Can a hiatus hernia disappear?

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Last Saturday I had an endoscopy. Reflux has been bad recently and the scope definitely showed up esophagitis. I aske d if the hernia had got worse. I had an endoscopy about 10 years ago and was told I had a hiatus hernia then and that was why I was getting reflux.

The guy with the scope looked at me and said he didn't detect a hernia. I asked if they could disappear. He said not.

Anyone figure this out? If there is no hernia why is acid coming out of my stomach?

Thanks - Scottie

[Tharrell]

Maybe you have decreased LES pressure, in other words the valve from esophagus to stomach doesn't close properly letting contents escape from stomach back up. I was told my hernia was too small to cause symptoms on an EGD three years ago, two years ago and last year. I did another 24 hour ph/impedance study. This time it showed increased LES pressure and incomplete achalasia. My valve barely allows food to get through into my stomach, yet it showed no reflux what so ever. Yet I have the feeling of severe heartburn, cramping and chest pain. This time it also showed no jackhammer esophagus despite that the symptoms have gotten much worse! I have never been so stumped by a doctors visit than the one yesterday when I got my results. He said that that itty bitty hernia can cause the problem I'm having, interuupting the peristalis or contractions the esophagus does to propel food down. I had all this symptoms at the study before this one, yet have two different results. He did tell me that over time my gastric emptying study will become positive for gastroparesis. He is telling me opposite things in one sentence, so I'm still confused!
Ack!
But I digress. Maybe you should ask for an esophagram, barium swallow or 24hour ph testing?

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Thanks for the reply. They did say that barium may clarify the situation. Meanwhile they are looking for H-pylori

Take care - Scottie 

[irish]

That is a good question Scottie cause I was told that I had one years ago also. I do not have one now but have esophagitis off and on and have a small patch of Barretts esophagus. I don't get it either. Irish