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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Time off work because of acid reflux

40 replies

CrankyFrankyHoot · 14/10/2020 09:14

Currently 23 weeks pregnant and I am still getting sick Sad

But instead of general morning sickness which I had badly in my first trimester, I have absolutely terrible acid reflux and heartburn to the point where I can be throwing up bile/acid.

I'm so sick of it, it keeps me up at night when it's really bad. Like last night. and I've had a few mornings where I've been late for work due to being sick with it. I feel like they'll be thinking I'm taking the piss as you're not supposed to be sick still! But AIBU to just take the day off today and feel fucking sorry for myself? I know heartburn is common but I've never had it like this before, it's absolutely horrible. I'm living off Rennies and last night was my second night in a row of just no sleep from it.

OP posts:
Imissmoominmama · 14/10/2020 09:16

The more stressed you feel, the worse it will get too. Take the day off and look after yourself. Anyone who thinks differently has clearly never suffered with acute reflux.

DynamoKev · 14/10/2020 09:18

Zantac saved my life form Acid reflux YANBU

Isanyholeagoal · 14/10/2020 09:19

OP I feel your pain, I’m currently 34 weeks and this has plagued me since day 1. You should make an appointment with your doc. There is medicine they can give you to help, I refused it because rennie really helped me and it hasn’t been as bad the further on I get.

I would take the day off but not tell them it’s pregnancy related. Maybe a migraine or something. I hope you feel better soon

WeAllHaveWings · 14/10/2020 09:19

Rennies aren't that effective against bad reflux, have you tried gaviscon advance. The liquid is much better, but they also do tablets.

20viona · 14/10/2020 09:20

See your gp for ranitidine. Life changer.

Original poster
CrankyFrankyHoot · 14/10/2020 09:20

Thanks I feel less like I'm just being a wimp. I never knew you could get it like this. I'm often throwing up acid which makes my eyes water and my throat feel like I've swallowed bloody paint stripper!

I think I'm going to ring the GP too. Over the counter antacids aren't working. There must be something else they can give me... I hope.

OP posts:
Original poster
CrankyFrankyHoot · 14/10/2020 09:22

Yeah I tried Gaviscon too. I turned to Rennies as I prefer the taste in all honesty!

OP posts:
DynamoKev · 14/10/2020 09:29

@20viona

See your gp for ranitidine. Life changer.
Ranitidine is Zantac - available from Pharmacy, higher doses prescription only.
WhiteCloud6 · 14/10/2020 09:29

Try ask gp omeprazole! Completely changed my acid reflux. If I forget to take it I really feel the difference!

stackhead · 14/10/2020 09:34

I had time off work in pregnancy for this. It was horrific. Omeprazole is your friend here!

Pipapple · 14/10/2020 09:34

I was sooo sick with my first with this. I lived on ranitidine and bottles and bottles of water trying to dilute it.

Thingsthatgo · 14/10/2020 09:35

I had this throughout the whole of both my pregnancies. I used to eat a lot of yogurt. It really helped the pain.

jacks11 · 14/10/2020 09:38

I’d speak to your GP, there are things that can be done to help with reflux.

There is currently a supply issue with ranitidine- it’s almost impossible to get hold of- there are alternatives from same “family” of drugs, but even then there are often supply problems due to demand. You may be lucky in your area though. You may be offered an alternative such as a PPI or gaviscon/Peptac.

larajeancovey · 14/10/2020 09:40

Ranitidine (Zantac) is not currently available due to issues with the ingredients; OP won’t be able to get it from the pharmacy or GP.

I feel your pain OP, I had heartburn pretty much throughout my pregnancy and it was so uncomfortable and that was only mild enough to be settled by the likes of Rennies, so I can only imagine how much worse you must feel. Do speak to GP - don’t suffer as there are other things they can prescribe.

lifesgoodwithlg · 14/10/2020 09:41

As a reminder do not brush your teeth, rather wash out mouth wash or gargle or you are brushing acid onto your teeth. ( I have huge problem with enamel)

ABoxersMum · 14/10/2020 09:54

I’m not pregnant but have recently been suffering terribly with acid reflux. Kept talking g my partners Tums but they tasted horrible and didn’t work. He ordered me some Nexium from Amazon and they’ve been a game changer. You take one tablet when symptoms start and then 1 a day if symptoms continue. I’ve only ever had to take one tablet. You only get 14 tablets as they say you should consult your doctor if symptoms still persist. Good luck it seems like a small thing but it can be so debilitating 💐

ABoxersMum · 14/10/2020 09:56

Sorry just googled and they don’t recommend Nexium during pregnancy

TableFlowerss · 14/10/2020 10:01

You need something stronger than what you’re taking. I got terrible heartburn when I was pregnant both times. I used to glug gaviscon and it worked a treat.

Kakiweewee · 14/10/2020 10:03

I've had acid reflux and heartburn that feels like having a heart attack, so I don't think it's unreasonable. Can be incredibly painful. Try to get a stronger medication to help.

Mia1415 · 14/10/2020 10:04

Definitely go to your GP! I remember going in to see my GP at around 35 pregnant, literally in tears begging her to help me! I can't remember what she gave me now as it was a few years ago but it helped me 1000%!

WingingIt101 · 14/10/2020 10:29

Oh op - I suffer with acid reflux when not pregnant and have had days off as a result. Mine is stress induced and I have omeprazole prescribed for it normally. It flared up in pregnancy and my gp said it was ok to take omeprazole if I felt it necessary. I held off as much as possible and found drinking loads of cold milk helped (my husband was allowed half a shelf in the fridge for food there was that much of it in there!!

Hoping you get some relief soon - it’s often overlooked how uncomfortable this can be!

DynamoKev · 14/10/2020 10:32

@larajeancovey

Ranitidine (Zantac) is not currently available due to issues with the ingredients; OP won’t be able to get it from the pharmacy or GP.

I feel your pain OP, I had heartburn pretty much throughout my pregnancy and it was so uncomfortable and that was only mild enough to be settled by the likes of Rennies, so I can only imagine how much worse you must feel. Do speak to GP - don’t suffer as there are other things they can prescribe.

Sorry didn't know about supply issue - I have quite a bit (haven't bought any for ages as I haven't needed it lately) as I used to make sure I also had some.
AriettyHomily · 14/10/2020 10:33

Rennies won't touch it go and get ranitidine if they still prescribe it, or omeprazole. You can get it OTC now but I'm, not sure if they will sell to you if pregnant. I took it all through my pregnancy but prescribed.

Dugsbollox · 14/10/2020 10:39

Try and see your GP. I'm not pregnant, but have reflux. Gaviscon or Rennie's only helps a bit, and short term, but see your GP to see what is suitable in terms of medication which will actually reduce acid production. That's the only good relief I've found.

Baaaahhhhh · 14/10/2020 10:39

I remember literally drinking from the Gaviscon bottle when I was pregnant. I got litre bottles prescribed from the GP! I was already susceptible before due to a slack muscle at the top of my stomach, so pregnancy made it so much worse. Now, many years later, I still get burning right up to the back of my throat, standard antiacids won't deal with that, so I take Omneprazole every so often. Definitely go to your GP.