ChrisWrestling's blog
Health update
Honestly, I have been holding off talking about this probably because it makes it more real. I had an endoscopy before Christmas and was gifted some answers but those answers confirmed what I've suspected for years which is that I have a hiatal hernia. What that means is that there is a hole (supposed to be there) in your diaphragm that your food tube passes through. It's supposed to be a certain size, mine is larger and part of my stomach is sitting on the wrong side of the diaphragm interfering with my lungs and stomach. Because I've had it a long time I have developed a ring where the bile coming up has caused the formation of scar tissue which can make it hard for me to swallow. This is likely, in my opinion (unconfirmed), why I'm nauseated all the time and have exercise intolerance which lead me to drop out of BJJ. Surgery is an option, 6 week no activity recovery, but with school I can't do it till August and at that point I would like to have a job again. It's made it very hard to stay in shape and has left me unmotivated to wrestle because that is the worst symptom trigger. There's no guarantee the surgery will fix anything, no guarantee that this is the actual problem, but it is a problem which is making it very hard for me to see a future in wrestling beyond the lack of opportunities in my area.
Iwreslinca (31 )
12/31/2025 7:40 AMI am so sorry to hear of this Chris - and I hope surgery indeed does help.
AnvilTheTinyTank (88 )
12/31/2025 7:52 AMSo sorry Chris. I hope things turn around for you in 2026 so you can get some relief, and hopefully it will allow you to continue wrestling. Regardless, have a happy and amazing new year, and keep us posted buddy! 🤗
JiminQueens2 (99)
12/31/2025 1:05 PMFingers crossed for a speedy recovery!
WrestlingCowboy (53)
12/31/2025 1:14 PMHi Chris, I developed a serious hiatal hernia around 2000 that led to significant damage to my lower esophagus as well as other complications. I can certainly empathize with the challenges you are facing and your frustrations. My hiatal hernia was repaired through surgery, and it was very successful. I honestly don't recall the recovery being much of an issue. There were some initial adjustments with eating and bite sizes, but it wasn't a challenging recovery at all. I'm now 25 years post-surgery and haven't had any issues with acid reflux or heartburn. More importantly, the significant damage to my esophagus healed through other medical interventions. I am hopeful you can get back onto a pathway of healing as well. Big Hugs
Peter Hughes (83 )
12/31/2025 4:21 PMHi Chris. I hear you, buddy - it's not easy when you get a diagnosis like this. That being said, I hope you consider surgery as the solution to your problem. My father had it about 35 years ago and the technique back then was primitive compared to today. Get another doctor to review your case and see if they can provide any recommendations. A second opinion makes all the difference in the world. It did in my case. Good luck and please keep us posted!
Halfcain46 (23)
12/31/2025 8:03 PMHi Chris...this is awful news. I second Peter's recommendation of a second opinion. I hope that you find real answers and real healing for the New Year. Take care of you
Barrett (49 )
1/01/2026 2:09 AMWishing all the best for you man!! 💜
LV1GUY (3)
1/01/2026 5:05 AMSorry to hear about your hernia. I had one when I was in the 7th grade, but that is pretty much irrelevant since there have been many advancements since 1974. A few years ago my best friend had a hernia surgery (2020 ?) His situation was different from yours though, but I remember he was back to working out I about 2~3 weeks (light weights). I hope 🤞 everything turns out well for you and keep you in my prayers.
N75wr (64)
1/02/2026 5:28 PMChris, sorry to hear about this but I hope the operation goes well if you go for it and that you get well soon.