Living with a digestive disorder isn't easy. Those of us who have to know that fact all too well. There is lots of information published that will tell us what heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernias, and peptic ulcers are. That information will also tell us what the symptoms of heartburn, GERD, hiatal hernias and peptic ulcers are. What the books don't tell us, or at least don't usually include very many, are the personal stories. You may want to know how to eat out without heartburn, how to sleep at night without heartburn keeping you awake all night, or how to deal with family members who just don't "get it."
Here's your chance to help others learn about digestive disorders.
I had major hiatal hernia repair surgery back in March and am now having difficulty with food digesting properly. The doctors said that my vagus nerve may have been damaged during the surgery, but are not entirely sure. I knew there were risks with the surgery, but I never counted on this. I have not had a good night’s sleep but once every three days or so and can always taste the food I’ve eaten even after 8-9 hours after a meal…..not great!
I would just suggest that anyone who undergoes hiatal hernia repair understand that there can be lasting effects even if the hernia is fixed. Hopefully I can have some relief with Reglan (which is what is being considered) and won’t have to have any more esophageal dilations (I’ve had 9 of them since March to keep my esophagus open completely).