Smaller Meals, Acid-Blockers May Help Manage Hiatal Hernia

By PETER GOTT

Dear Dr. Gott: I was recently hospitalized with a hiatal hernia. I was informed that at my age, 89, the doctor did not wish to perform surgery. Instead, I was advised to eat smaller portions of food and to eat more than three meals each day. I didn’t mind, for my appetite has diminished.

Dear Reader: You may have better success using an acid- blocker such as Zantac or Pepcid rather than having to eat so frequently. If you suffer from acid reflux with your hernia, you might try putting 3- or 4-inch wooden blocks under the head of your bed. Gravity will help keep acid in the stomach and reduce any pain that would otherwise result.

Dear Dr. Gott: You recently responded to a question about the vaccine Zostavax for the prevention of shingles. I am now completely confused.

In January 2004, I was diagnosed with shingles by a medical doctor and was told there was nothing that could be done to relieve the pain and itching other than pain pills that just might prevent a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia. Is there a medication to be used for shin

Dear Reader: Active shingles, at best, are a challenge to treat. The new vaccine for shingles is used to prevent acute attacks by stimulating the body’s immune system. It is not appropriate for treating the blisters, pain and neuropathy of an acute attack.

As you know, the vaccine is new, so its long-term effects (both good and bad) are un known. Nonetheless, I have recommended that my patients over age 60 receive the vaccine despite the fact that it must be transported refrigerated and used the same day it is shipped. Also, it’s expensive.

Ask your primary care physician for his or her opinion.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016. (Distributed by NEA)

Originally published by PETER GOTT Newspaper Enterprise Association.

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