Hi everyone,

I’m having stomach issues and I have done barium swallow twice which showed no Hiatal Hernia but I also under went endoscopy twice which showed grade 3 Hiatal hernia.Do you think I would have that or no? Any method I can check it myself? Any advice on that, I am very confused about it!!!

Bad chest pain from hiatal hernia what should I do

First of all, sorry for my English.

I'm having a Nissen fundoplication in 5 days.

The thing is, from April 1st to 28th I was on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to paranoia rather than any actual risk. Is it necessary to mention this before the surgery? I didn't miss any doses of the PEP and initial tests ruled out STDs

Hi all, need advice. My mom recently in March completed her cancer treatment and everything looked fine on pet scan but she started experiencing something pricking in her neck from past 1 week. She couldn't eat anything properly. So, we got endoscopy done and found out it was grade 1 hietius hernia. Doctor gave medicines. She is not able to eat anything expect daliya khichdi or light food like liquids. Even they sometimes get heavier for her. We changed 2 doctors but not res t. What to do ? Is surgery needed for her ? What to do..please guide. I am so puzzled.

46M, GERD for 30+ years, had HH discovered during endoscopy in ~2015. Things well-controlled for a long time, I wonder if core/ab exercises caused the HH to get worse a few months ago

I had been trying lots of acid reflux stuff: 1 Prilosec in the morning, 1 Pepcid before dinner, and lots of Gaviscon. And it was weird because it didn't seem to be helping that much

I also have been trying to avoid the classic GERD trigger foods. But I was finding I was having symptoms even with avoiding those. And a couple nights ago I had avocado (fatty) with dinner, but had no issues.

Last night I had little to none in the way of trigger foods, but DID do a pretty large meal, including with liquid volume, and I ended up having upper abdominal/lower chest pressure/bloating for hours, and heartburn overnight.

It really seems like the big meal / big stomach volume is the biggest factor.

Hello, I'm looking for some information about my small slider. I've not received much info and I'm panicking.

endoscopist (is that the word?) said i had a small sliding hiatal hernia about 4 months ago, that it was super common with people that are hypermobile like me and that i should try and lose a bit more weight. Nurse during debrief gave me a fairly limited form and told me to never drink alcohol again. This is the extent of what I was told.

I've exercised like a lunatic (5ks most days, strength training, 5x5 on a bench or Pendlay row) and lost a tremendous amount of weight (102kg -> 87kg) and I'm still going down. I've tried to reduce my drinking (despite never having heartburn before) but have started drinking coffee in the mornings more (3 cups a day).

I was never symptomatic, I'm pretty sure it was an incidental finding (I had some chest discomfort but after googling I'm pretty sure it doesn't line up with hernia symptoms).

Last month or so I've noticed increased nausea, and the occasional discomfort after a night of drinking (we're talking noticable but not bothersome, maybe a 1/10) and some desires to burp but often not being able to.

I'm now panicking because:

• I don't know much about what I've got/have not received a real discussion from my GP
• I don't know if my current exercise regime is likely exacerbating it/enlarging it. The internet seems to say either "don't lift again" or "lift but no crazy grinders" or "lift but don't do valsavars or situps". I desperately want to keep improving my fitness but it sounds like it might cause me more issues than its worth.
• I don't know if alcohol is making this worse (I know what the nurse said, but my own research of NICE guidelines don't line up with what she said)
• I don't know what my current outlook over my life looks like
• I don't understand how I could have been so much less healthy and not felt anything, and after following the limited advice I got be feeling worse
• I can't distinguish if these symptoms are "standard reflux even without a hernia", e.g. slight nausea when you drink 3 coffees on an empty stomach and run, or "indicates worsening over time", or "you're so anxious you're feeling sick and swallowing air"

Would love to talk to someone about it. I struggle with uncertainty and I've been trying to get in contact with my GP to talk to me about it. So far I asked during another appointment and was told he didn't have time to talk to me and I've tried calling to book another but their phone line seems to be dead at the moment.

So I’m not sure if I have this, but my grandmother did and my mother says some of the stuff is similar. 30’s male, about a month ago had trouble breathing and every swallow would hurt. I have to basically type fast because the pain and weird feeling sucks..

Went to urgent care They did x-ray saw nothing but gave steroid pack and inhaler. Eventually it went away.. this past week, there’s like a huge ball under where many seem to say right under left breastbone and I cannot bend over it.. it’s like being bloated beyond belief.. all day I’ll have pain there when swallowing, but weirdly if I turn my head to the right, or something similar, it has a high chance of not hurting.. which I don’t understand really. Literally the slightest turn to the right.. to the left, most pain during swallow. I had ignored but now it’s just pain and ‘big’ feeling there and my breathing is still crap..

I’ve had protonix for quite awhile before having my gallbladder out last year and I was using it maybe once a week or so.. I just don’t really know if I have many symptoms here.. turning my neck to the right and swallowing without pain seems pretty weird to me. Sorry for the post being all crammed together, have to pretty much bend backwards, pushing my stomach out to let it just have room while I lean back on my arms laying down.. only perfect straight up and down posture could maybe help me sit but I just don’t have that kind of muscle support these days.

Thank you for anything you might have similar.. especially the swallowing and bloating if it relates. <3

Edit: from the time about 1 1/2 months ago it had mostly gone away or I didn’t notice.. now this week it’s here to stay it seems

Been experiencing tightness behind my sternum, causing bad shortness of breath. Oxygen is normal. Feels as if all my upper abs are cramping up, and pulling from the inside.

ER excluded lung+heart issues. Going to see a pulmonologist tomorrow hoping he can send me for a CT scan asap. Gastro not available until June 30th.

The sensation is driving me insane, definitely something is wrong, I just don't know if it's hernia, bad GERD or my diaphragm acting up (but why would it do that on its own, out of the blue, at 44? Something is triggering it).

Anyhow....what is the best way to catch a hernia if that's what's causing all this? Thanks.

Hey guys,

I have a confirmed small sliding hiatal hernia and a history of SIBO, and I've been trying to understand a pattern that's been going on for about a decade.

I get episodic attacks that feel primarily autonomic. Mainly chest and diaphragm pressure, palpitations, sweating, goosebumps, sense of impending doom, weakness. They come in waves and always resolve on their own. Full cardiac workup including stress test, echo, Holter, and ER troponins during a live episode have all been completely normal.

What I've recently figured out is that trapped gas seems to be a significant trigger. Taking Gas X at the first sign of an episode reliably blunts or resolves it within 30-60 minutes as the gas moves through. The discomfort is usually under my left ribcage which I understand is the splenic flexure area.

My theory is that the gas is mechanically irritating my vagus nerve which then triggers the autonomic cascade. The hiatal hernia may also be directly irritating the vagus nerve given its location.

Does anyone else experience episodic autonomic symptoms rather than just constant reflux and discomfort? Does anyone have episodes that they describe as attacks?

Generally just looking to see if this is consistent with anyone else's HH stmptoms. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’ve been dealing with a frightening squeezing, crushing pain behind my breastbone. I do not have the typical burning or “heartburn” sensation at all — it feels much more like pressure, tightness, or an angina-type squeezing pain. Sometimes it honestly feels cardiac, which has been very anxiety-provoking.

The pain is highly unpredictable and can happen both at rest (sitting or lying down) and during exertion, even something as simple as walking. I also sometimes get a dull aching pain in my jaw and teeth along with the chest tightness, which makes the whole thing feel even more concerning.

Because of the squeezing nature of the pain, I underwent a very extensive cardiac workup. I had 3 resting ECGs, all completely normal, a normal echocardiogram, and an excellent stress test result reaching 12.4 METS at 18% incline with a peak heart rate of 185 bpm (117% of predicted maximum heart rate), without abnormalities. My cardiologist has fully cleared my heart, but mentally it’s still difficult because the pain can feel so convincing.

To investigate a digestive cause, I recently had an endoscopy (FOGD) with biopsies. I translated the reports from French to English below, and I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced something similar.

Endoscopy Report (FOGD)
Reason for exam: Retrosternal chest pain.

Esophagus:

• The lower third of the esophagus was very red and inflamed (erythematous), without ulcers.
• The Z-line was irregular.

Stomach:

• Grade 1 hiatal hernia (Hill classification).
• Diffuse redness/inflammation throughout the stomach (pangastritis).
• Biopsies were taken.
• No ulcers or tumors seen.

Duodenum:

• Completely normal.

Conclusion:
Marked inflammation/redness in the lower esophagus, Grade 1 hiatal hernia, and erythematous pangastritis.

Biopsy / Pathology Report

• Four small stomach tissue samples analyzed.
• Mild chronic inflammation with congestion/swelling.
• No precancerous changes (no metaplasia or dysplasia).
• No cancer.
• Positive for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Biopsy conclusion:
Mild chronic inactive gastritis associated with H. pylori infection, without malignancy.

My concern is that despite the reassuring cardiac tests, I still struggle mentally with the squeezing “angina-like” sensation because it can feel so intense and convincing, especially when walking or during physical activity. My doctors believe the inflamed esophagus and small hiatal hernia may be causing esophageal spasms or pressure sensations rather than classic burning reflux symptoms.

Has anyone else had H. pylori, gastritis, reflux, or a hiatal hernia cause severe squeezing chest pain without actual heartburn — especially pain triggered by walking or movement? Did anyone also experience dull jaw or tooth pain from it?

And for those treated for H. pylori, how long did it take after antibiotics and acid-reducing treatment for the chest tightness/spasm sensations to improve?

Thanks a lot for any insight or shared experiences.

I got the procedure today and the gas pains are the worst part. I haven’t been able to take in any liquids orally without intense gas pain. I have tried standing and doing the legs on the wall thing. Is there any way I can reduce the gas?

Hi, i already posted here about this, im sorry!! i dont want to be annoying but im just really scared:(

so my full fundoplication was 13.05 (exactly a week ago) and im still feeling reflux after eating/drinking

I had LPR and my main symptom was droplets of acid in my throat, i didnt feel heartburn

so now im feeling these droplets after every meal, im very scared that surgery didn't help, i read a couple of stories on reddit where people with LPR said that surgery didnt help them either, so now im terrified that im going to be one of them:(

everyone just tells me that i need to wait, and i need to wait at least a month before we can do some testing like endoscopy / ph study etc. but i dont know how i will even manage to wait.. i feel this after every meal, i cant just ignore it

my surgeon doesn't care, i tried to tell him, he just tells me not to worry about it, how?? if after a week after surgery i can still feel reflux, how will it change with time? it doesn't make sense for me, im devastated :(

i just don’t know how i would be able to wait weeks in the hopes that everything will be okay, if im already feeling like this isnt working

34M, moderate smoker.

Since Nov 2025, after taking metoclopramide + fluoxetine, I had what felt like a panic-like episode. Shortly after that, I started developing persistent symptoms that have not fully resolved.

Main symptoms since onset:

• Persistent or recurrent retrosternal constrictive chest pain
• Intermittent “electric shock” sensations in the left chest/retrosternal area
• Tooth/jaw pain with no dental cause found
• Jaw feels mildly tender and produces a dull ache when touched
• Symptoms occur both at rest and during exertion
• Chronic, persistent course without full remission

Medication timeline:

After the initial episode in November 2025, I changed my psychiatric medication from fluoxetine to escitalopram, and was also prescribed a short course of benzodiazepines, as it was suspected that fluoxetine might have been too activating for me.

Following this change, I actually felt noticeably better for about 1–2 weeks.

However, in December 2025, I suddenly developed intense constrictive chest pain, which triggered significant fear and a panic-like reaction. Since then, the chest pressure has persisted as part of the ongoing symptom pattern.

Cardiac workup:

• Resting ECG: normal
• Echocardiogram: normal
• Exercise stress test: excellent performance (117% of predicted workload), no ischemia, no pain reproduction

Overall, cardiac causes were considered unlikely based on testing.

Gastroenterology workup (endoscopy):

• Grade 1 hiatal hernia
• Distal esophageal erythema (reflux esophagitis)
• Mild chronic gastritis
• H. pylori infection (currently under eradication therapy)

Current issue:

Despite ongoing treatment, I still have persistent chest constriction and jaw/tooth pain, and I’m struggling to understand the cause.

What I’m trying to understand (differential diagnosis considerations):

Given the negative cardiac workup and GI findings, possible considerations I’ve come across include:

• GERD / reflux-related non-cardiac chest pain
• Hiatal hernia–related chest discomfort
• Esophageal hypersensitivity or functional esophageal disorder
• Musculoskeletal chest wall pain (costochondral involvement)
• Neuropathic or referred pain (possible cervicofacial involvement explaining jaw/tooth symptoms)
• Central sensitization or post-anxiety physiological amplification (hypothesis, not diagnosis)

At this point I’m trying to understand what could explain this combination of:

• chest tightness
• jaw/tooth pain
• normal cardiac workup
• mild but present GI findings

Has anyone experienced something similar or has any idea what direction I should explore next?

Hi all, my 30th is coming up and my mother asked me what I wanted and Ive said a Wedge pillow for sleeping (exciting I know). I've wanted to get a really good one so have been putting it off as they can be several hundred.

My question is, what wedges does everyone recommend? What one do you use? What one was sh*te and a waste of money? Thanks so much I appreciate it x

My Story:

Starting having issues in 2023, my main complaint was chest pain, never really had the typically reflux feeling but would get hoarse voice sometimes. Random things like oatmeal, protein shakes, milkshakes would trigger it. Sometimes Coffee. But things like Pizza never really bothered me.

Got into a Endoscopy quickly and had LA Grade A esophagitis and a patulous LES. (This patulous LES never showed up on any of the following 2 scopes)
Put on PPI's and on my merry way.

Never improved and got another scope in 2024 and a ph bravo capsule.
Endo was clear and bravo was negative. Hospital never gave me a Demeester score just said it was negative.

Barium swallow in 2024 showed Reflux to mid-esophagus with provocation. Doctor didn't think this was abnormal.

Manometry in 2024. Showed No HH, was otherwise normal. I was sure of a bad LES but I guess not. 1 failed swallow that doctor wasn't concerned about otherwise my les was great.
I will repeat what everyone says this is an awful test. I've had multiple GI's say the same and some even say they wouldn't do the test themselves and wouldn't ask patients to do it. (I feel like every GI should have to endure this dumb thing)

Still had chest pain, did another scope and ph bravo capsule test in 2025.
Finally found the 2cm Hiatal Hernia I suspected. But the bravo test was again negative with 0.9 Demeester score. I couldn't believe it because I felt horrible during the test and tried every food that bothered me.

I live in a major U.S city and found a great surgeon at a big hospital doing a relatively new surgery. I figured the HH was the cause of the my issues and didn't want it to just get worse and have to eventually get a fundo.
My surgeon agreed a Tif, Fundo, or linx didn't make sense because my testing showed everything was normal except the HH.
So 3 months ago I had a gastropexy and cruroplasty. (Kinda like Bicorn, my post op notes did say good flap valve seen) This surgery has helped others in this sub and the HH sub, those users had 40+, 50+ Demeester scores)
My Hernia is now gone and my the hole in my diaphragm is now tighter. During the surgery they did a Endoflip and I went from 4.6 to a 3 post surgery.

Post surgery healing was the normal amount of suck I've seen others say.
Now to the current day.
Still have the chest pain, soda triggers it, sometimes coffee but sometimes coffee doesn't do anything.
After surgery Esophageal Hypersensitivity was brought up again. (I was on Amitriptyline for about 6 months in 2023, seemed to help a little but I assumed it was working against the HH so I had to fix that to 100% solve the issue)
So I tried Nortriptyline and felt awful and stopped after 10ish days.
Then the next 2/3 weeks had globus, tight throat, feeling of crumbs stuck in my throat and the worst hoarse voice I've ever had which gave me tiny blood in my saliva.

Went to a ENT for suspected silent relfux or LPR and they said my throat was great and they almost laughed at the tiny blood in my spit. (I showed them a picture)

So I had a barrium swallow which showed zero reflux, normal primary peristaltic wave and mild narrowing at the GE Junction. Both the tech and my surgeon say that is expected.

So now I'm lost. The globus, tight throat, stuff went away for a few days then returned. I have been waking up with a sour/dry throat but taking gaviscon liquid doesn't help. (That waking up with a sour/dry throat did happen before surgery too, not all the time but weeks at a time then go away, figured it was the HH)
I get that sour/dry taste doing random things like walking my dog or riding a
bike. (Same as before surgery)
I had coffee the other day and was fine.

Really not sure what to do next besides more testing. But if they just show up normal again whats the point.
One GI wanted me to get on PPI's again but why? They never worked and if for some reason they did work now that would just point to reflux and another surgery.

Surgeon agreed and I suggested Amitriptyline again because what else is there left to try?
I do have a appointment in 2 months with another GI specialist but I honestly don't see anything else coming from that besides more testing and if the testing is abnormal then that just means another surgery....

Wanted to share my story, maybe it helps someone. I've been a lurker on this sub and the HH sub since this all started.

If anybody has any thoughts let me know. Maybe this is all Hypersensitivity/stress/anxiety?
Maybe I still need to heal? I've seen some users have a setback around the 3 month mark post surgery so I'm hoping thats what this is)
I'm just exhausted and want my life back.

P.S Also want to point out that the surgery I had has helped many people so I don't want to scare anyone away just wanted to share my experience. I know some people aren't fans of the fundo and look for alternatives. Get proper testing and listen to your surgeon.

P.S 2, Normal gallbladder, normal cardiac testing.

TLDR: Bunch of testing was normal except 2cm HH, had surgery, still have symptoms.
Will update when I have new, hopefully good news!

27 year old active male here. I’ve lifted consistently for 10+ years, love beach volleyball, running, and staying active whenever I can.

Over the past 1-2 years, I started noticing episodes of shortness of breath during lifting or volleyball. It would sometimes send me into an anxiety/fight-or-flight spiral because I also felt pulsing/spasms around my chest/sternum area. For a while, I genuinely thought I had some kind of heart issue.

After finally getting checked out, I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with a Hill Grade III hiatal hernia. Honestly, I felt relieved just knowing what was actually causing a lot of these symptoms. My heart checked out fine overall.

The hard part is that intense workouts now feel like a daily battle. I was advised to:

* cut back on heavy exercise

* make diet changes

* reduce alcohol/caffeine

* take Prilosec

The doctors basically explained that because it’s structural, the true “fix” would likely involve cardiothoracic surgery to pull the hernia back down/repair things.

I’m mainly here looking for input from other active people who went through this.

Did you:

* continue training normally?

* stop lifting heavy?

* avoid surgery and successfully manage it with lifestyle changes?

* get surgery and feel significantly better afterward?

If you avoided surgery:

* what changes actually helped?

* were you still able to lift/play sports?

* did symptoms calm down over time?

If you got surgery:

* were you eventually able to return to lifting/exercise?

* did it reduce the chest pressure, reflux, anxiety sensations, etc.?

* was recovery worth it?

I’m trying to figure out what path makes the most sense because fitness and movement are a huge part of my life, and I really don’t want to give that up.

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone in a similar situation.

Had hiatal surgery and a TIF surgery on March 5, so im well over 2 months post surgery. Gas pains are worse than any reflux pain i had. Im actually beginning to regret the surgery now as I'm afraid my summer is ruined due to not being able to enjoy things like cookouts, concerts, and other activities without my stomach hurting like crazy. Not to mention the fact that neither of my surgeons mentioned anything about the no carbonation thing, Im a beer lover and now im starting to wonder if I'll ever be able to enjoy a brew with my buddies again since it seems my ability to burp was eliminated.

My understanding was that this surgery was supposed to allow me to live a normal life, so far I'm thinking that a lot of what I used to enjoy is gone, which is the opposite of a normal life. Anyway, hoping someone can reassure me that this wasn't a mistake.

HI, my full wrap fundo was 5 days ago, (i already posted on here about it) but now im scared and anxious, because of my symptoms:(

before surgery:
My main symptom was the feeling of “droplets” of acid in my throat, and from time to time regurgitation.

I did PH study and my DeMeester score was 36,6 (141 refluxes)

medication, diet, lifestyle changes didnt help

chronic pharyngitis and sore throat

after surgery:
im scared and worried because i still feel these droplets of acid in my throat (after eating/drinking)
im really scared that my wrap is too loose or surgeon did something wrong, i cant stop thinking about it:(

my throat is damaged (because of a tube that was in my stomach afterwards) and it can be because of that, i know. But im worried of the fact that droplets of acid still can reach my throat, so i did all of this for nothing?:( i dont know what to do..

my surgeon kinda ignored my question about this, i I told him everything I felt and about my worries, but he just replied “its ok” with one message, thats it:( he didn’t explain to me why this is happening😔

Hello everyone,
I’ve recently been diagnosed with HH 3cm, I’m 6ft 1in and roughly 20st 10 pounds. A endocrinologist suggested starting mounjaro to help with weight loss. I’m abit reserved about starting due to currently struggling with heart palpitations every day. Ive Had ECG’s & 24heart monitor but never been told I’ve got anything significantly wrong with my heart. Is anyone here in a similar boat to me and possible share some insight to having a HH and using mounjaro?