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Anyone deal with Acid Reflux or GERD after lobectomy?

Posted by Hawaiigirl0906 @demo0052, Dec 22, 2023

I had a bilobectomy in July 2023 and since I had experienced a dry cough that worsens at night and acid reflux. I haven’t dealt with reflux since my pregnancies. I will be seeing a pulmonologist at Mayo soon to help figure out the cough but I’m guessing it’s coming from GERD now. My thoracic surgeon brought me back for a bronchoscopy in October and it was clear so apparently the cough isn’t coming from something in the lungs. Anyone else experience GERD or reflux since lobectomy?

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bjsdls | @bjsdls | Dec 27, 2023

Thanks Cindy. I am doing most of these things already and am relieved to hear that they will aid in getting through these side effects of the surgery. Ddid you have vocal chord issues as well?

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1 reply
pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 27, 2023
In reply to @cmcguire10 "Merry Christmas! From what I understand, the Gerd and acid reflux are caused from the shifting..." + (show)
@cmcguire10

Merry Christmas! From what I understand, the Gerd and acid reflux are caused from the shifting of the stomach and diaphragm after lung surgery. In my case, I had a Segmentectomy and small wedge of Upper Left Lung. So everything shifted up afterward. I also now have a “tiny hiatal hernia” that wasn’t there before. I feel like everything that I eat just makes my stomach bulge but now higher and sits there for awhile. I don’t take any medicines, but will take some pepto if it gets that burning feeling. I’ve just realized that at night is when you need to eat smaller meals. Eat your big breakfast and lunch because you’re moving around more. Small for dinner and try to avoid greasy, and dairy such as ice cream at night. It’s worked for me. I also have an adjustable bed and I leave the head up a bit. I sleep much better that way. Hope you all have a Wonderful and Blessed day! God Bless you!

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That is the most logical explanation for what happened in the first few post op days and persisted to a lesser degree after I returned home. I stabilized with H2 blocker Pepcid. And I have an adjustable bed and keep bed slightly elevated. Thanks for your input to the mystery!!

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cmcguire10 | @cmcguire10 | Dec 27, 2023
In reply to @bjsdls "Thanks Cindy. I am doing most of these things already and am relieved to hear that..." + (show)
@bjsdls

Thanks Cindy. I am doing most of these things already and am relieved to hear that they will aid in getting through these side effects of the surgery. Ddid you have vocal chord issues as well?

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I know I would get hoarse at times and my voice was definitely different. Like a quieter, tired sounding voice. It’s back to normal now.

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whahoo | @whahoo | Dec 28, 2023

Yes. My thoracic surgeon said to take omeprazole or Pepcid ac (generic) everyday. The possible medical issues from the gerd are worse than taking the proton pump inhibitors daily. Good luck!

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pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 28, 2023
In reply to @whahoo "Yes. My thoracic surgeon said to take omeprazole or Pepcid ac (generic) everyday. The possible medical..." + (show)
@whahoo

Yes. My thoracic surgeon said to take omeprazole or Pepcid ac (generic) everyday. The possible medical issues from the gerd are worse than taking the proton pump inhibitors daily. Good luck!

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I would just add that the H2 blockers like Pepcid are not documented as triggers for a type of colitis - as PPIs are. I switched from Nexium to Pepcid for that reason.

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klinden | @klinden | Apr 11 1:28pm

I recently have left lower lobe wedge resection and am positive for b cell-marginal zone lymphoma. Since I've had he surgery, I have had terrible GERD. The surgery was over 2 months ago. I had GERD before the surgery, now it's worse. Was placed on Omeprazole had problems before and then had the same reaction, mastitis. Went on Protonix, since feel like I'm sucking on a battery! The acid is terrible, no caffeine, no alcohol and eating small meals. Propped my head up with pillows at night, still no relief. I am miserable. Have not started immunotherapy or chemotherapy yet. Call GI doctor, have to wait 3-4 weeks to see them. I saw someone take pepto, I just might try that.

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vking | @vking | Apr 12 9:57am

I use a homeopathic product for Acid - Hyland's No 10 (Natrium Phosphate) Also, Life Extension has a product called Esophageal Guardian ( you chew it and swallow with water and it forms a "raft" on top of the acid so it does not go into the Esophagus). I have used both for years and they work well. See LifeExtension.com

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abob | @abob | Apr 12 2:59pm

My has GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus, GERD worse following LLL. He takes Omeprazole as prescribed by GI doctor. Some days he’s ok, some days he’s not. Do you take these 2 otc products every day, or just when having a bad day? If he starts with just one of these first, which do you suggest? Thanks

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pigeonhead | @pigeonhead | Apr 13 9:56am

I had the sense of a constant lump in my throat when I swallowed and heartburn. I used Reflux Gourmet (as recommended by GI ) at bedtime and pepcid 20 mg twice a day... I'm 5 months from RUQ lobectomy and it's starting to improve.. good luck, I hope you feel better soon

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 19 1:02pm
In reply to @klinden "I recently have left lower lobe wedge resection and am positive for b cell-marginal zone lymphoma...." + (show)
@klinden

I recently have left lower lobe wedge resection and am positive for b cell-marginal zone lymphoma. Since I've had he surgery, I have had terrible GERD. The surgery was over 2 months ago. I had GERD before the surgery, now it's worse. Was placed on Omeprazole had problems before and then had the same reaction, mastitis. Went on Protonix, since feel like I'm sucking on a battery! The acid is terrible, no caffeine, no alcohol and eating small meals. Propped my head up with pillows at night, still no relief. I am miserable. Have not started immunotherapy or chemotherapy yet. Call GI doctor, have to wait 3-4 weeks to see them. I saw someone take pepto, I just might try that.

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@klinden, the GERD you're experiencing sounds miserable. Have you found any relief?

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