Acid reflux anyone?

mmlyons

Anyone else have acid reflux symptoms? If so, does it let up? I can't take this nuisance anymore!

crhein26

Hey.  It looks like you are pretty new here.  Questions like this can go in this thread:

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12302996/saturday-daily-symptom-check-in#latest

Also, I'd check out the "New Here - Read me first" thread located here:

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12215781/new-here-read-me-first#latest

It also helps to lurk around a little before posting.

supgabs

Lol

Ashes92813

No it doesn't let it up!!! Welcome to Acid Hell.

It tends to get worse as your baby and organs squish your stomach. Ask your doctor for recommendations or check out the symptoms thread posted above.

Tums are ok but temporary relief. My doctor has me take 1-2 Pepcid or Prevacid a day because I have it so bad I vomit. And lots and lots and lots of water and lay off any trigger food (such as fried food, mint, coffee or anything acidic or spicy.)

But please, ask your doctor or midwife for relief recommendations too. It doesn't get better.

steprozz

BrightEyes112 said:

Lol I love titted my own response and it worked. I didn't even mean to.

I was wondering how you did that! I thought maybe it was because you're a mod

JNerd

I fully agree that this is something for the symptom thread - but this is an issue that I've really struggled with, and previously had been in L7D due to complications from not treating reflux, so I will comment here. 

I take Zantac 150s 2x a day - at nearly exactly 12hr intervals because if I don't I can feel the lick of acid in my throat and it burns soo horribly. Tums, gaviscon, anything like that just wasn't strong enough to get it done, and I was at the point where I was consuming unhealthy quantities of them just to try for some relief. 
When I take my pills on time (and I keep some in my purse just in case I'm not at home for whatever reason) I am fine. Pretty much acid free. I can eat pretty much whatever I want (although I do use it as an excuse not to eat somethings I'm just not a fan of), and I can sleep as well as I can, considering the rest of the pregnancy symptoms. 

If I am late taking a pill, or something has caused the reflux to flair up early, I take the pill and find that a popsicle or some ice cream will normally provide some relief while I wait for the pill to start working. Honestly - it works better than tums, and tastes wayyy better too

I am super diligent about this - when I was pregnant with DS I ended up in L&D because i had chest pains, difficulty breathing, and nearly passed out (multiple times). This was due to getting acid in my lungs - which was due to the untreated reflux. I honestly thought I could (and should) just tough it out and try and minimize medication during pregnancy. I nearly suffered long-term damage because of it. 

Please, if you have reflux, talk to your doctor about it, and take steps to find the right medication and the right dose. Reflux meds are very safe to take during pregnancy and the benefits are HUGE. 

Ashes92813

@JNerd‌, I feel your acid pain! I'm the same.

I always carry medicine with me! Always. It really helps.

tbmadeamistake

I'm on the same regimen as @JNerd‌. Last pregnancy I tried tums and because of their bounce back effect, ended up in the er thinking I was having a heart attack. Nope, just bad reflux. This time I am on the zantac 150 twice a day and its so much better. If they aren't doing the trick I also drink Throat Coat tea. Totally takes care of it without meds if I'm not pregnant and is a good addition when I am pregnant. I've had gerd since I was 12 though, so I've had a lot of time to learn what works and what doesn't for me.

brideybridg

Uck, I keep getting it too! Probally will start any second now and stays with me all night long. I get nervous taking too many tums or antacids and only take something when I'm really uncomforatble. I rememeber my mom had taken them alot while pregnant with my brother and developed gallstones!!

lifeisbetteronthered

I've had terrible reflux with both pregnancies, that resolved the day baby is born. I keep it in check (barely) with Ranitidine and Tums.

I would like to see the source for the statement that tums and anti acids interfere with digestion, as well that they are "poorly assimilated forms of calcium" as they are the same form (though a different dose) as that given for calcium supplementation.

I'd also like to see a source for the safety of papaya enzymes, digestive enzymes, and slippery elm during pregnancy. If they have the power to help they are changing physiology and therefore have the power to harm.

The suggestions re small meals, long before laying down, extra pillows, etc are all good. But sadly not nearly enough for those of us unlucky enough to have more then mild reflux.

abastian00

Lilygrace48 What is the bounce back effect? I take tums probably every day and they get a C- for effectiveness! 

lifeisbetteronthered

Calcium impairs iron absorption. I am unaware of an effect of magnesium or aluminum salts on iron, but can look into that after my nap (which is only after I enjoy 2 tums to allow me to lay down for an hour with out having actual bile in my mouth).

katekat8721

@lilygrace48 what is the Tums bounce back effect? I stopped taking them b/c they weren't doing crap, now on Pepcid and still not really doing crap. Boo!

Ashes92813

@joules235‌, what kind of celery? Is it a trigger food... Or a remedy? Do you have recipes?

tbmadeamistake

@abastian00 and @katekat8721, the bounce back effect is basically that Tums only works for a small period of time, and then when the acid returns it can be worse than it was before you took the tums the first time.  It's why people tend to pop them all day long, because it always comes back, and sometimes worse.  For me, it was way worse.