. I had my EGD and Esophagus dilation Oct. 14th 2009. Diagnosed with Esophagitis. There was a big red ring around the Esophagus where it was burned up. And of course the Hiatal Hernia is still there. 3 weeks later and doing better with my swallowing. No more heartburn, sleeping fine as usual. I am trying more solid foods each week. But most of my diet still consists of pureed foods, baby food and milk shakes. My doctor has me on Aciphex twice a day and I take Gaviscon liquid as needed and at bed time. He said it would be a couple of months to return to normal swallowing of food. All is healing and recovering nicely. I am so happy with my progress. Thank you to all that have replied and all the best to you all.
Steven "

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