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Can a hiatal hernia be prsent even if it is not seen on the first EGD?

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Barnacle
New Member
Joined : May 2009
Posts : 3
Posted 7/17/2009 3:48 PM (GMT -7)
Long story short... I have been, and still am dealing with some acid reflux related issues. Medications do the job of eliminating the acid...if I skip a Nexium I can instantly tell there's acid and as long as I take it I don't get the burning sensation in my throat.

One of the things I have noticed is that what I eat does matter to a small degree, but that if I eat ANY food or even drink water in a large enough quantity (and that's not to say a very large quantity at all, I have been eating small meals etc.) Some of my "symptoms" come up (including lightheadedness, tightness in throat etc.) but I never really feel any acid or burning pain per se. after having many tests (gastric empyting normal, laryngoscope no irritation, CT scan of neck normal) it seems apparent that it isn't acid that is causing my problems however the problem is undoubtedly linked to meals and eating.

The thing is, I had an endoscopy and was told everything looked "normal" and there was no hiatal hernia. However I can only assume at this point that there is some mechanical dysfunction going on with my upper GI that is causing me distress where maybe circulation is being impaired since apparently there is no tissue damage being done.

So I guess my question is 2 parts:

1) I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar experience, where their acid seemed to be completely under control and yet eating anything but a very small meal would cause them lightheadedness/weakness and/or sinus/ear pressure headaches.

2) Has anyone had a hiatal hernia (or other abnormality) missed by an endoscopy and then found later?

And yes, I sleep with the head of my bed elevated 6 inches, I'm not very stressed out, I'm eating small low-fat meals without any irritants and basically following every possible recommended lifestyle change to the letter of the law sad
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beareilly
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2009
Posts : 553
Posted 7/17/2009 4:41 PM (GMT -7)
Hello Bea here,

 I had 3 endocopes that didnt show my hitial hernia. Dont ask me how or why but when i went into the o.R for my nissan surgery may 7th, the surgeon told my hubby I had a hiatial hernia. I gather it was hiding from the scopes but not the scalpel??  I am so much better now. I have the greatest quality of life going on now. I pray I have longevity with it.

Take care and if u need my help, send an email o me or holler

Bea

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dencha
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2009
Posts : 7256
Posted 7/18/2009 6:34 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Barnacle,
I had an endoscopy, and a hiatal hernia was never mentioned when I was given the results. The hernia was discovered when I did the barium swallow test. My family doctor was confident that I was getting a lot of "silent GERD" that I wasn't aware of. I did get periodic severe heartburn episodes (even on 40mg Protonix twice a day). My overriding symptom, though, was severe asthma, which was greatly improved after the Nissen Fundopication surgery.

I sure hope you get to the bottom of your problem. As Bea said, your quality of life can be greatly improved with the surgery, regardless of all the hysterical and unhappy posts you might read on the net. Selecting an eminently qualified (in the specific lap nissen surgery) is the most important thing.

Best of luck, and I'm glad you're posting here. There are lots of people who have experienced your symptoms, so you should get lots of support and advice.
Take care,
Denise
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stkitt
Elite Member
Joined : Apr 2007
Posts : 32602
Posted 7/18/2009 9:28 AM (GMT -7)

Barnacle,

Hello and welcome to HealingWell and the GERD/Heartbrun Forum.

A sliding hiatal hernia is a smaller one and can be missed. Your stomach may slide partially up into your chest from time to time and cause you pain, and pressure as well as swallowing difficulties and reflux.

I know you posted you have little stress in your life but the issues with GERD may be causing you to be more anxious then you realize.  Lightheadedness and tightness in throat can also be sx of anxiety. Just my 2 cents worth for today.

Again welcome aboard.

Kitt


 

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dbnye
New Member
Joined : Jun 2009
Posts : 4
Posted 7/20/2009 5:35 AM (GMT -7)
Hi.

I had two egd's which did not show hiatal hernia however when I had barium swallow test it shows I have a a hiatal hernia.

Hope things go well for you. Best of luck

Bethann

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Beatrix
New Member
Joined : Jan 2014
Posts : 1
Posted Yesterday 4:43 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Barnacle,
I know that this is a very old post, but I wanted to know if you have found a resolution to your stomach problems. I am having some similar problems that have been linked to eating. It's become so bad I have a lot of anxiety about eating because of how bad I feel afterwards. Please let me know if you found a resolution!

thanks
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DoDo1975
New Member
Joined : Oct 2014
Posts : 1
Posted 10/18/2014 9:54 AM (GMT -7)
I am also interested as I have suffered similar symptoms daily for 17 years without any relief.

The lightheadedness is the part that doesn't seem to make sense.

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ninjakiller1
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2014
Posts : 208
Posted 10/20/2014 3:26 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Beatrix,

can you help me with your problem, so I can try help you.


Have they told you that you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease? Yes or NO

Did they confirm you that you have hernia hiatus as when you had done a Endoscopy!?

Have you done 24 hours ph monitoring test? If Yes than: do you have a Low Stomach Acid?

Have you had H.pylori or been tested yet?


Please tell me all your symtoms
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electracat
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2009
Posts : 128
Posted 10/20/2014 4:02 PM (GMT -7)
I also have some lightheadedness and general unwell feeling when I reflux.

Just saw an ENT who was so uninformed, it was scary. I will post more about that.
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Lisa_D
New Member
Joined : Jul 2020
Posts : 1
Posted 7/2/2020 1:53 PM (GMT -7)
I know this is an old post but I am in the same boat and getting desperate. Have acid so bad my throat is always burning. Had CT scan, xrays and endoscopy done and all came back normal. Doc doesn't think it's a hiatal hernia but all my symptoms point to it and no PPIs are working.
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Alcie
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2009
Posts : 5153
Posted 7/3/2020 5:43 AM (GMT -7)
Read the old posts in this thread. Scopes and scans often miss a sliding hernia that pops up after eating. You are told not to eat before the test. If you swallow barium a scan should pick a slider up. or ask for pH monitoring.

See a gastroenterologist or an ENT who specializes or at least has a lot of experience in these hernias.
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SharonZ
Forum Moderator
Joined : Mar 2014
Posts : 2319
Posted 7/5/2020 11:45 AM (GMT -7)
Alcie is correct, see a gastro or ENT doctor.

Sharon
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BeckyS
New Member
Joined : Oct 2020
Posts : 1
Posted 10/4/2020 9:36 PM (GMT -7)
I have never heard of an ENT treating a hiatal hernia. ENTs treat eats, nose and throat, not digestion issues. I have had relflex for 20+ years. My first Nissan was done about 22 years ago. It slipped around 12 years ago and I ended up with a huge paraesophageal hernia and had to have the Nissan redone. The only test that showed the actual size of the hernia was an upper GI, the endoscopy did not even show it.
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Alcie
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2009
Posts : 5153
Posted 10/5/2020 1:50 PM (GMT -7)
Yes, Becky, ENTs do often treat these issues. Look up in the archives - the search box at the top of the page. Lots of great information there.
I agree that hernias often get missed on endoscopy. It may depend on whether the hernia is a stomach stuck up there or just pops up after eating.
I still say if you have a stomach issue see your local GI doc.
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SharonZ
Forum Moderator
Joined : Mar 2014
Posts : 2319
Posted 10/6/2020 3:33 AM (GMT -7)
I agree with Alcie, please see a gastro doctor.

Sharon
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BrianaSara
New Member
Joined : Nov 2020
Posts : 1
Posted 11/6/2020 7:32 PM (GMT -7)
Actually I see an ENT and a GI doc for my reflux because the acid is causing damage to my throat. The ent found it on a scope that went up my nose and down my throat. So yes, seeing an ENT is appropriate for GERD as well, depending on what it is causing.
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