New to the world of GERD/Acid Reflux...

About 3 weeks ago, I woke up in the middle of the night chocking on stomach acid which I must have inhaled into my lungs. I couldn’t breathe for almost a minute and gave my poor wife a huge scare.

From there on, I’ve been now suffering from random flare-ups. I’ve been doing a lot of reading online and have immediately made some life changes. I watch what I eat. Eat a small meal 3 hours before I go to bed. Purchased a wedge pillow. Try and sleep on my right side. Exercise more. I went to the walk in clinic days ago and had Prevacid given to me which I need to take once a day every morning.

I’ve had a great day yesterday, whereby I woke up symptom free. Went to work, followed my life change regiment before I went to bed. Then it hit me again during the night. What a terrible night. The wedge pillow didn’t help and no matter what position I tried, I just couldn’t fall asleep…even sitting up I could feel the acid building up. I maybe got 2 hours of sleep.

Any suggestions on what to do with nights like these?

Thank you.

[gnorb]

Have you asked your doc about using an OTC antacid (ex, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, etc) during these times? What you're describing sounds like breakthrough, which is relatively common when on PPIs.

[radar2000]

Thanks for the reply. I'll discuss this with my doctor.

I'm actually thinking of going to the emergency, as it's so bad right now. It feels like I have water in my lungs...especially when I breathe in.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

I have heard that the wedge pillows do not always work for some people, so do try eleveting the head of ur bed to help lessen the possibility of the acids moving up into ur ephopagus again.

When ever u aspriate anything into ur lungs u should be seen right away.

Please post an update
"selma"

[radar2000]

Thanks Selma.

I think I found a comfortable position to sleep in last night...and yes...I actually slept the whole night!!!

I got home late last night and did not end up going to the hospital. Instead, I took some ACV and I was problem free for the rest of the night. I know there's probably a hundred threads on ACV here, but I have to admit that this stuff works for me. I'm taking this 3 times a day...morning, lunch/dinner and just before I go to bed.

So far, I'm problem free this morning. Fingers crossed :)

[selmaS]

U r welcome...I am glad to hear u found something that works for u and that u slept!!

Keep us posted
"selma"