Feeling so confused

[Trellum]

Just yesterday I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy, I went to see the gastroenterologist today to discuss the results. Well... it was a complete nightmare! This doctor I had never ever seen before left me with even more questions than answers!

It turns out I have a massive hiatal hernia, but I knew this since yesterday, because the nurse told me right after the tests were done. I couldn't get an appointment with the doctor who ordered those test because he won't be back until next week, but fortunately I got an appointment with him next Wednesday!

Well, the doctor I saw today was so useless, he was insane, I think! He said my hiatal hernia didn't require a surgery, even tho is so massive the doctor who did the endoscopy couldn't get to the place where our stomach ends and our small intestine starts. I feel awful... I feel bloated, nauseous, losing a lot weight, having the runs constantly, heartburn, back pain, stomach pain... yet this nut-job says all is ok and the hernia isn't causing those symptoms!

He suggested I could be pregnant! Ugh... yes, easy to blame my symptoms on that! I truly hope my doctor tells me they can do something about that hernia! That thing is huge! I feel so confused right now :-?

 

[1sweed]

Hi there. I don't know a thing about hiatal hernias, other than try sleeping with a couple pillows under your head as this aids in reducing the bloated feelings and makes it easier to sleep. Other than that I want to offer you some hugs and encouragement that at least you get to see the other doctor that ordered the tests next week, and hopeful he will be able to offer more information and a way to get the hernia taken care of. Remember the useless doctor is not the only doctor around and if the other doctor thinks you need surgery he will help you find a way to get it done. Have a little faith and don't panic yet.

 

[TomRalphio]

Don't get down about what that doctor said, just wait it out till the first one gets back and work with him. Hope you feel better soon!

 

[mariposa]

Oh Trellum, I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this on top of the fibro and everything else. :sad:

I see it's already been a week since you wrote this... have you been able to see your regular doctor yet this week? If so, did you find anything else out?

 

[apike]

I'm really sorry to hear this! Don't get too upset. Just think you are going to see the original doctor who has worked with you before. I'm sure they will be able to provide you with much better help than what you've just experienced. Just try to take it easy until then and write a list of questions you have for when you see the doctor on Wednesday. That way, you won't forget anything! Feel better and please let us know what the doctor says! good luck

 

[Trellum]

Hi apike! I went to my appointment, but sadly I didn't get a lot answers. I'm going to see another doctor, because the doctor I saw last time isn't specializing in this kind of surgeries. He ordered a CT scan of my upper abdominal area... but I didn't want to do it because of the radiation, and I've already had so many x-rays and CT scans done in the last years (in an attempt to find out what was wrong with my aching limbs). So right now I'm just waiting to get an appointment with another doctor... see what he says. I only know I can't stay this way!

 

[Trellum]

Oh Trellum, I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this on top of the fibro and everything else. :sad:

I see it's already been a week since you wrote this... have you been able to see your regular doctor yet this week? If so, did you find anything else out?

Thank you, mariposa! I actually saw my regular doctor, sadly he doesn't specializes on this kind of surgeries, I will have to find another doctor and ask for another opinion. He did say that I might need surgery if my reflux issues are really bad! He ordered a CT scan of my upper abdominal area... but I didn't want to do it because I will be seeing another doctor. He said he wasn't 100% sure that was a hernia... he said it could be something else.

I will see what happens once I get an appointment with another doctor, I just know I'll not stop until they offer me a solution, no mater how many surgeons I have to see... I just know I can't stay like this

 

[Trellum]

Don't get down about what that doctor said, just wait it out till the first one gets back and work with him. Hope you feel better soon!

Thank you, Tom. Actually seeing my regular doctor wasn't as good as I thought it would be, but it was a far better experience than the one with the previous doctor. He did say I might need surgery... I will need to see a doctor who specializes on this kind of surgeries, so I won't be seeing this one again... now the tricky part is finding a good doctor who cares enough to be honest with me and tell me what the best option is.

 

[Trellum]

Hi there. I don't know a thing about hiatal hernias, other than try sleeping with a couple pillows under your head as this aids in reducing the bloated feelings and makes it easier to sleep. Other than that I want to offer you some hugs and encouragement that at least you get to see the other doctor that ordered the tests next week, and hopeful he will be able to offer more information and a way to get the hernia taken care of. Remember the useless doctor is not the only doctor around and if the other doctor thinks you need surgery he will help you find a way to get it done. Have a little faith and don't panic yet.

Thank, 1sweed I did panic a little, hehehe! I wasn't expecting that kind of answer, but apparently not many doctors want to operate that kind of hernias, because most hernias tend to reappear if you don't take care of yourself properly. *Sigh* My life will never be the same, I have GERD symptoms all the time... but the surgery doesn't sound like a good option either

I saw my regular doctor, by the way. I will have to find another doctor... hardest part for me, because you know how some doctors can be total jerks and totally dismiss your pain. I hope I can find a good surgeon who can at least offer me some useful advice on what to do about this. Thanks for the hugs I really needed some of those today!

 

[mariposa]

He ordered a CT scan of my upper abdominal area... but I didn't want to do it because I will be seeing another doctor. He said he wasn't 100% sure that was a hernia... he said it could be something else. (

Wow... I can understand him saying he's not a specialist in those issues and sending you to see someone else. That's done all the time and a much better solution, so that the person with answers will actually be trained in your issue.

But saying he wasn't sure if it's a hernia or not... that would make me question that particular doctor... seems like something that should be fairly easy to diagnose... I could be wrong, of course, but that's the first thought I had.

In any case, I hope the specialist will finally be able to give you some relief!