heartburn

[brybry76]

Hello,

I had my surgery 11 days ago and yesterday I experienced some pretty nasty heartburn. It felt like nothing was moving through my system. When I burped, I had a weird, full feeling. I finally took 2 protonix before I went to bed. Once I laid down, I felt things start to move again and I passed some gas (hadn't done that as often as usual at this point that day) and felt somewhat better. Anyone else experience this?

I was reviewing what I was doing differently, and the only thing I can think of is: I haven't been waiting 15-20 minutes between drinks of fluid and I haven't been sipping-- haven't been gulping either, but not the tiny sips. Thoughts?

Thanks,

B

[Seeking Healthy]

Heartburn is not uncommon with the DS many have to be on PPI's. You want to protect your esophagus as well.

I also experience the feeling like "nothing will move through my system". It can get quite painful. However, I have some intestinal issues where my system does not function well, slow moving if at all. Every time I lay down though I am able to get the "gas" moving. Sometimes this is the only way I can get relief. I think "things" shift when you change your body position that allows for any trapped gas/air to move.

Are you using straws? Maybe you are taking in to much air when you drink. Have you been adding new foods to your diet. Foods effect us differently. What may cause you gas issues may not cause me any. I would start logging what you are eating. Only add one new item at a time to see how you are going to react to it. This way you will find your "off limits" foods.

Good Luck.
SH

[Joanne]

Heartburn is very common the first 6 months. Make sure you're on a PPI. I also had to add in some Pepcid to chew after meals, which really helped. Most cases get better in time. My surgeon told me to expect a big improvement by 6 months, which is exactly when mine went away for good.

You're so early out, the feeling full and uncomfortable is probably because you're healing and swollen. Don't overdo eating or drinking - one sip or bite at a time, very slowly. At the first sign of being full or uncomfortable stop and take a break. It used to take me an hour to finish even a small plate. It will get better.

[hoosiermama]

I'm a month and a half out and the reflux heartburn is a killer. Some days, no problem..other days...yech.

The doc changed my PPI from once to twice a day, I take Tums and Pepto. I know my stomach/intestines has a lot of acid because I have a lot of heat when my food exits.

I think we just give our bods time to adjust and take care of our bodies in the mean time.

Keep the faith!

me

[sherbearmama]

Funny you should post this this morning. Last night I went to bed with the same feeling and also took some Protonix. It seemed to help--I usually take Prilosec but I ran out yesterday and accidentally bought the timed release one which won't work for a DSr. Prilosec seems to work great and it's over the counter so you might give it a try if the Protonix doesn't seem to do the job. I've had that full uncomfortable feeling a lot since surgery. Eating just a bite causes it for me--even tiny well-chewed bites. The doc also said around 3 months that should get better. So we'll see!

I never wait 15-20 minutes between food and drink. That's one of the reasons I liked the DS--it's not necessary. But if it helps you avoid heart burn, then keep it up. For me it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Good luck Brybry!

Sheri

[sandyv63]

I have to tell you, heartburn and gas feel the same to me this early out. I find a GasX helps me more than a PPI but it may be different for you. The symptoms you describe are just like mine. If I drink too fast, I suffer and it sounds like we have the same drinking pattern. I have learned to slow down but it can be difficult. Old habits die hard.

[sherbearmama]

For me the heartburn actually feels like a HUGE lump above my stomach--it sort of aches and just sits there. Definitely not gas for me. But I know what seems to get rid of it so I'm lucky there!

Sheri

[newyorkbitch]

Try taking 20 mg of omeprazole (OTC) every morning.