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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:20 am
by fischee
Does anyone know if an haital hernia can be "cured" without surgery? Also, if you have had surgery, how was the recovery and has it been worth it for you?
Thanks in advance for your response!
Emily
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 4:00 am
by Nole
I have one, I dont think it can be cured but it can be managed. Stick to a diet for those who suffer from GERD. Do not lift heavy things, avoid overeating.
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 4:51 am
by pecos
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:13 am
by fischee
What an informative website, Pecos- Thanks! I'm going in for a scope tomorrow and already predict that surgery will be recommended (taking 40 mgs. nexium 2x daily with little relief). My health is not yet at 100%, and I know surgery will be VERY trying. I also begin school in fewer than three weeks and really don't want to start with the burden of feeling crummy.
I've decided to have the scope to ensure no pre-cancerous cells, continue seeing my acupressurist because he is working to improve my posture (which perhaps will help in keeping the "flap" closed), keep my appointment with a naturopathic dr. in hopes that herbal/supplemental therapy will strengthen my tolerance for physical stress, and after the first of the year schedule surgery if necessary.
<span class="ev_code_RED">Any thoughts???</span> I have a friend who developed a haital hernia during pregnancy, but shortly after giving birth the pressure was gone as was her hernia (?).
Emily
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:02 pm
by MichiganMom
there is a ton of natural help for hiatal hernia. It's from stress, obviously. The stomach moves into a more vertical position rather than horizontal. There are many people that have overcome hiatal hernia. It takes digestive enzymes, watching your diet, using natural substances that pull out inflammation and also, there is a manipulation that pull it down. You can work on it yourself but it helps to have a skilled practitioner pull it down for you. I've taken many courses from Steven Horne..he taught me how to do it and I've passed it onto many....but it's challenging to describe how you do it without visually showing you. FEED the stomach what it needs and it will relax and move down - meaning the proper nutrition and supplementation for the stomach as well as feeding your nervous system so your stomach doesn't respond so negatively to your inner stress. When I'm particularly anxious my stomach tries to move up and I can tell....so I just push it back down and say "don't even think about it." Blessings to you
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:07 pm
by MichiganMom
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:41 pm
by sunset34
Hi Emily!
I have a hiatal hernia! Also had a scope to verify an ulcer on my esophogus. Taking Nexium (40mg per day) and had another scope to verify it has healed! Now my doc is telling me to cut my nexium(generic form) in half and if this works well, to then take every other day. My doc knows I really don't like taking meds and want to do all I can to avoid taking large amounts and/or surgical proceedures.
He has told me to cut back on foods that cause your sphincter muscle to relax such as chocolate, alcohol, tomato based foods, onions, peppermint and citrus. He said that losing weight helps a great deal and said that even some people stop their episodes of GERD all-together.
Once you have a hiatal hernia you always have one. There is no cure except to avoid things that cause the muscle to be lax.
Hernias can be caused from pregnancy, lifting heavy objects, alot of bending over as well as prescription drugs like birth control pills can also contribute.
Also, below you find a link to some really good professional pre-op videos!
<A HREF="
http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?u ... tal+hernia" TARGET=_blank>Pre-Op.Com</A>
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:57 pm
by fischee
Thanks MichiganMom (and all<span class="ev_code_RED">;*)</span>) for the suggestions and advice. I had my scope today and was told my stomach is not digesting food in a timely manner, causing excess acid, and pushing the flap open (hatial hernia). REALLY??? How suprising considering I was initially put on nexium to suppress the excess production of acid, thus making the entire process of digestion slower. *The formal name for this is gastroparesis.* Has anyone else been diagnosed with this, and how are you treating it?
AARG!
So, I was told to decrease the nexium to once daily (previously 2x daily) and given a script for Reglan to "stimulate" the stomach muscles. After looking this Rx up on the Mayo Clinic website, seeing the adverse effects, and learning it is only to be taken for 6-8 weeks max.- I DID NOT have the prescription filled. -seems like a band aid to me.
The long and the short... I'm going to see an N.D. on Tuesday and will ask about natural alternatives. As I've expressed before, I do take probiotics (sp?) and see an acupressurist weekly- during this last session he did begin physically "moving" my stomach down and readjusting my breastbone, as it has started to turn from poor posture.
I haven't had a chance to look at the site you posted, MM- I'm going to walk my dog (need to get out of the house after arguing w/ husband over the whole med thing- evidently, I'm not a doctor... I guess living with my body for the past 35 years means zip!). When (and IF) I come home, I'll check out the site.
Once again, thanks!
Emily (AKA "Dr. Fischer" *snarky smirk*)
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:22 pm
by fischee
EXCELLENT site, M.M.- I printed it out and will take it along to my appt. Tuesday. Did you look at this one, sunset? I think my post must have crossed with yours, because I didn't get a chance to read yours until just now. It's 2:20 am my time, and this lady needs her zzz's, so I'll def. check this out tomorrow- Thank-you!
Emily
Praise God your ulcer healed! ;*)