Time off work because of acid reflux

[CrankyFrankyHoot]

Currently 23 weeks pregnant and I am still getting sick

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.

I started on omeprazole when I was pregnant - it helped a lot more that the over the counter stuff.
Still on it now though as it didn’t go away when I gave birth 😢

Omeprazole from the doctor. And a huge bottle of liquid gaviscon and bascially drink it during the day. Only way I survived

Ranitidine has been removed from the market due to concerns about it containing high levels of cancer causing materials so I wouldn't be taking it if I had it, and it is no longer available on prescription or OTC. Shame because I prefer it to omeprazole but do worry about having taken it long term.

Call the GP, OP. Omeprazole generally works pretty fast. I'd stop eating in the evening, cut down on certain things that make it worse such as spicy food, caffeine, citrus and high fat foods, and start sleeping propped up on a pillow. Lying on my right side rather than my left always helps me as well.

Hope you get some relief

Omeprazole definitely!

You poor thing, heartburn and reflux is awful even when not pregnant.

I had awful heartburn and acid reflux with all of my pregnancies, my last was my worst. Gaviscon advance was a life saver, I swigged it straight from the bottle. You can get it on prescription from your midwife, don't let them fob you off with the generic stuff first.

@Isanyholeagoal

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

I disagree with this - do tell work it’s pregnancy related sickness! Pregnancy sickness isn’t counted under most places usual sickness metrics so you can’t be disciplined for it. And please see your GP, there is medication that can help.

Have you tried kefir?

Kefir is good in principle, but the full fat milk can be problematic. I had to stop drinking it, as it made my reflux worse. I tried the vegan one recently, which was just a bit weird tasting, and the water one is just.... water.

@Baaaahhhhh

Kefir is good in principle, but the full fat milk can be problematic. I had to stop drinking it, as it made my reflux worse. I tried the vegan one recently, which was just a bit weird tasting, and the water one is just.... water.

I made water Kefir, very different to the bought ones.

If taking a probiotic yogurt works then the bacteria in kefir should be far better.

Yogurt, cheese etc. can cause problems. I have times where I am living on plain crackers and biscuits.

Avoid mint or chocolate.

Kefir can be made with various milks and non dairy 'milks' too. You need to start with a tiny amount twice a day and build up as it can be too much for the system at first, but should settle down.

I make my own.

Gaviscon Advance (the aniseedy one). I think you can only get it online - Amazon sell it. Completely different from the normal Gaviscon. Wine is the worst for me, but I'm assuming that's not a problem for you atm!

Also, keep a track of what foods and drinks make it worse. Raise the head of your bed (preferably by putting boards or something under the legs of the bed). Avoid acidic and very fatty foods, especially together. I find pastry bad, and also anything that's both tomatoey and oily/fatty.

YABU but I don't blame you, heartburn in pregnancy is the worst.

Rennies are useless, 'normal' gaviscon is useless. You need the double Gaviscon stuff, or Ranitadine/omeprazole.

If you tried all of those and still suffered and took time off then I'd say YANBU.

Best of luck, I know how it feels

I was prescribed Omeprazole in pregnancy.

@lazylinguist

Gaviscon Advance (the aniseedy one). I think you can only get it online - Amazon sell it. Completely different from the normal Gaviscon. Wine is the worst for me, but I'm assuming that's not a problem for you atm!

Also, keep a track of what foods and drinks make it worse. Raise the head of your bed (preferably by putting boards or something under the legs of the bed). Avoid acidic and very fatty foods, especially together. I find pastry bad, and also anything that's both tomatoey and oily/fatty.

I have Gaviscon Advance here, from a chemist (bought in the last few days) but might be easier to buy it online, a lot of things are these days.

I get acid reflux and as well as using gaviscon i sleep on a wedge pillow which lifts up the top half if your body and stops the acid coming up so much - worth a try as well.