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Distorted sleep every night ( Absence of oesophageal sphincter )
I have not had a complete night sleep for the past five years because I always wake up 1 to 2 hours into my sleep even during afternoon nap due to terrible acid reflux that refuses to settle even after taking antacid. I wake from sleep sometimes with a sharp abdominal pain and some spasm. I have seen many doctors and different drugs prescribed but non has worked. I did an endoscope. The pictures show that I do not have the oesophageal sphincter from birth and was given some medications but they did not cure the illness . Recently another doctor diagnosed IBS and put me to FODMAP diet and Linzess. I am taking the medication and following the diet but the problem is still there, no improvement yet. Please I will like to know what I can do to get my sleep back to normal.
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Welcome @amaastain.
You mention that you've had this issue of distorted sleep for at least the past 5 years and that it was detected that you were born without an oesophageal sphincter. Has this issue been increasing with the years or have you had problems since birth. Might the underlying issue be something other than the absence of an oesophageal sphincter?
Until you and medical doctors find the underlying cause, you might find these related discussions helpful.
@lori57216 started this discussion about raising your bed for sleeping.
- Adjustable bed frames: Acid reflux after esophageal cancer treatment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/adjustable-bed-frames/
And see the tips in this discussion:
- Acid Reflux - Natural Remedies? Diet Tips? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/acid-reflux-natural-cures-ginger-for-digestive-issues/
How has the acid reflux been managed for you?
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2 ReactionsI also wanted to ask if your doctors have mentiond the term achalasia?
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1 ReactionIs it your upper or lower sphincter?
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-esophagus#:~:text=The%20upper%20esophageal%20sphincter%20(UES,from%20going%20down%20the%20windpipe. I
I tried to paste a picture of it but wouldn't allow.
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1 ReactionI and many others have resorted to lifting the heads of our beds up 6" and as much as 8". I had to purchase an adjustable bed and it made all the difference in the world!!!! The terrible constant acid reflux was literally eliminated by 75%. My need to see a specialist is now every 4 months as compared to every month!!!
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4 ReactionsNo, the doctors didn’t mention achalasia.
I have been fine since birth until five years ago when I had so much stress from family issues. The illness has not been increasing but I am waiting for it to get better while doing all that is recommended by the doctors. Thank you.
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1 ReactionIt’s the lower.