My reflux seems to be getting worse

I have a large wedge pillow which i have been using for years, just don't know why it has got worse over the last month or so but at least now my symptoms are being investigated.

its interesting that they never say get a pillow but always block the bed up. Raising the bed means that you are always at an angle where as the pillow just raises your neck and not your entire body. You need to get the stomach lower not the neck.

do you suggest say a couple of wooden blocks (I can get some from work) but would they need to go at the bottom of the bed or at top where my wedge pillow is?  also would it help having an extra ordinary pillow underneath me?  i just assumed my wedge pillow was doing the trick.  Thanks

yes that will do it. I use bricks, they need to be at the top of the bed where the pillow is.

I think the reason they say that blocks under the top legs of the bed is better -  is so you can sleep flat. By using a wedge pillow - you are bending the angle of your body and putting more pressure on your stomach (if you get what I mean)

but i thought that being flat is worse?  the wedge pillow keeps me elevated which is what is best for reflux but if i get the blocks then i may ditch the wedge pillow and see how i am with just the blocks underneath the mattress at the top end of the bed.  Does that sound correct?

You need to be flat BUT at an ANGLE. If you raise the bed at the top then are sleeping at an angle albeit you are flat.

Imagine a ladder that is leant against a wall at an angle. If you lie on the ladder you are flat but your body is at an angle.

Now imagine the ladder on the ground and you bend the top of the ladder at an angle, that is what you are doing with the pillow. Does this help explaine why you need blocks

Much better explanation than mine LOL

Also the doctor once told me that the pillows can cause a dip i you see what i mean which would encourage inflammation, where as the bed elevated is better because it elevates your upper half gradually if that makes sense!, i think in the past my pillows were too high, so i raised the bed instead

Well explained!

Hi Raffaela;   I would try putting the blocks/bricks under the Actual Bed, at the head of the bed end....you could also try elevating the mattress by putting some pillows under the mattress....one near abdominal area, and two near head end.  Also am wondering how long is it since you have had another endoscopy?   It wouldn't hurt to have a talk with your GP, as you have said you have Reflux (from an hiatus hernia, I think??)..perhaps your  Pariet is not stopping the gas/acid fom your gut (from my understanding of this drug, it's usage is to under-stimulate the Para-sympathetic Nerve that releases gastric acid into your stomach..).normally for digestion of food); however, if too much acid, and a Lax Cardiac Spincter (the hiatus hernia), then the acidic gases also will regurgitate up into your oesophagus (gullet), and this can cause ulceration (sores) along the lining of same...this then in turn casuses Severe Pain, not just after eating, but ALL the time, especially after lying down.  Have you ever heard about babies suffering from Gastric Reflux...the same thing...and we usually treat this, by firstly giving Gavascon (in small doses) before feeding, to stop the ulcers hurting. Gavascon can also be used in adults (in adult form/dosage) to stop gastric juices from entering the gullet....wondering if any of this helps??  but it is always best to talk to GP, (  sorry just reread your script, and noted that you are having an endoscope this week....feel better re knowing that )

It wouldn't surprise me if I have a hiatus hernia, something is not quite right but thankfully my endoscopy is tomorrow. It may even be my stomach producing too much acid. Going back to the bed blocks, can I place them underneath the mattress? Would it be best to ditch wedge pillow or still use it with bed blocks in place? Thanks

Hi;  I Guess you can try under the mattress?  is there a problem with putting under your bed...is the bed too heavy to lift?  I was/am assuming you have a regular bed (or is it on 4 legs instead of a bed-head/ensemble)...all you can do is try. I was using what is normally used, for assuming that your bed had a bedhead/ensemble....try what you can...but have also just read that you are haveing Endoscopy earlier, so all will be known sooner...(and if you have Private Specialist performing same, he should tell you there after same...if public, may have to see GP???)   good luck and let's know all the answers....keen to hear.....Bron

My bed is not on legs, it is just a flat on the floor (with pull out drawers) so i think it might be easier to put them under the mattress.  According to my leaflet, it does actually say that i will be told there and then after the test what they find, so hope so, will keep you all posted.