Bad time

[Gail72]

I had a really bad time for two nights acid reflux just horrible

[Pogul]

I know, it's absolutely appalling. I sleep as erect as possible, I have a wedge pillow then two pillows in the landscape position with another two on top of those in the 'portrait' position. If I fall off these in the night the reflux is awful. It feels like it's in my neck, my ears and the pain is awful. I try not to eat after 7.30 in the evening as I go to bed at 9.30 for a 5.30 get up. I take domperidone before I go to bed and this helps a lot. I keep water by the bed always to sip along with Gaviscon tablets if I need them which for me are excellent.

One night is bad enough, two nights are terrible. I had my oesophagectomy two years ago and for me the reflux can be quite bad but I try to prepare myself before I go to bed, 'just in case.' My GP is fantastic as they all are, pay him a visit if it doesn't improve.

[Judipat]

Hi

I'm now into my third night!!! I have gerd and a hiatus hernia. I havnt eaten properly for a few days and I'm really hungry but I can't stand the thought of making it worse.

Like Pogul, I am at present strategically placed on my mountain of pillows, my upper back feels really sore, almost like severe sunburn, I have a sharp pain every time I move in the middle of my chest.........which freaks me out. My stomach sounds like a waste disposal unit.....I'm burping (both ends!!!!!!!) And when it's at its worse, I'm hanging over the sink, heaving, with saliva pouring out of my mouth like a tap.

I've had a recent endoscopy and nothing has really changed but consultant said to up my omeprazol when it's really bad and add gaviscon advance.

I'm getting these 'attacks' more often and it's really worrying me........any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

[Hidden in reply to Judipat]

As a short term measure, take Gaviscon Advance, which creates a protective raft at the top of your stomach, and should work whether the reflux is acid or bile.

It sounds like you might have had some form of stomach upset? You do need to keep hydrated, and gradually get back into taking in nutrition through bland food.

The answer about underlying problems has already been answered by your having had an endoscopy, from which there should have been a written repot that your GP could discuss with you.

Reducing the acid in your stomach, with medication like Omeprazole, can give your system freedom from acid and allow the stomach to heal from whatever is causing the upset (for instance stomach ulcers get treated in this way) but the endoscopy report would be the best method of diagnosing any underlying cause.

[worthbanner in reply to Judipat]

Chewing gum immediately after eating has made an immense difference in how often and how seriously I experience reflux. I also chew it much of the day though I know it is not the best "look." I find that whenever I have bad reflux, coughing and vomiting are sure to follow unless I take measures and, of course, vomiting is the worst. First measure for me is Gaviscon tablets but if coughing continues I would take whatever measures are necessary to prevent the coughing evolving into vomiting--codeine based cough syrup seems to be all that works for me with certainty.

[Judipat]

Thanks for your reply Alan

I am going to see my doctor on Monday if I can get an appointment. The 'attacks' are becoming more frequent and lasting longer too.

I will obviously ask my doctors to go over the report, however, the consultant who performed the endoscopy went through it, he did take a biopsy, but I know that was ok. I do have a sliding hiatus hernia...again, I knew that.

Will keep you posted

Judi