Nocturnal Acid Reflux Help Needed

1. Bo0tsy 20 February 2012 at 16:11PM
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   Hi, I've been suffering with Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease for the past 4 years and whilst the symptoms are bearable during the daytime, my acid reflux really flares up of a night-time and causes me no end of problems getting a decent nights sleep. I was on 30mg Lansoprazole once per day up until Nov last year, but then started developing a catchy throat, water-brash and a chronic (productive) cough every evening, so my GP has put me on Omeprazole (20mg 2x per day) and Domperidone (10mg 3x per day). I had a Gastroscopy about a year and a half ago and all this found was mild duodenitis, but there was a lot of reluxed liquid in my oesophagus.

   The new medication hasn't really helped so far.

   As soon as I lie down of a night-time, I get gurgles and a lump in my throat, I can't swallow and start coughing. Eventually I have to get up and try and expel all the mucus in my throat. I have also had problems with my sinus' and have had cold after cold this winter. However my GP doesn't think my sinusitis is related to GORD.

   I have been strictly following all the recommended GORD lifestyle modifications, (avoiding alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, tomatoes etc), not eating 3+ hours before bed, and I also prop up the bed on 7inch blocks and use a Wedge pillow and try to sleep only on my left hand side). The only way I get some respite is sleeping on the sofa with the wedge pillow over the arm of the sofa so I am at effectively a 45 degree angle.

   Does anyone have any other tips that they can recommend as I am nearing my wits end and am struggling with my work and homelife with the constant lack of sleep and energy.

   Are some PPI's more effective than others?

   Thanks,

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2. Charldoc 20 February 2012 at 19:12PM

   Poor you,

   You could try metaclopramide instead of the domperidone, you can add in an H2 antagonist such as ranitidine 150mg bd to the present regime. But it sounds like you need to be referred to an upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgeon( if you would consider surgery. They can perform a laparoscopic fundoplication....key hole operation which stops the reflux. It is a bit unpleasant eating ( initially liquid and slowly building up to solids) for 6-12 weeks. If you get a good surgeon the results are fantastic and you probably won't need any medication and will be able to eat anything and sleep horzontal. Some people find that after 6-10 yeas the "magic" wears off and they may need intermittent omeprazole 20mg again. I don't think there is a more effective PPI. Lansoprazole and omeprazole are equally effective and the most cost effective. You can take gaviscon advance in addition to all that has been mentioned above.

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3. Bo0tsy 21 February 2012 at 09:10AM

   Thanks very much for replying, I really appreciate you taking the time to write back.

   I think I will go back to my GP and seeing if ranatidine and metaclopramide might help. I'm a bit terrified of surgery and have read that the nissen fundoplication does have quite a long recovery time and potential side effects, so I really want to leave that as a last resort.

   thanks again

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4. wolfie840 2 March 2012 at 15:06PM

   Having suffered with chronic reflux/heartburn symptoms for many years,ultimatley leading to an internal stomach bleed; and having

   tried every medication on the planet; I thought there was no end to my misery.

   About 3 yrs ago, I did a little research into the importance of a

   PH balance in the diet, and learnt that to maintain a healthy body

   we require an equal alkaline/acid balance.

   Most people have incredible acid lifestyle i.e. stress, smoking , drinking and working hard etc.

   My point is increase your alkaline intake; and hydrate your body

   I started drinking Wheatgrass juice, which is incredibly alkaline.

   The healing effect was almost immediate and other countless health benefits have changed my life for good.

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