topic Re: Reflux attack in Wellness

Reflux attack

FlowerBear — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:21:05 GMT

i had a bad reflux attack this week and now i am full of fear of eating and scared to eat. has anyone had this happen and can you offer some advice? it was my fault for eating things all week that i knew better than eat but i went all out. then it hit me with a choking coughing thing and i was so scared. i guess it was the build up of eating badly all week or longer. please help if you can.

Re: Reflux attack

Nonametoday — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:31:53 GMT

I have had very bad reflux attacks recently, but not coughing-choking. Mine are choking, unable to pass food past the esophagus and pain feeling like a knife ripping through my gut from my esophagus to my colon.

I do have coughing associated with reflux because stomach is up in chest. Stomach contents make asthma/cough worse due to dump into my lungs by stomach contents.

I have been advised to have surgery but life is too busy at this point. Normally I take proton-pump inhibitors but in the recent past I have had to take a lot of steroids for bronchitis and pneumonia, and therefore, taking Pepcid because of the severe interaction I get between omeprazole and prednisone.

I know how scary that can be but if you are coughing and having difficulty swallowing, going to bed before your food has time to digest, you may be aspirating food into your lungs and you need to see your GI specialist and see if surgery is in your future.

Re: Reflux attack

LindaSal — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:38:36 GMT

@FlowerBear Are you on Omeprazole? Sounds like you need it. If the doctor says you need surgery you really need to take the time for yourself and have it done. Sometimes this condition can lead to a much more serious health issue such as esophogeal cancer.

Not to frighten you but acid reflux is a difficult thing. I know as I've suffered from it my entire life. I've had numerous endoscopies over the years to monitor. I do take omeprazole and pepcid ac in between when needed. I also have a special pillow which I use only when it acts up. It all seems to help me. I wish you the best but again please do yourself a favor and have this addressed.

Re: Reflux attack

FlowerBear — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:42:12 GMT

well this only happened one time and i did eat wrong for a week or longer.

i would sure not want surgery with it happening only one time.

i am hoping for some advice on Getting Over the Fear of eating again!

things i have been eating that was wrong and i knew it was

pepp pizza, spagetti sauce, mayo, alot of jelly and peanut butter, chocolate, fried food, gravy and more and had been doing this for over a week!!

this attack was a wake up call to get back on track!

i have nexium but dont take every day!

Re: Reflux attack

Judaline — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:42:50 GMT

I periodically have had these attacks. It would wake me in the night and I would have waves of pain. I'd pace the floor waiting for the next wave to hit me. For hours!

Then I had an attack while eating. The food would come right back up-food I couldn't even get down. Horrible.

Then I read something that changed everything. When you feel it coming on, immediately take a BIG spoonful of honey. Gone. I couldn't believe it. It's best to do it when you feel it coming on but do it anyway, whatever stage you're in. I am never without honey. I use raw but I think even supermarket honey would do it.

Re: Reflux attack

fthunt — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:45:53 GMT

Sounds like you know you ....did wrong. Write down as a reminder for next holiday.....limited gravy & cream sauces.....eat slowly and chew your food completely. Avoid spicy foods....eat when you're relaxed rather than in a party exciting mood. And don't overstuff your stomach.

Lesson learned....right?

Re: Reflux attack

phoenixbrd — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:56:54 GMT

@FlowerBear I hope you are feeling better soon. It sounds as if you have a handle on what caused this temporary condition. For me, I might monomeal for a couple of days...for example just have mangoes for lunch, or just some broccoli for dinner. The complex mixture of the foods previously eaten as well as the amount contributed to your discomfort. This will sooth the digestive process. I'm wishing you a speedy recovery!

Re: Reflux attack

mimomof4 — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:15:07 GMT

My daughter has Reflux attacks often. It runs in my husbands family. Family gatherings with lots of excitment and non-stop eating bring them on for her. At 9 she knows that Chocolate, spicy foods(even light spice), and tomato based foods will bring it on. That doesn't mean it will stop her from eating them. She knows that when she doesn't feel well later that it was all the M&Ms or pizza she ate LOL.

It was recommended that we have chewable Pepcid around for the family gatherings. For my husband we had Zantac which he would take before eating.

Re: Reflux attack

FlowerBear — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:17:14 GMT

i have had anxiety issues on and off for a few years and it doesnt take much to cause me anxiety, that is what is happening now from that scare

Re: Reflux attack

Still Raining — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:33:10 GMT

Good for you for knowing it was caused by holiday food choices.

Once you get back on track it should be fine.

Only time it comes all up into my mouth is when I have been silly.

Re: Reflux attack

SilleeMee — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:43:38 GMT

I live with chronic esophogeal issues, including reflux, because I have scleroderma. My rheumy put me on Nexium but I didn't want to take that long-term so now I have to be very careful about what and when I eat. My diet is very bland and mostly plant-based. I don't have much of a choice when it comes to food.

Re: Reflux attack

alicedee — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:45:43 GMT

If I overdo chocolate and desserts, I find myself reaching for the antacids. Get back to the more careful eating plan you know works for you. Don't eat in the evenings. Don't lie down after eating. Cut back on cofffee and drink lots of water.

Eat small portions ...small amounts throughout the day.

I'm sure you know all this....but if you follow a plan like this you will undoubtedly not have bad issues.

Hope you get feeling better soon.

Re: Reflux attack

Foxxee — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:58:46 GMT

"epp pizza, spagetti sauce, mayo, alot of jelly and peanut butter, chocolate, fried food, gravy and more and had been doing this for over a week!!"

That'll do it.

I've had them. My symptoms are a bit different. I get nauseated, chills, pain and burning in my stomach, esophagus and throat. No choking or coughing.

I begin eating rice with a little sugar and tea for several days. Then, I add cooked chicken and vegetables. I have been on that diet for 3 weeks until I felt better. For me, rice calms everything down.

I take omeprazole everyday, too. I take a Tum or 2 in between if I get nauseated, but more than 4 hours before or after I take the omeprazole. A heating pad over my stomach area helps.

If you can't get anything down because of coughing and choking, maybe you need to see your doctor.

Hope you feel better soon.

Re: Reflux attack

millieshops — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 15:10:04 GMT

I've never had an attack as bad as you describe @FlowerBear but what has eliminated reflux for me has been eating smaller quantities of food at any one meal, eating less fat (animal and vegetable), relying less on dairy, and eating more fiber at every meal.

But in addition to paying attention to my food intake, I try to split my exercise minutes as many days as possible so that I get some exercise before each meal.

Haven't had reflux at all when I've followed this discipline.

Re: Reflux attack

chprsp — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 15:10:18 GMT

My husband had surgery back in 2006 to take his stomach out of his chest and anchor it. The doctor also sewed up a softball sized hole. Surgery was laparoscopic and recovery time minimal. The doctor was concerned the stomach could flip and the reflux attacks were getting worse. We did not want a situation where he would need emergency surgery. He still has reflux but it's controlled with medication and we don't worry about his stomach twisting.

Re: Reflux attack

FlowerBear — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 15:32:22 GMT

I had a whole bag of sour cream and cheddar chips a few weeks ago, over several days of eating them and have had french onion dip too.

Oh and I have also been eating a lot of jelly and peanut butter from a spoon!

I guess since I had no issues from this, I could go all out and eat what I wanted! Sure found out that this is not true!

Re: Reflux attack

mizree — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 15:31:26 GMT

@FlowerBear you probably know this but eat small amounts and avoid acidic foods and beverages. drink plenty of water. you might want to try aloe vera juice to aid in healing. best to you.

Re: Reflux attack

Nonametoday — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 19:18:42 GMT

Meats and breads are the worst for me and especially dry meat, a la chicken breasts. My friend choked to death on steak and I have not eaten steak in about 30 years because I almost choked on a piece of steak before she had that experience. I once choked on cheese in an Italian meal and thought I was going to die. Some dietitians say chicken breast is one of the best for GERD but I almost choked on it and I know at least a dozen people who have said the same. Perhaps if you cut it into 1/18-inch size bites it is fine, but not a regular 1/2 x 1/2-inch size.

Alcohol, fried foods, colas, any caffeinated beverages, peppermint, the acid-type foods (tomatoes), and late-night snacks are said to be the worst offenders.

I think greens are the best for me. I do well with high fiber. I have had doctors tell me that peppermint soothes the digestive tract because it stimulates digestive enzymes but there are those dietitians who say it is one of the worst things you can do. I personally know that chewing gum of the minty kind eases indigestion.

I have diverticulitis, pancreatitis and GERD, so my diet can become very tricky. I swear that chicken breast is the worst thing I have ever put in my mouth and nearly choked me to death but dietitians say it is one of the best things and rice and bread almost choke me but then dietitians vouch for it. So, the things that work for me may not work for others who have one issue since I have a multitude.

In the case of chicken breast, rice and bread, I will not eat it regardless of what dietitian recommends it. Choked once, don't need a rerun.

Re: Reflux attack

Tissyanne — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 20:33:42 GMT

For those interested Google

Water brash

I suffer from this at times

Re: Reflux attack

hckynut — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 20:35:24 GMT

@FlowerBear

Was diagnosed, via Endoscopy, years ago having these problems. Now I had this when I was Asymptomatic of any problems with my digestive tract. Never had, nor have had an Acid Reflux problem(you say attack), not sure at what point Reflux is considered an "attack".

My diagnosis, minus any ongoing symptoms?

1. GERD(reflux is not as severe))

2. Hiatal Hernia

3. Inflammed Esophagus

4. Barrett's Esophagus(precursor to Esophageal Cancer)

Umpteen plus Endoscopies since that time. Been on 40mg of Nexium(and it's genrric) twice a day since.

I see your situation as "fortunate" since it has been only 1 time. That, and you suspecting or knowing the cause, is a BIG Plus for you. Seems like if you suspicions are right, you just have to be more judicious in your choices of food/drink. That to me is a good thing.

hckynut