Sleep help?

Hello KC,

As a fellow esophagectomy survivor, I can sympathize with your issues. For about two years after my esophagectomy I attempted to use a combination of wedge pillows and pillows under my legs to keep me from sliding down the wedge or turning over on my side during my sleep and waking up coughing and chocking. They did not work very well for me.

I have no personal experience with flannel sheets although I have read several posts here where other esophagectomy patients have said it helps with the “sliding down” issues.

I found two things that helped my sleeping immensely. One was to purchase an adjustable bed. An adjustable bed allowed me to raise not only my head but also my legs. That kept me from sliding off the incline that I needed to keep reflux from coming up while I was sleeping.

 The second thing that helped me was to chew a Gaviscon tablet just before going to bed. I do take Omeprazole (a PPI) for acid control but the Gaviscon creates a layer over the contents of my stomphagus and keeps the contents from moving upward while I am sleeping. Many esophagectomy patients have “Bile reflux” that creates that 3 AM wake up with gastric discomfort and that nauseous feeling when first getting up in the morning.

When I travel, I put several pillows under the mattress at both ends to elevate my head and legs and although, not as helpful as an adjustable bed, it works for the few nights I am away from home.

I am now about 10 years out from surgery and I still have a difficult night from time to time. Usually when I break the rules about not eating within three hours of going to bed or sleeping away from home. But I guess it is the cost of still being here.

I know adjustable beds are not inexpensive but the ones at the big box stores like Sam’s and Costco are not too bad. My wife has learned to sleep in the same elevated position that I do and she says she sleeps better that way.

Wishing you the best of luck

Regards

Paul

You are outstanding that you were able to overcome this disease. I think that's the most you can do in life. And with the choice of pillows, I will help you. I have had a stomach ulcer since childhood, and I had to eat 5 hours before bedtime. Otherwise, all the contents would come out. To avoid reflux, I had to go to bed hungry and quite late. I decided that I could afford some joy and bought a mattress. There are no springs mattresses for me especially considering the peculiarities of our bodies. My esophageal valve doesn't close, and no matter what I eat, no matter how I lay down, it all comes out. Daytime sleep is a problem for me. I only have cotton sheets, and there is a small divider on the bed where I rest my feet.