Reflux

[hunsdon]

Hi I am 7 years post op from ivory Lewis , all is going well as like most of us learn to adapt to our new type of life , but would anyone know why sleeping on the left can be so very bad as reflux happens and vile sickness happens, and burning in the top part of the throat and there is also the muck on your chest which has to come up eventually, we learn to sleep more upright and also no spicy food late in the day, I do esomeprazole to assist which it does but nothing seems to stop what happen when you slide down onto your left side, any reply’s or solution I would be grateful to hear, thank you .

[Heathwaite]

Yes it does happen to most of us at times for various reasons. But it usually happens in the first 2 hours after falling asleep.That's the reason I always take Gaviscon liquid or tablets before going to sleep as it forms a barrier to the nasty reflux and it works for me. I rarely have a problem but sometimes it can still happen but very rarely.

Phil

[hunsdon in reply to Heathwaite]

Thanks for the reply I had stopped taking Gaviscon tablets but I think I will go back on them now , it has never been explained why this happen tho ? Tina

[petercaron]

I am 3 years post Esophagectomy and sliding down in the bed on the left side does cause a quick episode of bile reflux.

I am in the US and use a Sleep Number bed. I have found that raising the leg portion of the bed helps prevent me from sliding down in the bed at night in addition to raising the head of course

I have found that drinking Caffeine Free Diet Coke with dinner helps change the acidic level of the bile. I was told that the Alkaline in the Coke helps neutralize some of the bile acidity. That was a tip I received on this site.

[hunsdon in reply to petercaron]

Thank you that’s very helpful, I might even look into to see how much a new bed will cost as well as at the Moment I use a few pillows and a v pillow for controlling sliding down .Tina

[CBG1965 in reply to hunsdon]

I was recommended an acid reflux bed wedge from Putnams putnams.co.uk

You can get a discount code from the OPA website which reduces the cost by quite a few pounds. opa.org.uk

I have only had mine a week but it is much better than using standard pillows to prop yourself up because inevitably your body ends up being flat and just your head elevated.

I would definitely try this before investing in a new bed.

[Fronhaul in reply to petercaron]

Just out to buy some coke.

[AussieCuz]

Hi Hunsdon. As far as I’m aware we no longer have the esophagus sphincter to hold in stomach acid. Therefore we are required to lay at a 30deg angle for the rest of our lives. If we do not do this the acid will eat away at the remaining esophagus wall and could cause cancer again. My tail bone often get very sore due to sitting up. I am about to finally invest in a ln adjustable electric bed which will smooth things out. I hope this all makes sense. Cheers Mike

[hunsdon in reply to AussieCuz]

Hi thanks for your reply and explanation so that would mean that would be on the left side of our esophagus , so helpful thank you, and I totally agree regarding the tail bone as mine can uncomfortable at times, I am also considering the new bed, and yes it does make sense thank you.Tina

[SurreyGuy]

I sleep on a wedge pillow and never slip down the bed and I now find it really comfortable. And yet, I still get reflux. I wake with a sweet taste in the mouth and a wheeze. Sometimes it also affects my voice. Then of course my chest feels tight (a bit like asthma must feel). As the day goes on it improves and then all starts again the following day. I do not understand it except I have heard aerosols at the back of the throat (from gastric juices) is enough to cause the irritation. I am close to trying a chair at night to see if that makes a difference but I didn’t want to go down that path. Chest X ray is normal so not too worried but it is frustrating.

[hunsdon in reply to SurreyGuy]

Hi I have not had a sweet taste in my mouth or my voice but I think the chest bit can be the bile reflux it seems stuck half way but it does have to come up eventually with great relief that god, the chair if it’s of some comfort I hope it works but my thoughts would be it’s not a restful sleep if you get my drift and I hope you don’t have to use that situation, and yes nothing shows up on xrays so we try and help each other, good luck and take care Tina

[Popsic]

Hallelujah I'm not alone!! This happens to me, its taken me yrs to get used to sleeping on my right, I favour the left,When I asked my consultant about this they couldn't explain it, but then I read why you should sleep on your left, ( normally), sleeping on your right side in a " normal" person, stops the acid coming up because the stomach lays lower, therefor its harder for the acid to come up, if you sleep on your left apperently the acid has an easier flow to the throat! If that makes sense. You can find out why it's best to sleep on one side on the net, might explain it better than me🤔 hope this helps

[hunsdon in reply to Popsic]

Hi I must say it’s great to get so many reply’s to something that’s is so uncomfortable and very unpleasant , as when we first go on this journey we don’t realise there are so many issues to take in so we through it gradually as it’s like a tick box which we keep going over as update come along . I love this page, take care Tina

[acornlady]

HI, Hunsdon I am 5 years post Ivor Lewis, I sleep on 3 pillows in a pyramid style arrangement, I also take 20mg Omeperazole at 12 and 6pm. Before going to sleep I take a 20mg Famotidine tablet. I sleep on my left side and don't suffer from reflux. Hope this helps

[hunsdon in reply to acornlady]

Hi I am so pleased you have found something that works for you sadly that same for me , mine at the moment is v pillow on top of other pillows plus gaviscon and eat earlier before bed time ha ha but it works , take care Tina

[smithy100]

Hi my husband has the same problem as he has stage 1V osopogeal cancer and has had a stent fitted which has caused more problems !! He also suffers with very bad acid and they have prescribed him famotodine which is in replacement of ranitidine, he’s also on omperaze 60mg. We have paid for a private neutrishonist who is amazing, her name is Jane Clarke. She’s also recommend pukka aloe Vera juice ( from amazon) and he takes 40ml twice daily and 60ml at night, this has helped him with acid reflux, the pukka brand is the best. Hope this helps xx

[Golf1910]

Hi, I am 8.5 years post op from a total gastrectomy and still suffer with reflux at night with exactly the same symtons as yourself but mine is Bile reflux not acid as no stomach. I bought an adjustable bed a couple of years back but still get the reflux but not every night. Have got used to it now and it's part of living. I noted that someone mentioned sleeping in a chair and I must say I have done that quite a lot, an adjustable one I have in the lounge, and I get a good nights sleep in it, I think its because you are in a fixed position so no movement. I take omeprazole and domperidone tablets twice a day used to take Gaviscon advance but didn't fin d it helped that much so any other ideas from anyone appreciated. I get bouts of really bad bile during the day at times also.Rob

[grandylynda]

An adjustable bed has been well worth the investment for me. Helps stop slipping by putting feet up and helps tailbone with no flesh on

[hunsdon in reply to grandylynda]

You sound so positive about the bed helping you it has made me think that I should seriously think about looking into buying one for myself , thank you Tina

[catlover50 in reply to hunsdon]

I had an oesophagectomy nearly three years ago and bought an adjustable bed a few months later. My thinking was that this was how things were going to be from now on so I might as well spend the money and get a more comfortable nights sleep. I raise both the feet and the head so that I don't slip down the bed so easily. It really was money well spent. I used to fight with the pillows every night to keep upright. This way I wake in virtually the same position as I fell asleep. I do occasionally get bile reflux but this is usually when I have been tempted to turn over onto one side. ( That is a definite " NO-no" for me. If you feel you can outlay the money, in my opinion it is well worth it.

[grandylynda]

Go somewhere you can try them .Mine is from HSL who mainly seemed to advertise chairs. Had 3 firms that advertise to the house. One didn't have a mattress at all to try and seemed more nnterested in selling an optional massage system. One had built in lights etc. All very pricy. HSL has all matreases on show to try plus the various bed styles. Not a huge choice but It has all you need. Really miss it when away but manage with wedges then and extra pillows. Happy hunting!

[hunsdon in reply to grandylynda]

Thanks for all the information it something that I am going to do in new year, I really appreciate your input, this site is great for all of us with info going backwards and forwards between us al.Take care and thanks again , I will let you know how I get on

Tina

[Notknowmuch]

Highly recommend that you invest in an elevated bed, if financially could as it will help with better sleep. Do research one that has more functions with elevating different parts of the bed to suit the best sleeping posture.

[Mauser1905]

Typical acid reflux management/avoidance advice applies post oesophagectomy as well, with certain restraints.

The reflux is caused by variety of reasons but fundamentally its the backflow of the stomach contents into the oesophagusa nd the throat. With the oesophagectomy this backflow is ever more due to absence of the LES, as well the New Normal anatomy of the stomach being in the thoracic chember as well squeezed in the diaphragm. this all will exacerbate the reflux (acidic or bile) while standing or lying flat.

A wod of caution of using acid suppressing medicines on higher doses everyday. post surgery the nutrition abosrption capacity is compromised as well the food/fluid intake is also reduced. Any further acid suppression in addition to this is going to alter your nutritional balance.

The best ways is to use mitigation/avoidance techniques of not lying flat, sleepign on raised/elevated position and other advice given by other above.

As I always state there is no miracle cure using medicines for acid reflux post oesophagectomy. The state of mental health is a key in being stressfree and managing daily life with associated acitivities to suit your New Normal.

[Semaphore05]

I, also 7 years post op - wondered if anyone had same of sleeping on left side - had same effect over time. I also bought an adjustable bed but it really didn't help - kept slipping down - after a couple of years - I think - returned to a normal double bed. I also take 1x10mg Metoclopramide pre evening meal and 2x20mg Omeprazole. Sometimes it is months between reflux 'attacks'. Like this 75 year old, even in this current year, we are all still here. Seasons greetings to all!

[hunsdon in reply to Semaphore05]

Hi I was surprised about the situation but I am not surprised, I take one esomeprazole midday and eat light stuff a little later, but just before going to bed I do take a chewable gaviscon as this also helps to coat the system , but the the left side is still a no no because of our operation , and we still here to help each other out !!! Take care Tina

[liz_crisp]

If you look in the second hand shops or on Market place there are often beds for sale much cheaper and you can then add a decent mattress I find the orthopaedic foam ones are good. Especially if you buy 2 singles to put together as the mattresses don’t split in the join like the sprung ones do.

[Janashlin]

An electric bed is well worth the money.

I have had mine since my operation two years ago ( with lots of complications).

I sleep with mine in zero gravity position. Means the head is raised some and it lifts your knees as well. Prevents slipping down the bed and saves having a sore tail bone.

When I travel I use a bed system wedge but it is no where near as good.

I cannot sleep on either side anymore however I sleep very comfortable on my back in the electric bed. Good luck

[hunsdon in reply to Janashlin]

Thank you for your positive reply

[Popsic]

Hi hunsdonI had this too, my right side became painful and would wake me in the night, I'm nearly 9 yrs post Ivor Lewis, but I had a tummy stretch recently and I can't believe the difference! I now sleep on my left, without any problems, can bend over with no reflux and I'm not living with that sour taste in my mouth, it's amazing! I was having trouble with the feeling of food " sticking" the Consultant said he could see why as my conduit was very tight, he's also said should I need another in 12-18 months time, not a problem. Might be worth having a chat with your doc to be referred back to your consultant, I've been lucky and have had constant contact with mine as they can't get my meds right,

Hope you get it sorted.