Bringing up phlemb,Hiatus Hernia

If she is refluxing, there is a possibility that the tea is bothering her. Caffeine is a huge trigger for a lot of us. Also, if the tea is too hot, it might be causing esophageal spasms. There is a myriad of possibilities.

I usually have a large phlegm production when I take Gaviscon. If her stomach is hurting/upset, a lot of phlegm is very common (I get it a lot when I am nauseated).

I would probably go back to the doctor if it's really bothering her.

Best of luck to your mother,
Ashley

Hey Adrian,

If it IS reflux, here are foods that are generally avoided:

-chocolate
-peppermint
-tea/coffee
-alcohol
-anything spicy (from paprika to bell peppers)
-tomatoes and tomato sauces
-fatty and/or fried foods
-sour or acidic foods, like sour candy and fruit (such as kiwi)
-citrus fruits and citrus fruit juices

Now, this is just a guideline. Some people with GERD can eat whatever they want and have minimal symptoms, while some of us can eat just a bite of pizza or chocolate and be in horrible discomfort all night (like myself). Unfortunately, these lessons are usually learned through trial and error.

Here are some things that may help the GERD:
-chewing gum (non-minty flavors)
-sucking on hard candy (this and the gum chewing produces saliva, which is naturally basic and will help the acidic mess her tummy may be in)
-raising the head of the bed at night 6-8"
-avoiding large portions of food

Have your mom eat things that are bland and healthy and in small portions. It's better to think of her eating 5 or 6 small meals a day than 3 large ones.

Also, have your mom avoid laying down after eating for a MINIMUM of 3 hours. Again, this is just a guideline. I usually have to wait 5 hours before laying down!

Also make sure that your mom takes small bites and chews her food well. If the reason she's nauseated is because there is food stuck in her esophagus, it may help to take sips of water to help it go down.

I'm thinking that the tablet your doctor suggested is some kind of antiemetic (anti-nausea and vomiting pill). If she is still having problems with eating, I would suggest seeing him about it.

I too had a period of about 3 weeks where I didn't want to eat anything, but an empty tummy also hurts you too (if it is indeed GERD), so I forced little portions and eventually it got better. I hope she's in the healing process.

Don't be afraid to go back to your doctor if things aren't improving.

Take care,
Ashley

Also any dairy products will produce more mucus. Just something to think about. Of course she really should be avoiding high fat dairy anyway if she has GERD issues.

Hi Ade,

So sorry to hear that your mom is having so many problems.  Everyone is different in what they can handle with GERD and gastritis.  I don't think weak decafeinated tea would cause her any trouble.  Water should not be iced, as that might cause spasms in her esophagus if it's irritated. 

Be sure that everything she eats is smooth for a while.  The stomach is irritated (probably the esophagus, too), and things that are rough will irritate them further.  I was able to tolerate one thing above all others...egg custard.  It's also full of nutrition.  I would always make it and keep it on hand. 

The phlegm is probably the esophagus creating mucous to protect it in reaction to the irritation.

Or...could the reflux be irritating her sinuses and she is getting a lot of postnasal drip that settles low in her esophagus.  When I have sinus issues that's what happens to me.

Again, sorry that your mom is suffering.

Good luck!

Denise

Hi Ade,

 

I am glad that you are going to the doctor tomorrow to get some help for your mom.  I can only imagine how hard it is for you to see her suffering so much.  I truly hope you find a way to help her eat and be more comfortable.  I'm sure you've been back to her GI doctor.  What did you find out then?  It certainly seems she is suffering enough to warrant further examinations by her medical caregivers.

You are a wonderful and loyal child.

Best wishes,

Denise

Hi Ade,

I hope the pill will work for you mum.

I can't eat eggs either but I am able to eat Egg Beaters. I don't know if you have this brand where you live but I'm sure there is some available in the grocery store. It's made from real egg white but to me it taste like the whole egg. I scramble it.

Please keep in mind that it is made from REAL egg white. I don't know if your mum can eat this or not. I'm thinking maybe it's just the yoke she can't eat.

I had to give up regular and decaf coffee. I know it's very difficult to give up one of your favorite things, especially while going through difficult times. Maybe your mum would like herbal teas like Chamomile. It would be wise to check with the doctor before giving it to her.

You are a blessing to your mum and to us here. Sometimes we forget that there is someone out there who has it a lot rougher than we do.

I second what Denise says about you. You are truly a wonderful and loyal child.

I'll add you and your mum to my prayers.

God bless you and your mum.

Cme

My Mum is getting reffered to her Consultant Oesophago-Gastric surgeon at the Royal Victoria infirmary Hospital ,He or a member of His team should no exactyly what is going on and what they can do she will probably need a scope to find out but she is very frail with noteating and bringing up this stomach contents she has not had her bowels moved in over a week but her GP said not eating she wont get her bowels moved.The worry is the cancer has returned you always have that fear that they didnt get everything removed,they removed the lymph nodes when they removed her stomach the cancer was in the nodes so they dont know if its spread they will have to do a scan I would imagine it is a big worry.There is no warning when this thick mucus comes up as gastro specialists they must know what is causing it and seen it before in the past

Thankyou very much Cme your kind words are really appreciated thank you ade.I pray every night and also askMy sister who is in heaven to make mum better.