Diaphragmatic Hernia Treatment in India

David Ali, a 58-year-old long-haul truck...

David Ali, a 58-year-old long-haul truck driver, had always been healthy until he began experiencing persistent heartburn and a feeling of fullness after small meals. Over six months, he developed sharp, stabbing chest pains that worsened when lying down, making sleep nearly impossible. He attributed it to 'bad truck stop food' and stress, but when he started vomiting after meals, his wife insisted he see a doctor. A CT scan revealed a large paraesophageal hiatal hernia, where part of his stomach had pushed up through his diaphragm next to his esophagus. His surgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that while David's hernia wasn't strangulated yet, its size and his worsening symptoms made it a ticking time bomb; surgery was strongly recommended to repair the diaphragm and prevent a life-threatening emergency. David underwent a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The minimally invasive surgery went smoothly, but the immediate recovery was challenging, he was on a liquid diet for two weeks and had to learn to eat tiny, frequent meals. For a man used to hearty meals on the road, this was a difficult adjustment. He felt fragile and anxious about his future career. Six weeks post-op, following a strict gradual diet and breathing exercises, David's chest pain was gone. He could sleep flat again and eat without fear. While he'll always need to be mindful of portion sizes, the constant dread has lifted. Emotionally, he moved from denial and frustration to a profound sense of relief and gratitude. He's planning shorter routes with his wife as a co-driver, viewing his recovery as a second chance to prioritize his health.