Grandma has a Hiatus hernia and is in pain help!?

Question

My grandmother has been diagnosed with a Hiatus hernia. Lately she has been having alot of pain due to the stomach being pushed up the esophagus. She has been to the hospital a few times already. Doctors have told us what she has requires surgery and that she is too old to receive it. So they just gave her pain meds. Seems to not be working very well.

I am trying to find out if there is something that she can do now to help ease her pain. I am really hoping someone knows something. Thanks for taking the time to read and answer.

Retired R.N. · Answer

Yes, a Hiatal Hernia is almost like GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach bulges out of the abdomen, through the hiatus, and into the chest, stomach acid and juices are backing up into the esophagus which causes heartburn and can become very uncomfortable. Get her some TUMS, or any other antacid reliever. It should help some. Pain medication probably isn't going to help this and
if she is very old they could make her dizzy and cause her to fall and cause serious injury to her. Especially if they are strong ones. See if the antacids help
her pain before the pain pills. Look up the name of the pills or call a pharmacist
and ask how strong they are and if they could cause her to be more likely to
fall. They will answer any question you have and tell you the best Antacids for
her. Good luck. Take good care of her, you will miss her when you see her empty chair.
Web link 
http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/tc/hiatal-hernia-and-gerd-topic-overview

Anonymous · Answer

Have her take Pepcid, elevate the head of the bed at 30 degrees, and take Maalox. You could also ask the pharmacist for more suggestions.

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Grandma has a Hiatus hernia and is in pain help!?

2 Answers