How do you know if you have a hernia?

Hiatal Hernia vs. Heart Attack (how to know)?

• I have been told this is a result of a "Hiatal Hernia attack", but not sure so will spell out what happens: Let's say you sit down to eat, and take a few drinks of someting (sweet tea, coke, etc). Then someone brings you your food such as a sandwich. You eat and swallow the first bite or two. It might even be other food, but I'm using a sandwich as an example. The, you feel a slight pressure in your lower throat. Then you may start to hiccup or "reverse hiccup". You feel the need to stand. The pressure in your throat will build, and you are not able to swallow a drink to help relieve it, or if you do, it makes it feel worse. Basically, you have to stand over a sink as you feel as though you might throw up or burst. Sometimes, you can with just a little thought lean over and you will basically vomit what you've just eaten along with saliva. This MIGHT relieve the pressure and you get back to normal - sometimes it works, and sometimes the "attack" continues for a short while longer. It can be intense and almost feel like what you hear a heart attack feels like. Ok... I've heard people say this is a Hiatal Hernia attack, some people say it's an Anxiety attack, and some say it's even a mild Heart attack, or a combination of any/all. Theories?

• Answer:

  When I had hiatal hernia problems, I would have difficulty swallowing too - it seemed that stuff would stop going down just above where it should go into my stomach. One thing that really helped me a lot was acupuncture. It seemed to put my stomach back where it belonged and then I could eat ok again. I have not had any hiatal hernia trouble since getting my gallbladder removed...I don't know if this is because my gallbladder was causing my stomach to herniate above the diaphragm, or if the scar tissue from one of the incisions is keeping my stomach where it belongs. So what I would do if I were in your situation is to schedule to discuss this with your doctor. Ask about getting an ultra-sound test to look at your gallbladder to make sure you don't have gallstones. Also, I would ask what he/she thinks is going on, because they may have a suggestion that can help. And I would also go see an acupuncture practioner if you can, and ask them if they can help you figure out if you have a hiatal hernia and ask if they can treat you so your stomach doesn't slip back up again. It may take a few treatments to really start working, but I noticed a big improvement in my stomach when I was getting regular acupuncture treatments. Stress, tight pants, and eating too large meals can aggravate or trigger a hiatal hernia attack and/or make it worse. I hope this helps...take care, -Razzle