Aspiration pneumonia

monty · January 17, 2015

Hi Everyone,

I was sleeved in Oct, 2011 and have maintained a 93 lb loss and have had good health. However, even though I am on 40mg daily omeprazole,

I have had aspirated pneumonia 4x. I try to avoid eating within 3 hours of going to bed and sleep with my head elevated. When I get it, my throat is on fire. It hurts to cough to clear the airway, the acid is so caustic. My heart starts racing and it's hard to get my breath. Then when that passes which takes some time, the lungs begin to "sing and make noise" with each exhale. Then it messes with my mind like I should never have ruined myself. I have had to go to the hospital 2x but dealt with it the last 2x. Has anyone else experienced this and has a Dr given you any insight as to how to prevent it or how to handle it? Thanks so much if you reply

Chelenka · January 17, 2015

So sorry you are having such extreme reflux. I have issues with reflux too but not as severe. I had pre-surgery too but it got worse after my sleeve surgery which I knew was a risk. I am an opera singer and the reflux can really harm your vocal chords. Have you seen an ENT? Here's what I currently do. I take a Zantac at night when I go to bed. You can take two if you want which would be the prescription strength. I also take a Nexium in the morning and I add 1tbsp of organic apple cider vinegar (Braggs) to my first glass of Water and drink that down. The Zantac is an acid blocker, the Nexium an acid reducer and the apple cider vinegar helps populate your gut with the good bacteria that aid in digestion. You really need to discuss this with your Dr, especially of you are on other meds. Some people end up having to convert their sleeve to an RNY bypass because of their reflux.

monty · January 23, 2015

Thank you so much for your reply. I had to have an endoscopy of the esophagus last May due to another health problem and everything was unremarkable except for a Hiatal hernia In the stomach. Shortly before that I saw my bariatric surgeon and he too said I may have to convert to a gastric by pass. Since I had never heard of such a problem Iwas surprised. I had my sleeve at age 68, pretty much on the end of the spectrum and just can not see myself going to the Gastric bypass. As it is I have digestive problems and only see more problems with further surgery. I did not know you could take Zantac and Nexium together. Also the apple cider. Bragg was my maiden name LOL. So I thank you for that and will try that as well as not eating any later than 3 hours before bed time and raising my head. Once again I am on a Zpack because of the instant pneumonia. The reflux burn is soooo scary!

Chelenka · January 23, 2015

Hi. I doubt most healthcare providers would approve of using both Zantac and Nexium but I too can't handle the idea of converting to the Bypass and undergoing another surgery. I also have mild sleep apnea and have noticed that the apnea and the reflux seem to be inter related. Not sure which one causes which. But if you weren't tested for sleep apnea prior to your surgery you might want to get tested for it or re-tested. The treatment is the CPAP machine, which I also couldn't tolerate but that's just me. Most people seem to adjust to it without an issue. I think there are other home remedies for reflux that you could research on the internet, a type of tea I think. I hope you get some relief soon and no more pneumonia! The antibiotics will totally mess up your digestion too so be sure to take a probiotic once you're done with them.

monty · January 25, 2015

Yes, I was tested for sleep apnea and when it came time to don the mask I could not handle it.
Thankfully the surgery seems to have resolved that problem. I hope I can resolve the reflux because I am now paranoid about it happening. Thanks for your concern and God Bless!

Chelenka · January 31, 2015

FYI, a friend just told me that hot lemon Water, first thing in the morning, really helped her reflux. She is not a WLS person but has other health issues that have caused her to have terrible reflux. I'm gonna try it.