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How can I keep myself upright while sleeping?
Seems like this would be a simple thing to do, but even with a wedge pillow I seem to slide down. Reflux wakes me up. I stop eating 4 hours before bedtime, but continue to drink water. I had an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy 4 years ago. For the past few months, I have had an irritated feeling in my throat & a dry cough. More recently, I have had occasional problems swallowing liquids - seems to go down the wrong way & sets off violent coughing. I’m worried about aspirating, but that’s another issue.
Any ideas for better upright sleeping?
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I'm still pre-surgery but have to sleep with my head elevated. What worked for me was lowering my head elevation a but BUT also raising my knees to prevent me from sleep slipage.
The fight is real!
I had the same surgery almost 6 years ago.
I purchased a 4” memory foam topper for my bed. I also use memory foam pillows ( the wedge didn’t work for me). Under me I stack 2 memory foam pillows and a regular pillow on top and then hug another regular pillow as I’m a side sleeper and falling off definitely doesn’t end well.
If you continue having troubles swallowing you might need to have your esophagus dilation done. My original surgery was4/30/20 and my dilation was done12/09/23. Have not needed another. Hope this helps. Best of luck
Lori
I have slept on an adjustable bed for years because they are more comfortable, and allow the body to be in a more natural position. After my esophagectomy I set the head to about 40 degrees elevation and the feet (actually the thighs) at about 30 degrees. The lower legs remain parallel to the floor. The lower body setting helps to keep you from sliding down to a flat position. You don’t mention whether you are on Omeprazole or Pantoprazole or some other acid reducer, but it seems like you should be since you are experiencing significant reflux. Maybe ask your doctor for an update since it’s been 4 years since your surgery?
@douglasgb
Hi!
You are right, raising the knees does help prevent slippage. I recently resurrected an old sleep number bed which allows me to bring the knees up a bit along with the head of the bed. Good quality sleep is still a challenge but I’m getting closer. I really appreciate everyone’s help with this!
Connie J.
@lleigh
Hi, Lori,
Thanks for your message.
My doctor has mentioned that I may need a dilation.
We’ll see where we go with this when I have my next appointment to review some test results.
Thanks again,
Connie J.
@lindainca
Hi, Lindainca,
Thanks for your message. It’s helpful to find out what works for others.
My doctor prescribed both omeprazole and famotidine morning and night. I stop eating at least 4 hours before going to bed and just drink water during that time. I no longer eat spicy food but still sometimes enjoy citrus, tomato and fried foods - sometimes they don’t bother me at all and other times I have lots of acid reflux. I’m still learning what does and doesn’t work.
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1 Reactionmaybe sleep in a comfy recliner? hope your having a hapoy healthy day 🙃🙂
@ajax2026
Hi!
Thanks for your message. We decided to buy a small recliner last week from Costco. It’s definitely comfy - all the electronic adjustments of the headrest & legs. Nice for naps. I’ve decided it will be plan B when I can’t get comfortable in my bed at night.
@cjj2 great! 🙂
I have found that a combination of a 4 inch memory, foam, topper, a memory, foam, wedge, and two memory foam pillows Seems to work best for me. I also usually have another pillow that I saw. I kind a hug that is tucked underneath the top pillow.
Hopefully this is helpful 🙂
Lori