Managing Reflux & Aspiration Pnemonia

Hi Barr 

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I'm not a member of this group, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

It sounds like you've been through a very difficult time and I hope things will start to get easier very soon.

Hi Barr,

I’m curious as to why, if you are able to eat normally, you still have your feeding tube in over a year after your surgery? I stopped using mine about 6 weeks after surgery and the JEJ tube was removed before I started my post-op chemo (10 weeks post op). I’m not saying that this is the cause of your issues but I know that, if I am feeling a bit “bunged up” then I am more likely to suffer from reflux at night. I take 30mg lansoprazol twice a day. Regards, CB

Hi Carol

i had hoped to have my feeding tube removed but  it has not been possible my weight is not really stable at the moment and while I can eat I don’t get sufficient nutrients. I feel better when I have a feed ( 500ml) but I don’t take it every night My weight is 52kg but would like to be around 60 kg before feeding tube is removed but will discuss with dietician. 
it doesn’t seem to matter when or if I eat as reflux just occurs although mostly when I am lying down can occur on empty stomach.

Hi Barr

I haven’t noted if you’ve already addressed this so apologies if so, what is your night time sleeping position? 

Hi Vic 

I am normally propped up and try to sleep at 45 degree angle. I use 4 pillows and a v shaped pillow

hi barr, i had to have 1000ml at 1500 calories, i am still 6 stone 7, but before the operation i got enough weight on for the op.  have they said why on 500 ml only?, i hadnt used the tube for a couple of weeks, so although it  felt like i was losing my back up, i got it removed.  my surgeon said go by what you feel like, not by your weight, but  maybe dietician you are under will advise to increase the amount, i could also do another 750 ml before the op.  have they prescribed the anti acid tablets. hope you get it under control, before  my op the wall paper paste that used to come up was horrific, thank god for amazon sick bags and the occasional hand bag!!!

jules

Hi

I was advised to put a pillow under my knees at night, whilst lying on my back, which worked for me and stopped the acid reflux. I believe this relaxes the stomach muscles and therefore stops them contracting when you move through the night, which can push the acid up. Would be worth a try. 

Thanks I will try this