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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@t98

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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My PCP as well as my infectious disease doctor (from a terrible bout of salmonella) both told at separate time, for separate conditions, to take Florastor. I researched it, and it seemed to indeed be the best.

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Cookie

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@cblue I have had Gastropanesis for 7 years since a botched Nissen that injured the stomach emptying nerves... the local Clinic tried to help and diagnose the problem for weeks... I went to Mayo MN and they figured it out in one day and 3 tests... Yes, a Wedge Helps Me... I bought it at Costco... cheap.. my partner does not mind ... I am 85 years old now.. .... when I pile on the pillows on the top of the wedge my head is a foot (12") above the bed... and the elevation wedge starts at just above my waist.. the 6" rise of the bed head did not solve the issue... Certainly the slower you eat ... the stringing out the process for hours, particulary in the evening meal is really a help... as eating breakfast and lunch tend to pile up.... depending how fast things are digested... cutting things up very small... really helps... The blender is helpful as well... When the nerves do no work to empty the stomach you have to rely on gravity...

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Yikes! A botched Nissen. So far wedge not helping but as one other member here suggested I’m raising the head of bed with books. So far it hasn’t helped. But good to know about Mayo, thanks.

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I have a wedge ordered through Amazon. It's foam and runs the length of the mattress. It goes under the mattress. It comes in a few different sizes.

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I bought a Sleepnites 8" bed wedge pillow from Amazon for about $54 and it works well for acid reflux and is very comfortable.

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@cblue

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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A wedge I purchased recently (in the 50 dollar range) has not done much for my reflux. I have raised my bed to 10 inches, which has not changed things much. I am trying a no-acid diet now, and weight loss. Wishing you well.

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Hello, I have acid reflux really bad, I don't eat foods that I know will cause the acid to flare up.
Last year I bought a Sleep Number bed, and that was the best thing that I would have done for myself. They are a little pricey, but well worth the money, I can raise the head of my bed up so that I'm comfortable and the acid doesn't bother me anymore at night. I wish you and your husband well.

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A sibling recommends sleeping on your left side to reduce reflux until your evening meal has been digested.

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I am here because I could not sleep due to heartburn/Gerd. Went to a holiday party, forgot to take my omeprazole and here I am at 3am. I accidently came upon this website. My guardian angel must have guided me! I have been reading everyone's posts and am learning so much and also being scared to death! I have been on meds for about 30 years. I have a hiatal hernia. After reading about the side affects of long term use I decided to try controlling it with diet. I did well for a few years, lost weight, very little problems I could control with apple Cider vinegar or baking soda. For whatever reason I fell totally off the healthy wagon and the discomfort and pain came back with a vengeance. I finally got an app for a scope. She said she had not seen such an angry esophagus in a long time. She put me on meds for 2 months and did repeat scope and much relieved that there was improvement. First round of biopsies were negative, still waiting on the second round results. After this episode tonight and reading all of your experiences has really made it hit home for me how deadly serious this is . There is one thing that I do experience sometimes when I get an attack of heartburn that I have not seen anyone mention and that is I get what feels like my heart pounding. EKG's are always normal. Has anyone ever experienced this as well?? I apologize for the long post. Thank you for all being here and sharing. You have opened my eyes and helped me to become a better patient. I will pray for those who are going through tough times right now!

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