Gastric Reflux - sorry this is graphic

[Stefania13/14]

When I sleep I am supposed to elevate the head of my bed so that I don't have gastric contents come into my throat. At home the head of my bed elevates like a hospital bed. I have a "wedge" that inflates for trips but it is hard to inflate and weighs 458 gms./1 pound.
Has anyone come up with a better solution? It is not an option to do nothing for such an extended period of time.
Stefania

 

[Terrri]

The handiest thing you are already going to carry would be your backpack. I don't see why, with a little extra organization, you couldn't use that under your mattress.

 

[lynnejohn]

Head or foot, it's all good. I use my pack to elevate my feet to reduce swelling at the end of the day, and that same thing might help if you put your pack UNDER the mattress to elevate your head and shoulders.

 

[dougfitz]

Is bed elevation the only thing you are doing to address your GERD? Medication, meal timing, and specific food avoidance are all approaches, although you might find that pilgrim meals may make avoiding fatty foods difficult.

It seems that an extra 460gm might be a small price to pay to keep the condition under control, but there have already been some suggestions that might work for you on that front.

Regards,

 

[Stefania13/14]

Thanks everyone for your ideas. I am going to try another idea from a "conversation" I will stuff a bag with clean clothes for under my pillow and try this out at home first.
Doug, sorry I didn't mention I take meds and try to eat long before bed, etc. This has been such a long standing problem I sometimes forget about all the other things I do to reduce my symptoms.
Stefania

 

[Stefania13/14]

Hi everyone and thank you.
I received a reply in a "conversation which advised me to use a stuff sack full of clean clothes under my pillow and I am going to try this at home. Doug, sorry I didn't mention all the drugs, mealtime and food/fluid modifications I already make. I have had this problem so long I forgot to mention everything I am already doing
Stefania

 

[dougfitz]

If the issue is to ensure that the top of your chest is elevated, and not just your head and neck, then you might need to use everything you have with you, pack, clothes and boots. You might want to consider using packing cells to make sure that your 'padding' stays in one place, although they also add weight.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I assume you will take something like Omeprazole to minimise the generation of acid.
Good luck with the issue anyway ... and don't let it it you off walking your camino!
Buen camino!

 

[t2andreo]

I recommend you use the wedge as it works best. Deflate it, removing all the air. Roll it tightly and put it in a protective nylon gear bag. Strap the gear bag to the top or bottom of your rucksack. There, it will look like a sleeping mat, albeit smaller. No one will know you have it.

One reason to do this is that you will not be able to find such a specialized item along the way I think. So you best bring it from home. At the end of a day of walking you will have plenty of lung capacity to fill it.

Hope this helps...

 

[Stefania13/14]

Thanks All! Yes, I do want to elevate head and chest. Doug, are you referring to bubble wrap or those things we call "peanuts" a light packing material a bit in the shape of peanuts? I will try using all my equipment as you suggested and compare to the stuff sack with clothes.
I am so gratefull for all the replys. People are so generous with their time.
Stefania

 

[dougfitz]

Thanks All! Yes, I do want to elevate head and chest. Doug, are you referring to bubble wrap or those things we call "peanuts" a light packing material a bit in the shape of peanuts? I will try using all my equipment as you suggested and compare to the stuff sack with clothes.
I am so gratefull for all the replys. People are so generous with their time.
Stefania

No, packing cells or garment mesh bags are an alternative to stuff sacks. My thinking was that a stuff sack might not be the best option for keeping your gear in place if you are trying to raise your chest. I can see it being okay as a supplement to a pillow, but perhaps less stable if it has to be further down under a mattress to life up your chest as well.

I do know of people who carry a small piece of more substantial bubble wrap to use as a seat pad, but that wasn't what I was suggesting here.

Regards,

 

[hughb]

Like you I suffer from reflux. On the Camino earlier this year I took 2 pillowcases. One to stuff with clothes and the other to cover the pillow if there was one. On the occasions they were in short supply I simply stuffed both with clothes and I did not suffer from reflux. Choosing what I ate carefully also helped. Not sure about the Vino Tinto though!!

 

[Irène Elisabet]

I also have GERD and would echo what many others have said, don't eat too soon before bed, minimize alcohol, no spicy or fried foods, etc. I would suggest trying these things and sleep without head elevation at home first to see how you respond. If your have symptoms that exacerbate then you may want to shift your packing strategy to include your inflatable wedge pillow. I have had good response to taking two ginger capsules before bed. This has actually allowed me to stop taking omeprazole.

 

[JohnMcM]

I also have GERD and would echo what many others have said, don't eat too soon before bed, minimize alcohol, no spicy or fried foods, etc. I would suggest trying these things and sleep without head elevation at home first to see how you respond. If your have symptoms that exacerbate then you may want to shift your packing strategy to include your inflatable wedge pillow. I have had good response to taking two ginger capsules before bed. This has actually allowed me to stop taking omeprazole.

Irene,
I too use operazole but have never thought of or been advised to take ginger. Was that a doctor's recommendation? Thanks.

 

[JohnMcM]

Thanks Irene.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I have gastic reflux also and here is how I solved the problem:

1. Eat with the Spaniards! Eat your MAIN meal at lunch. Then eat lightly in the evening. That way there's nothing to "come up" when you lie down.
2. Gaviscon. Gaviscon! GAVISCON! A nurse turned me on to Gaviscon. I chew two tablets until they fizz up in my mouth completely. Follow by a glass of water and voila! No reflux!

 

[Stefania13/14]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. I have used ginger snaps for mild symptoms during the day and had good luck with it. Never thought of ginger capsules - will check them out.
Stefania

 

[RENSHAW]

I assume you will take something like Omeprazole to minimise the generation of acid.

I am on the same wonder medication which can be bought across the counter in Spain for as little as €3.00 for a months supply.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I am on the same wonder medication which can be bought across the counter in Spain for as little as €3.00 for a months supply.

I've been on it for many years, Renshaw. I call it my 'magic pill'. Constant reflux over the years ate away at my vocal cord muscles. After taking the pill, all reflux stopped. Magic!

 

[Stefania13/14]

Thanks Renshaw, I take it too
Stefania