1. < Digestive Health

Does a wedge help with nighttime acid reflux?

Posted by cblue @cblue, Dec 10, 2022

My regular G.I. doctor has been following me for what appears to be some loss of or total loss of esophageal function. Differential was achalasia. I had consult with endoflip and bravo. Ph results Suggested fundoplication might be necessary. First wants change in medical intervention (recommended early dinner, ichange in meds.Also wants wedge 20 degree angle .
Main question to group: he suggested a wedge how to I don’t know how to find a wedge really works to help with the nighttime acid reflux. my temporary wedge using something for my husband‘s back surgery doesn’t seem to be working though I think I’m doing it correctly. Saw an ad for med Klein reflux reflux relief relief system. Expensive but looks like it might be more comfortable any news about that or any suggestions about what type to buy?

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riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Dec 10, 2022

I used 6” blocks under my head board to elevate it. I stop eating at least 3-4 hours before bedtime. Strict low acid diet, no soda, booze.I drink a lot of water.

REPLY
cblue | @cblue | Dec 10, 2022

Thanks, I don’t have a headboard. I’m in a bed with a queen mattress on a platform bed. I put the wedge under the mattress. My husband and I were going to buy a new bed or beds ,but decided to see if elevation helps. Actually do think my elevation is more or less correct, but will buy a wedge meant for this on Monday .. (I see many on this list find they may “ slide down” - I sometimes do but I don’t THAT much) .. I never had night time reflux until this endoflip test. I wonder if some type of irritation from endoflip and will get better as time passes. .

REPLY
1 reply
t98 | @t98 | Dec 11, 2022
In reply to @cblue "Thanks, I don’t have a headboard. I’m in a bed with a queen mattress on a..." + (show)
@cblue

Thanks, I don’t have a headboard. I’m in a bed with a queen mattress on a platform bed. I put the wedge under the mattress. My husband and I were going to buy a new bed or beds ,but decided to see if elevation helps. Actually do think my elevation is more or less correct, but will buy a wedge meant for this on Monday .. (I see many on this list find they may “ slide down” - I sometimes do but I don’t THAT much) .. I never had night time reflux until this endoflip test. I wonder if some type of irritation from endoflip and will get better as time passes. .

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The best thing is to raise the head of the bed itself by 4 to 6 inches, by putting a block on the floor under the bed platform legs (just at the head of the bed). If you do it a small amount this shouldn't bother your partner. And then you can also use the wedge. The trick is not to raise just your head but your chest as well.
Maybe you need some probiotics to help with digestion.

REPLY
2 replies
cblue | @cblue | Dec 11, 2022
In reply to @t98 "The best thing is to raise the head of the bed itself by 4 to 6..." + (show)
@t98

The best thing is to raise the head of the bed itself by 4 to 6 inches, by putting a block on the floor under the bed platform legs (just at the head of the bed). If you do it a small amount this shouldn't bother your partner. And then you can also use the wedge. The trick is not to raise just your head but your chest as well.
Maybe you need some probiotics to help with digestion.

Jump to this post

Thanks good idea will see if feasible. Platform bed doesn’t have legs is literally a platform flat on floor. I’m from city, Bronx , not sure where to get these “ blocks” but I suspect can find.

REPLY
1 reply
cblue | @cblue | Dec 11, 2022
In reply to @t98 "The best thing is to raise the head of the bed itself by 4 to 6..." + (show)
@t98

The best thing is to raise the head of the bed itself by 4 to 6 inches, by putting a block on the floor under the bed platform legs (just at the head of the bed). If you do it a small amount this shouldn't bother your partner. And then you can also use the wedge. The trick is not to raise just your head but your chest as well.
Maybe you need some probiotics to help with digestion.

Jump to this post

One more question for t98 . How do you know which probiotics to take there’s a lot of warnings not to just buy off the web. Do you have a Doctor Who is willing to tell you which one would work for your conditions. If it’s nighttime reflux I’d be interested to hear which probiotic.

REPLY
2 replies
t98 | @t98 | Dec 11, 2022
In reply to @cblue "One more question for t98 . How do you know which probiotics to take there’s a..." + (show)
@cblue

One more question for t98 . How do you know which probiotics to take there’s a lot of warnings not to just buy off the web. Do you have a Doctor Who is willing to tell you which one would work for your conditions. If it’s nighttime reflux I’d be interested to hear which probiotic.

Jump to this post

I don't have anyone advising me and want to try it myself, so I don't yet have a specific recommendation. (except that I want to try acidophilus)

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Dec 12, 2022
In reply to @cblue "Thanks good idea will see if feasible. Platform bed doesn’t have legs is literally a platform..." + (show)
@cblue

Thanks good idea will see if feasible. Platform bed doesn’t have legs is literally a platform flat on floor. I’m from city, Bronx , not sure where to get these “ blocks” but I suspect can find.

Jump to this post

If you can afford it, you can get a Tempurprdic or Sleep Number bed that will raise the top half of the mattress. It will also raise the lower half if you want. At least for Tempurpedic, it's not the mattress but a mechanical platform that the mattress sits on. And with Tempurpedic, you can get a "split king" so only one side lifts at a time.

Again these are pricey but well worth it for what you describe. Hope that helps.

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1 reply
linh | @linh | Dec 12, 2022
In reply to @cblue "One more question for t98 . How do you know which probiotics to take there’s a..." + (show)
@cblue

One more question for t98 . How do you know which probiotics to take there’s a lot of warnings not to just buy off the web. Do you have a Doctor Who is willing to tell you which one would work for your conditions. If it’s nighttime reflux I’d be interested to hear which probiotic.

Jump to this post

I recently completed a oral saliva test I had gotten information on at my dentist's office. The results gave specific probiotic recommendations and even says how many weeks to take each probiotic (and what time of day to take them). Although this is a oral test, my guess is all bugs travel to the stomach. You might check with your dentist to see if they have suggestions on this angle and can provide you with a referral discount.

REPLY
cblue | @cblue | Dec 12, 2022
In reply to @heyjoe415 "If you can afford it, you can get a Tempurprdic or Sleep Number bed that will..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

If you can afford it, you can get a Tempurprdic or Sleep Number bed that will raise the top half of the mattress. It will also raise the lower half if you want. At least for Tempurpedic, it's not the mattress but a mechanical platform that the mattress sits on. And with Tempurpedic, you can get a "split king" so only one side lifts at a time.

Again these are pricey but well worth it for what you describe. Hope that helps.

Jump to this post

Yes we were discussing that with the Doctor Who suggested the wedge up. Right now these beds are not available and out of my price range and it looks like I might have to have the surgery anyway. Thanks so much for your suggestion though there are different ways to buy it and someways are cheaper.

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