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Avatar universal

how to sleep when pregnant and GI problems..

Hi first let me give a little history, among my fertility issues I have GI problems as well.  I have gastroparesis (75% of my stomach doesn't contract, takes at least 6 hours to digest food), I also have GERD.  I'm on medication for GERD but it doesn't help with the gastroparesis.  So here's my backround I'm 13 weeks, about 8 DPO I started having increased reflux (more like regurg) at night I actually aspirated twice before I got my BFP.  I did see my GI doctor (for aspiration) at about 10 DPO and he said I needed surgery (fundoplication).  Obviously I'm not having surgery!  But i'm allergic to reglan which is the only drug that can treat my gastroparesis without hurting the baby.  So I'm currently sleeping on a wedge pillow which works great for now, but any suggestions for when i get bigger?  I know you shouldn't lay on your back when you get big but it hurts to lay on my side.  I'm open to any suggestions, i just want to try to plan ahead.  I thought about just sleeping in a recliner when i get bigger.  Really any suggestions, I know it's a lot to read thank in advance.
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676912 tn?1332812551
You're welcome...I don't have any info/experience with GI problems, but I thought at least I could give you some advice for what's been working for me with the reflux. I know it $UCK$, hopefully it doesn't get worse for you as you get further along. Mine has only gotten worse a couple times with this pregnancy, but I think it was because of what I ate. I'm trying to stick to a bland diet since spices/acidic/spicy foods make it worse.
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Avatar universal
I take omerprazole for the reflux and tums on top of that if it's really bad, I'm on the highest dose.  For the gastroparesis the only drugs that treat it are reglan and domperidone, I'm allergic to reglan and domperidone is a canadian drug that i have to get shipped from a canadian pharmacy but it's not FDA approved and of course there is no US studies on use during pregnancy so i'm not allowed to take it :(.  Milk worked great before i got pregnant but now unfortunately it makes me sick.  I will definitely try putting a pillow on top of my wedge to prop me on my side a little.   I think i might just get the recliner now before it gets worse.  Thank you for your reply I didn't think anyone would reply just because it's complicated.  I appreciate your advice and will try a pillow.  good luck i hope you start feeling better too.  30 weeks isn't too far :).  
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676912 tn?1332812551
Can you take anything for it? Zantac is the only thing that helps me with reflux. I don't have the same problems you do, though. I get acid reflux, acid indigestion and heartburn but only when I'm pregnant. With my son it didn't start until I was 30 something weeks, but with this baby it started at 11 weeks. Towards the end with my son I was taking zantac once a day but my dr has me on 150 mg twice a day now. I usually sleep at an angle, a recliner works well, you can lay somewhat sideways but on your back at the same time. Put a pillow behind you and it prevents you from laying flat on your back. Also, MILK! Ice cold. Avoiding foods that you know will make it worse...I couldn't tell you what else really...just ask your dr about taking something for it...see if you can. I'm about to be 30 weeks this Thursday, and really the only thing I can do is sleep reclined, or on one of our recliners on the couch...if I don't I'll end up waking up with reflux. I hope you get some relief, and can find something to help!
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