Should i still have heartburn and trouble swallowing nine months after paraesophogeal surgery?

Hello, Anon. Thank you for writing today.

For the benefit of our readers:  Any time an internal body part pushes into an area where it doesn't belong, it's called a hernia. The hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm - the muscular wall separating the chest cavity from the abdomen. Normally, the esophagus goes through the hiatus and attaches to the stomach. In a hiatal hernia, the stomach bulges up into the chest through that opening. There are two main types of hiatal hernias: sliding and paraesophageal (next to the esophagus).

Generally, once the recovery period is over your heartburn and other symptoms should begin to subside. Your doctor may still recommend that you avoid foods and beverages that could trigger GERD symptoms, such as acidic foods, carbonated beverages, or alcohol. Smoking is not recommended. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is another side effect that tends to improve in most patients over time – provided food is chewed thoroughly.  A follow up with your doctor is needed to be sure all is well.

Helena