How can I keep myself upright while sleeping?

Posted by cjj2 @cjj2, Feb 1 9:38am

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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earle | @earle | Mar 12 8:35pm

In reply to @cjj2 "@earle Hi, Earle! Thanks for your message. The info about the bed is very good to..." + (show)

@cjj2 I'm fairly active during the day now, but at the time I developed them, we got stuck on the airplane trip from hell and I was stuck in a wheelchair with no padding. A trip which was supposed to be a two-hopper, totaling 3 hours turned into a 9 hour ordeal. They can develop very quickly. One person posted two hours...

doglover888 | @doglover888 | Mar 13 5:17am

I had my esophagus removed 5 years ago and I aspirated almost nightly until now. I haven't in months. Here's what I do and it works. Eat small snacks during the day. As soon as I finish eating dinner I sit down and have 1.5 Gaviscon tablets (don't have mint flavour because it irritates the stomach-1.5 works for me but you can change the amount).
After dinner I sit up and wait till the stomach is empty of food. It takes at least 2 hours for food to empty the stomach. Then I go to bed and have one more Gavison. I use a wedge pillow. I have NOTHING to eat till breakfast. No bagels, chips, chocolate.....nothing. If you eat anything you will probably aspirate. I think this will work for you. Oh ya....I changed my schedule to early dinners as I was tired earlier in the day. PS. Next week my surgeon hopefully will tell me I'm cured. Keeping my fingers crossed. 🤞
Good luck.

jorenee | @jorenee | Mar 13 5:21am

All I can think of is a recliner...you could just rent one for a week..

cjj2 | @cjj2 | Mar 13 6:41am

In reply to @jorenee "All I can think of is a recliner...you could just rent one for a week.." + (show)

@jorenee
Hello!
My husband bought one from Costco a couple weeks ago. Now, if I could just get him out of it…😄
Connie J.

cjj2 | @cjj2 | Mar 13 6:51am

In reply to @doglover888 "I had my esophagus removed 5 years ago and I aspirated almost nightly until now. I..." + (show)

@doglover888
Hello!
Thanks for your message. I am so glad you found something that works!
My doctor scheduled me for an upper endoscopy to check things out. I’ll ask if I can add Gaviscon to my routine.
Thanks very much,
Connie J.