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Inflamed Esophagus -- Spitting up blood -- What to eat?!

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Posted 8/14/2013 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I didn't get much response from my pregnancy thread but I am crossing my fingers for some more input here...

I am 7 weeks pregnant and my esophagus is inflamed from GERD and/or LPR. Most of my heartburn is silent because even though I haven't *felt* true heartburn in about a week, my esophagus is still bleeding. The last three mornings I have woken up with blood in my mouth, and I just spit it out. It's not pure blood, it's like orange tinged saliva that tastes metallic. Just gross, especially with morning sickness.

I am at a loss. What do I eat? How do I heal? I have been taking Carafate for 3 weeks. I was hoping for more improvement than this. :(

Please, please, somebody help me.
Posted 8/15/2013 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
sidiosquiere

Have you brought this up with your OB or a GI doctor? I would definitely at the very least speak with your OB.

You may have an ulcer and usually it takes meds to heal them. Carafate only coats the area, but doesn't really help with healing. Since you said you have been taking the carafate for 3 weeks and it's still happening, it's time to talk with your doctor.
As for eating, definitely stay away from acidic foods. I don't know of any foods that actually heal this issue.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/15/2013 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
What kind of medicine heals an ulcer?
Posted 8/15/2013 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
And yes, although I am primarily working with midwives I am going to see an OB tomorrow about this situation.
Posted 8/15/2013 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi sidisquiere.
Yes definitely talk to the Dr about your issue, have you had morning sickness too?
There are certain acid reducing medication you can take that is perfectly safe whilst pregnant. In the first trimester I took Zantac once a day and Gaviscon Advanced liquid after every meal, this will help heal your oesophagus. I know there can be fear with taking medication whilst pregnant but sometimes the benefits far out way the risks. Take care
Posted 8/15/2013 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi newmumma,

I live in the States, do they make Gaviscon here? Never seen it before and when I looked it up Wiki says it's produced in the UK...

Thanks for the support!
Posted 8/15/2013 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm.....maybe you cannot get it there, i'm in Australia so it is probably different. I have heard you can order it from Amizon, it is a great product as it does not get absorbed into your blood stream.
Posted 8/16/2013 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
PPIs like Nexium can help heal ulcers.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/16/2013 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
we have gaviscon here in canada...i did a google search and it appears to be available at CVS is the U.S.
Posted 8/17/2013 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bill, I've been on Prilosec since May and it's only gotten worse so I suspect that's not the medicine I need.

I will look into getting gaviscon and ask my doctor about it.

Yikes, I drank some ginger ale today because of my morning sickness and it burned soooo bad on the way down. Then when I got my appetite back I ate a frozen burrito (it helps to microwave food because when I prepare it I get super nauseous from food aversions) and the burrito was spicier than I expected and that burned on the way down too. :(

Now my esophagus is fully inflamed and hurting and it's really getting me down tonight. My husband is out of town working, my daughter is out of town at a cousin's birthday party, and I'm all alone and a little scared. Scared of blood, scared of pain and suffering. I know the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself, but I can't seem to stop.

My new doctor is sending me to see an Ear/Nose/Throat specialist since my pain is mostly in my larynx. Hopefully they will be able to help me. Next Tuesday could not come any sooner.
Posted 8/17/2013 11:46 AM (GMT 0)
I would give up any soda and all spicy food until you get this in better control.
I know a plain black bean burrito is not exciting....but if you can tolerate it...it will be kinder to you than a spicy one...and that would mean no salsa.
The spices and tomato products can reall make your throat angry.
You will be surprised how the foods you eat can cause you burning.
Try to find healthy foods that calm your throat and mouth.
Look up acidic foods and try to avoid them.
Posted 8/17/2013 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
What is most frustrating is that I have given up spicy food/soda/tomatoes/coffee/chocolate/citrus for the last 5 months and have only gotten worse.

I make two mistakes in one day and suffer the consequences.

If only making changes actually healed me, then I would be more inspired.
Posted 2/13/2014 6:29 AM (GMT 0)
Talk to some good physician and get your lungs tested as well.
Posted 2/13/2014 7:05 AM (GMT 0)
is Carafate available OTC?

im taking DGL at the moment, im told over time thats meant to help the mucosal lining, but im guessing its not short term solution.

Post Edited (fizmore) : 2/13/2014 12:12:18 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/13/2014 7:34 AM (GMT 0)
fizmore

As far as I know carafate has to be prescribed. At least every time I was taking it.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 2/13/2014 7:47 AM (GMT 0)
did it actually help heal? if so was it quick?
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