Small hiatal hernia and diverticulosis

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-18-2003
Small hiatal hernia and diverticulosis
3
Tue, 07-10-2007 - 1:48pm

I just posted this I think in the wrong place , under bowel disorder. sorry for the repeat..

Hi,
I am new to this board. I just had a routine screening : virtual colonoscopy (our dr. suggests this to his over 50 patients). Had no polyps, etc, thankfully. But when they do this particular test they see a lot of other organs : pancreas, gall bladder, small intestine, kidneys, everything in the pelvic/abdominal region; also a bit of the lungs. Anyway, a small hiatal hernia was mentioned and minimal diverticulosis. The dr. told me for the latter, have more fiber and be sure to drink more liquids with the increased fiber. For the hiatal hernia he said it is small , that I may have been born with it, and over 60 percent over 50 have one and most do not know they have one. He said in 75 percent of the cases nothing needs to be done and over the counter meds or meds prescribed will help if there is any symptoms. So in other words it is treated by symptoms.

I have had indigestion very rarely. I am 53 and I can count on 2 hands the times I have had to take anything for any indigestion issues. I am in perimenopause and gastric stuff is common with it. I do find at times that if I have a heavy meal then at night it will "lay heavy" on me , only way I can describe it...like near my sternum. Now I am thinking this is the "small hiatal hernia".

What symptoms should I be looking for with it ? and also those of you who have one, do symptoms occur right after eating or a couple hours? What do you find helps with symptoms? I have only ever taken Pepcid AC when I have had any indigestion in the past and as I said that is rare. Those of you that have a small hiatal hernia...do you take anything daily? SOrry for all the questions but with being in perimenopause at the moment I get extremely anxious about every little health issue. The dr. told me it is really nothing to worry about unless it causes severe symptoms and was bigger. But I am still anxious about it which I am sure does not help as I think that probably could aggravate things.

Thanks for reading and for any input any of you might have that have a small hiatal hernia.

rmc

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Tue, 07-10-2007 - 4:01pm

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I think as we get older, we begin to pay more attention to our bodies, so your added concern is understandable.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-06-2007
Tue, 07-24-2007 - 12:42pm

There is nothing to worry about. The more people that you talk to about Hiatal Hernia's, the more people you will find have them. I am 36 and found out this past year that I have one. I found out through a screening of my gallbladder. Mine was causing me severe chest pains and I thought that I was having a heart attack. It would stress me out so bad that I would break into a cold sweat and start to hyperventalate (sp?). My doctor prescribed anti-anxiety medication. I have never taken it because the thought of it scares me.

I have learned how to control my Hiatal Hernia. First of all, I have GERD and take precription Prilosec. That helps to control my acid reflux. But learning what to eat and how much to eat helps. I have learned to take smaller bites, chew my food more and not to eat so much in one sitting. If I get the fullness feeling, I get up and walk around. Sometimes I will walk around with my arms raised above my head. Sitting or laying down makes it worse. If I get the fullness and palpatations in my chest, it usually takes about 30 minutes to pass. Things like Grilled Chicken and bread are triggers for me. But like I mentioned, small bites and small portions are key. Antiacids don't really help. If your symptoms are not frequent, I wouldn't suggest taking anything. I hope this helps. It can be scary when an episode happens, but know that it will pass. Good Luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Tue, 07-24-2007 - 3:11pm

Thanks for sharing what has helped you.


I think we all feel better knowing that we aren't alone with whatever health issues we have and getting some 'tried and worked' symptom relievers is an added bonus!

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