hiatal hernia

[Allison]

Hi - Just wanted to share that my mom has had IC for quite some time and she finally switched to yet another doctor. This doctor referred her to a gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologist diagnosed her with a hiatal hernia - which (I think) was causing her stomach acid to go into her bladder. (opposite of acid reflux where it goes to the esophogus). Anyway - she is on Nexium, and is doing so much better - she sleeps at night and has been able to add foods to her diet. Its definitely worth looking into.

[Sarojini]

Actually, a hiatal hernia cannot cause acid to empty into the bladder. Instead, it is a condition in which the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity. Normally, the diaphragm separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. However, the esophagus comes down through the chest cavity and down into the abdomen to connect to the stomach through a special hole in the diaphragm called the "hiatus." A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach bulges up through the hiatus. Often, this condition can cause chest pain that can be confused with the pain of angina or a heart attack. Also, people with the condition may have frequent heartburn and/or reflux disease... one does not cause the other but there is a relationship. It seems as if your mom has reflux disease as well, which is why she was likely put on Nexium.

The Cleveland Clinic website has some easy-to-read info on hiatal hernias at http://my.webmd.com/content/article/45/1815_50331.

Hope that helps!

[ICNDonna]

Jen is correct. Hiatal hernia does not cause acids to spill into the bladder. Some people with IC find that taking Prilosec, Tagamet, or Nexium helps with IC, but it's because it helps neutralize the acids in the digestive system --- other antacids, such as Tums, can help with a flare.

Donna

[Allison]

I really just posted this to share what has helped my mom not endure the pain of IC. She doesn't sufferfrom heartburn or acid reflux. But she did suffer from extreme pain in the bladder, very frequent trips to the bathroom, and many sleepless nights. Since she's been on the nexium, she no longer suffers the way she had been. (And she has been positively diagnosed with IC).

I just thought someone else might benefit from this.

[Katrina]

Thanks.....I have GERD and find that my different GERD medicines to help my IC

GERD=hiatal hernia two names one disease...kinda. Anyway, thank you for sharing.....I have told others about GERD meds helping IC....as have others.....but Donna is right....non presciption antacids do too.

I am very glad your mother is helped by Nexium....so wish my insurence would still allow me to take it.