You wrote: "List of pre-existing conditions: Large hiatal hernia. Herniated disk in spine (treated with PT back stretches and Vicodin. Has been getting worse).

Current medical status: Suffering from periodic chest pain & difficulty swallowing. My doctor doesn't know what to do about resolving the hiatal hernia: he says that it cannot be treated surgically. It is large, and has reached the point of turning my stomach upside down. The herniated disk in my spine brings about chronic moderate to severe back pain/spasms.

Current medical treatment: Vicodin as needed for pain regarding the herniated disk. Office visits are as necessary, and currently there is little point in going back other than for a prescription."


A hiatal hernia is a protrusion of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through a weakness of the diaphragm. The symptoms of a hiatal hernia include acid reflux as well as pains similar to heartburn in the chest or stomach. Sometimes a person with a hernia experiences additional difficulties after eating, such as more discomfort in the upper stomach area. In some people, a hiatal hernia doesn't cause any symptoms at all. Usually, hernias are treated via medication, but if chronic acid reflux and severe pain is present, surgery is commonly recommended. You might want to seek a second opinion about your treatment options as it seems that your current doctor doesn't consider surgery a possibility for you.