Hi Everyone,
Last night my huband woke up in the middle of night with severe heart burn. He said his throat was even burning. He has experiencing heart burn for about 6 months now. He usually get it at night. Last night was really bad and that's why I am asking for your help. Now mind you... this is from a man I have known for 20 years who VERY SELDOM complains about feeling "under the weather." Even though he is only 37 yrs. old, I still worry that he could be experiencing a heart attack and not heart burn.
I used to have really bad heart burn. Had the upper GI test done... found out I had a hiatal hernia that was making it worse. But strangely... heart burn that occurred several times a week pretty much disappeared and now it's happening to my husband years later. I didn't really change much about my diet. He has the typical guy attitude.."I'm fine Honey, don't worry about me." I am going to make him an appointment to see a general doctor because he has not gotten a general check up since we've been married. (11 yrs. ago!) This time... he says he will go.
My request here is for advice regarding heart burn. I've told him what foods to avoid, and not to eat a couple of hours before bedtime, and to eat slowly. He needs to do much better with all three things and he says he will after last night's episode. I hope so.
So.... what else???? Are there certain store bought medicines that worked better for you. I can't remember which one worked best for me.... Tagament, Prisolec, etc...Are there any websites out there that give recipes for people who suffer from heart burn... especially for dinner. I will have to do better with what I'm serving at dinner time.
I know his best bet is to see a doctor and hopefully he will see one soon. But if you care to share... I'm listening!
Thanks,
J.
Until he can get in to see a doctor, have him sleep at an angle. Prop up the underside of the mattress with pillows, or better yet sleep in a reclyner. He definately needs to see a doctor if it is waking him up at night tho. I use prisolec, but it takes a couple of days to kick in.
good luck!
Go to a homeopath - I have the name of one that is excellent. Amishi Natani is her name and her number is ###-###-####. Tell her the Gerstens gave you her name. She'll be able to help you.
Cold Milk seems to work for me!!
Try elevating the head of the bed. Making sure he sleeps propped up on pillows. Some people will even sleep in recliners to get relief.
It is important for him to get the issue resolved. The stomach contents are very acidic and can cause damage to his esophagus over the long term.
"I've told him what foods to avoid, and not to eat a couple of hours before bedtime, and to eat slowly."
You're right on the money there! I had, strangely enough, an acute case of heartburn over the course of 5 months then with changes it went away. Quite honestly, I think it was stress induced because at the time we learned my mother had cancer.
At any rate, other things to do:
-don't sleep flat on the back, use an extra pillow to discourage the acid from backing up in the esophagus
-don't exercise immediately after eating
-when I was pregnant and the heartburn returned, Tums worked wonders for me (as did avoiding tomato products)
I would definitely encourage him to see his doctor as well. Good luck to you and hope he feels better soon!
From the sounds of it it's acid reflex....he will need to be checked out by a dr.....You can also try this web site.... http://www.a-mommys-world.com/chat.php they might have other ideas for you...
If his throat is hurting, it may be acid reflux. I think you have to be on prescription medicine for that. Call your doc ASAP. Acid reflux can eat away at the lining in your throat. In the meantime, sleep propped up, avoid spice and acidic foods, etc, etc. I always use Pepcid Complete. I usually take it with a big glass of cold milk.
I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but vinegar always helped mine. It's awful to swallow, but it helps. Here's a website that explains it.
http://www.davidtinney.net/vinegar-for-heartburn.html
Good luck
All the recommendations were fantastic. My husband has suffered for years and now has it under control. The 3 products he takes are:
1. Probiotics - live bacteria (like what's found in yogurt) to restore the balance in the gut
2. Prelief - we order online since it's cheaper, but to try and see if it works for you, go to Osco (it's the only store I know that sells it). It's a natural pill you take prior to a meal (I take it prior to my morning coffee or before a highly acidic or saucy meal and no heartburn).
3. If those 2 items don't bring relief, he's tried all of the acid reflux products (Nexium, Protonix, Aciphex) but found the over the counter Prilosec works the best.
Try the 1st two first since they aren't drugs and if not, try #3. Good luck and I bet you'll see a difference! Apple Cidar Vinegar (with the "mother" in it - use organic) also is great and actually alkalizes the body.
When I was pregnant I sought out all sorts of natural relief things for heartburn.
The thing that worked the best for me was potato juice. It tastes AWFUL, but it worked like a charm. I have passed on this information to lots of pregnant friends and they have tried other things and it seems that potatoes in general helps with heartburn.
Good Luck.
B.
