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Post by highlyblessed on May 7, 2012 1:59:35 GMT -5
Any ideas on what it is? I don't eat before bed. I do take my meds and sip water before bed and sleep propped up. But more often than not, I wake up choking, coughing, and hiccupping. I'm barely able to catch my breath and I can taste the acid in my throat. Then after I sit upright for awhile, I get the burps. I started taking a Prevacid at night after each episode and wondering if I should take it right after I take my meds instead. This whole episode is quite frightening to me and especially my husband.
Think I need to see my surgeon or PCP because this is happening way too frequently. Is there anything I should specifically ask the doctor for or tests I should request?
Thanks in advance for your support and advice.
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Post by grdngrl on May 7, 2012 2:16:45 GMT -5
The Previcid should be taken routinely for a while until it calms down, not only after it happens - if I understand you right It can take a little while for it to make a difference, days or weeks sometimes. Good luck
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Post by highlyblessed on May 7, 2012 2:22:35 GMT -5
Ok. Thanks. What time of day should I take it for optimal results? I have samples now to see if they work and then if they do I can get them OTC, but I'm wondering if I can get a script for it because it may be cheaper that way in the long run.
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Post by Joanne on May 7, 2012 2:53:45 GMT -5
Your surgeon should have given you a prescription for an acid reducer. Something like Prevacid works over time, (yes, it is available with a Rx), and you might also need something over the counter like Pepcid to help for an immediate acid issue.
This is pretty common after surgery,and most times resolves in about 4-6 months. Some people need to stay on the acid reducer longer.
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Post by Shawnie (kouklamonkey) on May 7, 2012 5:37:40 GMT -5
It sounds to me like an apnea/reflux combo attack.
You might need to experiment with what/when meds work best for you. Only one pill worked for me, Prilosec 40mg. It only worked well for me when I started taking it at least an hour before bed. I know docs will tell you to take it in the AM but if I didn't take it at night, it didn't prevent reflux. I don't have to take as much anymore... not sure why.
Do you have sleep apnea? Untreated sleep apnea caused me to be awakened by hiccups on occasion. It hasn't happened once since I began sleeping with a cpap. Maybe there is a connection between the spasms apnea can cause and the reflux... I don't know.
I hope you figure out a way to prevent this soon!
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2012 5:42:44 GMT -5
What you're describing is acid reflux and very common. Doctor had me on nexium when I was sent home from surgery. Probably took it for a few months. About a year ago I started taking generic prilosec (omeprazole) because I was experiencing acid reflux much too often.
Script is much cheaper than OTC if you have insurance. Costs me only $5 per month. I take 20 mg in the AM and haven't had any breakthrough acid reflux (unless I eat too late -- but that's just me). Some people take as much as 40 mg (20 mg 2x per day).
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Post by sheanie on May 7, 2012 5:44:41 GMT -5
Are you on Prilosec? Another acid reducer?
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Post by kirmy on May 7, 2012 6:01:12 GMT -5
Any ideas on what it is? I don't eat before bed. I do take my meds and sip water before bed and sleep propped up. But more often than not, I wake up choking, coughing, and hiccupping. I'm barely able to catch my breath and I can taste the acid in my throat. Then after I sit upright for awhile, I get the burps. I started taking a Prevacid at night after each episode and wondering if I should take it right after I take my meds instead. This whole episode is quite frightening to me and especially my husband. Think I need to see my surgeon or PCP because this is happening way too frequently. Is there anything I should specifically ask the doctor for or tests I should request? Thanks in advance for your support and advice. It is awful. I had something similar happen afew few times early out. I started taking a dose of prisolic (omeprazole/losec to us UK dwellers) at night as well so 40mg in the morning and 40mg at night. I also slept on huge pillows propped upright and this fixed it. It will settle down I promise you. |
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Post by sheanie on May 7, 2012 8:18:10 GMT -5
I sleep with a tissue box in bed with me, in which I keep chapstick, inhaler, eye drops, Gas X and TUMS. Occasionally I wake up with what you describe and TUMS does the trick, but I have to chew 4 to get relief. Seems like it takes something chalky and heavy like that to "cork" the acid down for the night.
You're still early out, baby. Take it easy. I tried to stop eating/drinking 30-45 minutes before laying down. Some people can sip laying down. I cannot. I also know that laying on my left side helps. I can burp on my left side, but not on my right. Go figure. I don't question why, I just do it.
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Post by starfighter on May 7, 2012 8:34:11 GMT -5
I'm curious, do you still have your Gallbladder?
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Post by highlyblessed on May 7, 2012 10:07:38 GMT -5
No I don't have my gallbladder. It was removed during DS surgery.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2012 10:11:45 GMT -5
Any ideas on what it is? I don't eat before bed. I do take my meds and sip water before bed and sleep propped up. But more often than not, I wake up choking, coughing, and hiccupping. I'm barely able to catch my breath and I can taste the acid in my throat. Then after I sit upright for awhile, I get the burps. I started taking a Prevacid at night after each episode and wondering if I should take it right after I take my meds instead. This whole episode is quite frightening to me and especially my husband. Think I need to see my surgeon or PCP because this is happening way too frequently. Is there anything I should specifically ask the doctor for or tests I should request? Thanks in advance for your support and advice. Sounds like you're describing reflux. Get to the doc and talk about it. Prevacid is NOT a product to take after the onset of symptoms. You need to be taking it routinely on a schedule. If you are having such severe problems even taking as much of it as you are allowed, you might want to look into other medications. For reflux reduction, you need to sleep with the head of your bed elevated. Propping yourself up on pillows doesn't work the same way. Some people do better sleeping in a recliner. |
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Post by highlyblessed on May 7, 2012 10:26:45 GMT -5
I contacted the doctors office and the nurse said she'd call me back after she talked to my surgeon. I never had reflux like this before my DS. Maybe 3 or 4 times a year and that's if I ate right before bed and never like this. But now, I'm scared. Waking up gasping for air is not pleasant and it scares my DH so.
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Post by larra on May 7, 2012 10:41:04 GMT -5
I'm not sure about prevacid, but with prilosec it works best if taken just before dinner, as that way it's at its maximum effectiveness when you go to sleep at night. And definitely all of these meds need to be taken on a regular basis to be effective.
This happens a lot right after surgery, usually respondds very well to meds, and should improve. I found pepcid to be useless, but prilosec did the trick.
Larra
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Post by Melinda on May 7, 2012 10:58:12 GMT -5
I'm not a GI doctor but I also have woken up choking on whatever liquid I last had before bedtime, even though I am propped up well when I sleep. I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, and my GI doc explained to me that it's like a wine bottle that's left open and tips. A little fluid comes out the top. He said that's what it's like having this - and wow is he accurate for my experience. I try not to drink too close to falling asleep. Also he tells me to be sure I have several little meals, don't get too "full" or it can happen too. BTW I also take Prevacid (actually the script for the generic, Iansoprazole). Hope it calms down for you!
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Post by highlyblessed on May 7, 2012 15:50:21 GMT -5
Doctor put me on carafate (sp). I hope it works. Said if I don't feel better in a couple of days, they'll try something different.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
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Post by sheilal on May 8, 2012 18:23:37 GMT -5
I hope that works for you. I take prilosec and avoid sleeping on my right side.
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Post by Shawnie (kouklamonkey) on May 8, 2012 18:43:35 GMT -5
How did you sleep last night HB?
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Post by highlyblessed on May 8, 2012 19:42:58 GMT -5
I slept great. I didn't wake up not once. The carafate taste terrible but I will not complain as long as it works. Thanks for asking.  |
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Post by sheanie on May 9, 2012 6:24:15 GMT -5
Okay, so what's "carafate"?
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Post by highlyblessed on May 9, 2012 7:46:54 GMT -5
Carafate is used to treat duodenal ulcers as well as GERD to prevent ulcers associated with high degrees of physical stress (for example, extensive burns, surgery, and overwhelming infection) in hospitalized patients. It adheres to damaged ulcer tissue and protects against acid and enzymes so healing can occur.
It comes in liquid and tablet form. I have liquid carafate
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Post by Shawnie (kouklamonkey) on May 9, 2012 8:13:03 GMT -5
I'm glad you got a good night of sleep HB Good luck with the carafate... it sounds like an interesting med, hopefully it does the trick for you. How long do you have to take it? |
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Post by highlyblessed on May 9, 2012 8:41:59 GMT -5
I have a months supply, plus refills for 3 months. I take it until I see him at my 3 month appt.
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