I am 50 years old, have a hiatus hernia (with few problems). Over the last 18 months, although my diet has not changed (it has been checked and I am not overeating), my weight has gone up from 11.5 stone to 15 st. My arms, legs, etc do not look fat - but I look 9 months pregnant. My stomach is quite hard, is painful like I am carrying a baby. I cannot do half the things I used to. I can only lie on my sides at night and it is a chore to turn over several times a night to get comfortable. Any ideas please? - Desperate
Dear mister. This is typical for hiatus hernia. Your stomach gets bloated, your intestines too, also legal nerve is irritated and gastric acid is irritating your stomach. Your weight is risk factor as well. You need to avoid food which aggravate symptoms especially alcohol, coffee and fast food; need to take antacid medicines and do gastrostomy to evaluate size of hernia and necessarily for surgical treatment.  Hiatus hernia won't regress spontaneously. It is usually easier to sleep on your left side and with raised upper body. Wish you good health.