Posted 3/21/2022 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
This is a frustrating post to write. I had LPR for about a year in 2018 and got over it to the degree that I was off PPIs. I took Famotidine before dinner and Gaviscon Advance at night. I also started resistance training and I think building up my core muscles (and getting in shape generally) also helped. I also learned to do certain things that help me that I posted about elsewhere (sleeping left side on wedge, no cold water, no sitting on soft furniture, no tight pants, etc.).
Things got SO good, over several years, that in January I went off the Gaviscon because I started to wonder if the sodium was affecting my BP. Then I started doing even dumber things like occasionally eating a bite of banana in the middle of the night (long story; this was for a menopause problem of waking with racing heart, based on advice from another site). Simultaneously, I injured my arm and haven't been able to do exercises for awhile. I started to have a couple of small reflux episodes. Then, last week, we just went on a road trip and I kept being in situation of doing things I normally avoid: eating dinner late, brisk walks right after eating, eating lots of carbs and fried food, etc. Long story short, reflux totally exploded. It's terrible now; I can't sleep at all except sitting up (for last 4 days). I went back on 15 mg Prevacid AND the Gaviscon. ARRRGGH.
I am hoping that being back home with my normal habits will help. But the real question I have is: What exactly is happening when this happens? Is it that my LES got overly relaxed because of this bad behavior and needs to firm back up? Or am I literally producing more acid? I'm sure there is also some acid damage, but that alone can't explain why the reflux now after every meal (when it was literally completely under control for years before Jan.).
Does anyone know? And would you recommend going back on 30 mg PPI, or more Gaviscon, or what?? Thanks so much.