Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernia

[manleygirl 1]

I have underwent 3 esophageal/stomach surgeries in the last 2 years due to Achalasia, a disorder of the esophagus. In my last 2 operations, I was noted to have large hiatal hernias. Just 6 months ago I had a hernia repair with mesh reinforcement, but just 3 months after I was noted to have a recurrence despite the extra reinforcement that was used. We have discovered this is partly due to a spastic diaphragm. In one week, my surgeons will be redoing the repair, but with adding a bypass to reduce the risk of a repeat recurrence. I have a lower BMI of 27. Has anyone else had a similar procedure?

[toodlerue 432]

I had A Fundolipaction 12 years ago to repair a Hiatal hernia. It came undone & forced my esophagus into an L shape & 1/2 of my stomach was above my diaphragm. I had a bypass 2 months ago. My BMI is in the 30’s. My dr made my stomach a little bigger & didn’t bring as much of my intestines up.

He isn’t a Bariatric Dr. He’s a Thorasic/Esophagus dr.

[TexanGal 12]

I have Barrett's Esophagus with dysplasia so I had an ablation of the pre-cancer cells in an EGD scope. My gastroenterologist and PCP and surgeon all said the best way to prevent it from recurring was with a partial gastrectomy (basically a RNY/GB). I also have a BMI in the lower 30s so only qualified for insurance b/c it was a way to prevent Barrett's and the risk of cancer. My surgery is on Wednesday (Aug. 1) and my surgeon is a bariatric surgeon. I also have a hiatal hernia, but it's smaller. They will repair that with my GB. Good luck!

[Missouri-Lee's Summit 1,256]

@manleygirl I can't begin to imagine how much you have suffered. I wasn't familiar with the signs and symptoms of esophageal achalasia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophageal_achalasia,

but after reading about it, I have nothing but empathy for what you've gone through --- and continue to go through. How unfortunate that your hiatal hernia repairs didn't hold, but at least a reason (spastic diaphragm) was put forth as to why. (I had an umbilical hernia repair done with a mesh.) According to an online BMI chart, my guess is that your weight is around 167lbs. In your case, a bypass appears to be necessary for reasons much different from most rest of us. NO MATTER!! You'll still be one of us. We welcome you. We're here for you. Vent. Visit. Vomit. (Just kidding about vomit. I couldn't come up with a better V verb. ) Anyway, @manleygirl You belong here. We want you here. You found the right place. Kindly let us know what's happening closer to and after your surgery.

I saw on your profile page that your surgery is scheduled for August 6, 2018. After all the surgeries you've endured, how are you feeling about this one? I'm guessing that the bypass won't "cure" your achalasia, but it might help with many of the worst symptoms. I hope your ability to swallow becomes easier after the bypass. I read that that's not always the case, even after treatment. Let's hope that you'll be the exception.

How old are you, if I may ask?

I know that you hoped for a response from someone who has gone through procedures similar to yours, so I hope you're not too disappointed to hear from someone like me instead. Still, we will be bypass buddies soon enough!

Edited July 30, 2018 by Missouri-Lee's Summit

[Frustr8 7,886]

2 more" v", verbalize, vindicate, oh also virtualize. Don't ever challenge a poet @ Missouri-Lee's Summit, you know I can juggle words with unbelievable skill!😝📝👍😝It's a 📦Gift, you know!

[manleygirl 1]

@toodlerue Was the unused portion of your stomach left in your body like an actual bypass, or was it extracted?

@Missouri-Lee's Summit I am 22 years old. Happy for any advice.