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Hiatal hernia

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Posted 7/18/2017 10:44 AM (GMT -5)
My first hiatal hernia "attack" happened when I was 21. I'm now 68, & though over the years I did a pretty good job of containing problems with it, it has finally gotten out of control.

My recent EGD showed that it is 7 cm and that (according to the gastro's nurse) I have inflammation/gastritis. When I asked how bad the inflammation was, she said the gastroenterologist thinks my problems stem from my hernia.

I'm in the process of getting a referral to a surgeon for a consult.

I've been lurking here for some time and reading about the nissen fundo surgery that sometimes accompanies the hiatal hernia surgery. As you can all imagine, I'm praying that a simple hiatal hernia repair will take care of my problem.

47 years of dealing with this hernia is long enough but I would dread the problems/after effects that come with the nissen procedure.

Opinions? Advice?
Posted 7/18/2017 3:24 PM (GMT -5)
Hi, I don't blame you for being worried about the after effects after so many years of dealing with the hernia. For me the advantages of being reflux-free outweigh the after effects of the surgery— I'm so happy to be able to lie down at night that I'm prepared to put up with anything really. The operation itself isn't very painful, but eating is tricky and can be uncomfortable. It's also difficult to bend over or lift things for about six weeks, so you do need to take things easy. My surgeon said it's very rare for the surgery to be unsuccessful.

Best of luck making your decision.
Posted 7/18/2017 4:38 PM (GMT -5)
From my understanding, the wrap accompanies the hernia repair to reinforce the area and lowers the risk of another hernia. It's been very successful for me and I'm glad I had it done. I dealt with a hernia for 12+ years prior to my surgery 02/21 this year.

Find the best, most experienced surgeon you can and grill them with all your questions and concerns.
Posted 7/18/2017 6:47 PM (GMT -5)
Singersarah, I've spent my entire adult life worrying about lifting things. Last week I babysat my 1 1/2 year old grandson who wasn't feeling well & the little guy kept reaching up for me to pick him up & boy am I paying for it. It's the eating I'm worried about.

Celerity-dad, your explanation for the wrap makes a lot of sense. I've done my homework in terms of finding the best surgeon for this type surgery & I do plan to grill him. I'm going in with a long list of questions and concerns. I'm so glad to hear that your procedure was successful & that you're happy you had it done.

Honestly, I'm so used to dealing with this d**n hernia that I might just be surprised at what life is like without it, even with eating problems afterwards.
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