Some GERD Questions for you all

Hello,

Recently, I've been having heartburn in the early mornings around 2 am - 5 am. I never have it any other time of day, and feel perfectly normal at any other time - no upset stomach, no heartburn, no problems. When I finally get up in the morning and eat breakfast, it utterly disappears, not to return for 24 hours. I have done a lot of research on it lately. I tried several over the counter meds before bed (Maalox, Gaviscon, Pepto-Bismol, Tums, and tried a PPI - Omeprazole - for 14 days) and none helped much. I raised my bed 4.5 inches at the head and it didn't help. Then last night I got up after feeling it, and went to sleep in my Lazy Boy chair, which can raise my upper body a lot more, and that stopped it cold.

So ... it seems the solution is going to be mechanical for me, since GERD can't be "cured". I am going to look for a bed wedge today that can raise my bed even more to duplicate the effect of sleeping in the chair.

Any other suggestions though for over-the-counter that can get me back to horizontal? What about Famotidine? What about any combinations of drugs? Any home remedies?

Hi Mikex,
Welcome to the GERD forum. There are lots of people here who've experienced the same symptoms you're struggling with. I'm sure you'll get many other helpful responses.

I think you could raise your bed a bit more. Have you checked out the bed risers at Bed Bath and Beyond? They're cheaper than the ones at a medical supply store, but they'd have them as well. I found a combination of bed risers AND a wedge to be the only thing that really worked when I was at my worst. Actually, I used the raisers, and added some boards under them. The only problem with the wedge, is that you can slide down, which puts your back into a bad position, and can cause it to hurt. I still used it for years.

Did you take the Prilosec about a half hour before dinnner? If not, you might try that. I always kept a bottle of Maalox handy. Also, a swig of water was very helpful.

Nighttime GERD symptoms is very common, because if you LES isn't working, the gravity that keeps the acid in the stomach isn't helpful when laying down. The acid can reflux right up into your esophagus when you're lying down. The fact that your symptoms are helped when sleeping in the recliner is pretty good evidence that your LES is loose and not doing its job.

I don't know of anything (other than the Nissen Fundoplication surgery--which I had on February 27th--and many others here have had) to get you back to horizontal. Joy (couchtater) here, is scheduled for an alternative procedure called Esophyx, which is very new. My GI doc didn't like the procedure, because it is so new and it doesn't have a track record yet. She's lucky enough to live in an area where there is an experienced surgeon doing it, so we're looking forward to hearing her story!

Best of luck in finding an answer to your GERD problems. We've all been there! Members of this forum will do their best to answer your questions, and offer support and encouragement. You're in a good place!
Take care,
Denise

Mike,

Sounds like you are dealing with your heartburn very proactively...........good for you.

I understand about the medical insurance.  I took early retirement too but was lucky enough to be able to be added to my husbands health insurance.  Lost my dental thow and his insurance would not allow me to have dental.  You are right, health insurance is a tough issue for many.

Please do keep on talking with us............we love new members and we are all here to help each other.

Kitt

Sometimes it's not strong enough. I take two 40mg of nexium and a 300 zantac and still have trouble. Sometimes I'll even have to eat 8 tums on top of it! Good luck.

Joy

Hi Mikex,
Your wedge should help a lot...the only problem will be that you'll need to reposition yourself from time to time during the night, because it's natural to slide down a bit. Good luck, and sweet dreams!
Hope you get a great night's sleep. Keep that Maalox and water next to the bed, just in case!
Goodnight...
Denise

Glad to hear it, Mikex! My wedge is about 7-8", so there are other options as well. Hopefully the 10" will be just the ticket!
Have a great day1
Denise

I found a solution to sliding off my wedge... Put it under the top mattress. I don't slide off and don't get back spasms from the bending.

Joy

Hi Marie,
I still have our bed elevated, and don't sleep on a wedge any more. I'm so used to having the head of the bed up that it seems really strange to sleep flat. Because of the many years I've slept elevated, it just feels more comfortable to me! My husband has GERD, too, so he likes it up.

When we sleep on a flat bed, I usually use my wedge, just because I'm accustomed to it. There have been times since my surgery that I've eaten too late, and the pressure on my wrap is uncomfortable, so the wedge has been useful at those times. I don't use it to stop reflux--just because it feels more comfortable to me. Go figure. Mine isn't very high though--maybe 6 inches high.

Before surgery,when I was on a flat bed, I'd have to put a bunch of pillows under the wedge, and on top of it, too-- to get myself up to almost sitting. Now it's just the wedge, and no extra pillows. It's so much more comfortable.

I guess I'm just a creature of habit!
Take care and have a great night!
Denise