John, I moved your post to a new topic-Vicki

I was wondering if anybody could tell me if this is a serious problem? I even do it wearing my CPAP and if so what should I do? What do I need to be concerned about? My doctor doesn't seem to mention anything about it when I tell him it has been happening.

thanks John

John,

Ok, now to answer your question.  Yes, it is a problem and needs to be treated.  Acid reflux can contribute to apnea and in and of itself is a medical problem which can eventually lead to esophagial cancer.  Your doctor should be concerned and should treat you for it.  In the meantime, sleep on a wedge to get your head up and that should help.

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

the new antiulcer meds sometimes help with GERD
also dont eat for about 2 hours before bed and no night time refrigerator raids =D>

There is a non surgical "cure" also.  I had the Enteryx procedure done in January, and now only occasionally have to take something for reflux.  Before it was Prevacid twice a day just to avoid having asthma attacks from the reflux.  Feel free to private message me for more info.

I have acid reflux, and take medication for it.  This can be a serious problem is you do 'reflux', as the acid will eat at your esophagus (sp).  Please tell your doctor about this; many meds available.  Refrain from chocolate or like sweets 2 hrs prior bedtime. (one of my causes)  I keep a small towel handy; this also helps the anxiety of having a problem. I think I take axid for it.  Rx - will clarify later.  Don't mess w/this, talk to doctor, or at least pharmacist.  A wedge doesn't help that much - entire bed needs to be elevated, with head at highest point.

Also had this problem, and concur with advice to get your doctor to help you deal with it.  This is a serious problem.  Do not expect it to be fixed overnight, either.  If you've had this for a while, there can be some damage to your esophagus where it enters the stomach that, over time, makes the problem worse.  I took an acid blocker drug (NOT the same as antacid) for several months before I felt I was really on the way to recovery.  I'm now rarely bothered by the problem (although I do need to avoid some foods near bedtime), and have cut my acid blocker use by half.

One thing my doctor didn't tell me, that I found out on my own, is that gastric gas pressure can also make this problem worse.  If you have "that bloated feeling" as you near bedtime you might try using one of the anti-gas remedies as well.

I am NOT a doctor - my suggestions here just reflect what worked for me.  Good luck.

If your doctor isn't taking you seriously find another doctor FAST.   Don't wait to have the reflux checked and monitored.   I waited too long and found out that the acid had damaged my esophagus and caused a 'change' in cells of the lining.   I had  to have surgery to wrap a part of my stomach around the valve that leads to the esophagus to create a tighter 'valve'.   That stopped the reflux.

Unfortuntely, due to the damage, I'm now on regular esophageal scope monitoring.... to make sure those 'changed cells' are not turning into cancer.

Louise wrote:

If your doctor isn't taking you seriously find another doctor FAST.   Don't wait to have the reflux checked and monitored.   I waited too long and found out that the acid had damaged my esophagus and caused a 'change' in cells of the lining.   I had  to have surgery to wrap a part of my stomach around the valve that leads to the esophagus to create a tighter 'valve'.   That stopped the reflux.
 
Unfortuntely, due to the damage, I'm now on regular esophageal scope monitoring.... to make sure those 'changed cells' are not turning into cancer.

 
How are you doing with the Nisin Fundoplication?  I opted for the Enteryx procedure, but I don't think that is possible if you have Barrett's esophagus... If the Enteryx doesn't work, then I will probably have to go that route.    
 
There are a lot of problem that can be caused by the acid, in my case I was having asthma attacks weekly.

Hmmm...my doctor DID take me seriously, started me on meds, etc.  However, this forum has made me aware that I may have existing damage done prior to treatment.  From your experiences, would I have any 'signals' of 'damage done' without being tested?  And what are the tests?  Thanks for sharing your experiences; I know there's no ONE cause or cure, and will take that into consideration.  
I am amazed that so many of my health problems are INTERRELATED!!  Scoliosis, GERD, Apnea, depression.  Looking back, the last to manifest itself was the GERD - it came on slowly.  Any suggestions re what to ask my 'diagnostician'/doctor?  She does pay attention and refers me to specialists when necessary.  Thanks!

Kathleen,

As far as I know, there are no early signs of esophaphagel cellular changes and the best way to check for damage is endoscopy with biopsy.

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Thank you, Vicki.  Do you know if biopsy is the 'norm', or only if they 'see' anything that looks suspicious to them?

Hi Kathleen!

I recently had the whole GI experience from one end to the other.  I believe they did biopsis during my endoscopy because a biopsy on on tissue which looks normal is the best way to catch the beginning of cellular changes.  They most certainly did it from the other end.

Totally hosed out Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Ouch!!      I've been hosed myself.  First time w/o drugs - he's on my 'hit list', haha.  2nd time was 'out'.  I'll ask my Dr. about the subject, not that I'm proposing it; will leave it up to her.   Thanks again for the valuable info. Oh, do they put you into twilight at least?  Or is it another GAG?  bad joke there.  You know, Vicki, it's not a bad idea, just to be safe.  Getting to that "Better be Safe" age.  And also have seen too much of what happens as a result of either not knowing, ignoring, or just plain fear.

Oh - Vicki - did you get 'flushed out' while you were 'hosed'???  Yuk, Yuk.  I think it's time for my machine and I to rest my brain.

Lol Kathleen,

The procedure in which I could still talk during the first series was twilight (which was really bad 'cause I said, in front of everyone including my doctor "why would anyone want to become a gastroenterologist?", this time it was out like a light!

I had a close young friend die within 2 weeks of previously undiagnosed esophagial cancer, so yea, better safe and knowing!!

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.