Urgent help please

Hi I am in the uk, female and in my 70s. I have been having very painful reflux during the night. I am having blood tests tomorrow do cant have a ppi until after this. The only thing I am allowed is gaviscon advanced which doesn't make a difference.
It comes every half hour/hourly and the pains goes to my back and down my left arm. The only thing that I think would work is to stay standing and not sleep which is impossible.
Any suggestions on how to get through the night? I don't eat 3 to 4 hours before going to bed and I have used pillows to raise myself.

Any help gratefully received.

Hi Suzanne,

Welcome to Healing Well!  Glad you've joined us.

Using pillows can cause more harm than good.  It can bend you in the middle and create more pressure on your stomach, thus causing more reflux.  There are wedges that can work, but you'd need a very long, large one to do the job well (extending at least to your waist, as you'll slide down and could get in a bad position again...also it can be hard on your back.)

Here's a description of what to do.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/gerd/hic_reflex_care_-_inclining_your_bed.aspx

Here's a link that provides a lot of different bed riser options.  I've also used blocks of wood, although bed risers are more stable.  You can also put a couple pieces of 4X6 boards cut in squares under the riser if you want to elevate it further.  There may be adjustible risers as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Reflux-Relief-Riser-System-Remedy/dp/B0083V6PHA

Here's a UK link that doesn't seem to have as big a selection, but what they have should work.  If you scroll down you'll see a wedge pillow.  I'm not a fan of this type (I have one) as it can make your back hurt.  Some like them, though.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dkitchen&field-keywords=bed+risers+for+gerd

Hang in there, and good luck! 

Denise

Thank you for the advice. I have raised the head of my head, taken away the pillows, had my last meal at 7pm and hopefully I will have less pain and more sleep tonight.
Thanks again.