Had my turn in the ER two weeks ago.

[One Ping Only]

Got in there at 1am on 12/3 and didn't get home until 7:30am....fortunately did NOT require an overnight observation (or worse) stay.

I've been taking enzymes that seemed to help somewhat but didn't prevent flare-ups. UP all night, stomach discomfort, and by dawn it would be gone and I could lay down and go to sleep. As I've aged- I don't eat huge portions or overeat.

Had been having digestive tract issues for 4-5 months. Would eat, get horribly bloated, and cyclically this would happen about every three weeks.
Except this last episode. The one prior was almost as bad, but this one not only had me wretching, but also some blood came up. "Take me to the ER" I said to my wife and off we went.

MRI, X-rays, Ultrasound, EKG, etc 5 different test performed and they also tested for a cardiac event that tested negative. They got my stomach settled-down, and excellent care from the staff-all of them were just great- I was so blessed- and the ER DR was convinced it was gallstones, and a Hiatal Hernia. Even showed me the Ultrasound picture of them having a rock concert in my gall bladder in real time. lol Told me to go see my Normal doc, and they set me up with a referral to a surgeon (of course) to set up a camera scan of my esophagus and get a consultation for Gall Bladder removal.

So before we wanted to see the Surgeon I was determined to see my Doc first. Funny enough, my consultation with the Surgeon is at the end of January(doesn't seem like a big rush to them..)...anyways, I saw my Doc, and he told me flat out- "Randy it's not your gall bladder, Do you have gallstones? Yes. So do I and so do most other people, especially with years."

I was curiously pleased. I had already saw my charts and reports online, but I'm not a Dr and can only interpret so much (and most of it isn't rocket science, actually) He continued- (due to a fall off a ladder years ago) "Your stomach is up somewhat in your chest, (I already knew that but haven't had issues as it happened well over 8 years ago), "and there are too many things that your tests show negative for it being a gall bladder problem. Your stomach was irritated & This Hiatal Hernia is inflamed and THAT's your problem. If anything, I'd ask the surgeon if they can athroscopically move your stomach back where it should be. ( as a side note- they wanted to fillet me open years ago and I said NO- and taking a Dr counsel I stood on that as I wasn't having issues) "But basically its the inflammation of the Hiatal Hernia that caused you to bring up blood."

That ER visit was a little over two weeks ago. Healing has been vary carefully tended to. Meanwhile, I've been very cautiously moving back into normal foods, and the first week was all soft foods and yogurt...and I have to make sure I hydrate as I was also dehydrated in the hospital and they gave me quite a bit of fluids before they sent me home.

My wife- God bless her, I know was scared, but she was a trooper and so gracious.

While this wasn't as serious as Racer's situation- it was painful, debilitating, and very spooky and I don't want a repeat. I'm careful to eat and chew to fine bits, drink lots of water whilst eating and avoid fried, fatty or spicy (and I LOVE spicy) foods. So glad to be back and among those above-ground. I'm not done here yet and am grateful.

 

[Racer88]

While this wasn't as serious as Racer's situation- it was painful, debilitating, and very spooky and I don't want a repeat. I'm careful to eat and chew to fine bits, drink lots of water whilst eating and avoid fried, fatty or spicy (and I LOVE spicy) foods. So glad to be back and among those above-ground. I'm not done here yet and am grateful.

It sounds much worse than my episode, actually! Yikes. Here's to hoping you can get it resolved!

I have a bit of acid reflux nowadays. I found one key is to not eat after 7 - 8 PM. I also LOVE spicy, but it doesn't like me back lately.

 

[no4mk1t]

Italian sausage on a pizza will wake me up at 2-3am with reflux and heat burn. Even if we eat early at 4pm, there is something about that 2-3am window that signals the reflux.

I'm fine if I take one of these 1 hour before eating.

 

[One Ping Only]

Yeppers! They did put me on Pepsid (Famotidine 20mg Rx variety) and when that's out, I'll just take the generic OTC Omeprazole 20mg- which is the other equally effective Acid reducer that's been cleared by the Dr.

 

[One Ping Only]

It sounds much worse than my episode, actually! Yikes. Here's to hoping you can get it resolved!

I have a bit of acid reflux nowadays. I found one key is to not eat after 7 - 8 PM. I also LOVE spicy, but it doesn't like me back lately.

That's another one- nothing heavy to eat 2-3 hours before bed. Maybe a LIGHT, small snack. It's better for weight management anyways.

I'm going to tentatively try a small amt of Spicy without any rich, fried or fatty follow-up meals to see how my stomach reacts. I DO love the spicy but also for the capsaicin health benefits it brings.

Honestly- I'd sadly put on some weight after the strokes a few years back- I've already lost 27 pounds of it, and would like to lose another 12-15 or so. Been on this quest for awhile, made some lifestyle changes (eating and exercise) and it's paying-off.

The funny thing is- welp not funny but, I was so bloated in the ER that the Dr thought I was far more overweight than I am. I looked like I had a beachball under my flipping shirt at the time. Hours later, it was all gone. Thanks for allowing me to be real without TMI...

Thanks, Racer and no4mk1t!

 

[Alex]

I'm glad you are back, looking at daisies and not pushing them up! Good job at keeping your docs heading in the direction of getting you better rather then maximizing their billable numbers. We have to be our own advocates, I am glad you were of sound mind to be able to do that. Having a good wife by your side is also a proven health benefit, in all kind of ways!

 

[One Ping Only]

Thanks, Alex. And AMEN ESPECIALLY on the lady comment. I’m here to live, LIVE…. not just exist to grease their system’s machinery and be another one they have on the table for an unnecessary procedure…that can’t be reversed.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

It’s going to sound crazy but don’t sleep on your right side with a full stomach. I’m a side sleeper and if you lay right side down your stomach contents and acid can reverse course. Acid reflux symptoms and even minor vomiting.

I also don’t eat big meals just before hitting the rack. I like to walk the dogs after a meal. The old school custom of walking after eating seems to help the gut do its job.

Another habit I learned in my travels is drinking kefir. It’s basically a drinkable yogurt. It’s full of probiotics that keep your gut healthy.

 

[One Ping Only]

I’m a side sleeper and sleep on the left side. What you say is medically accurate about right side sleeping.

Nope, no big meals before bed, and nothing heavy 2-3 hours before crashing.

I also take aloe Vera juice daily.

We do keep yogurt on hand (Fage) but I haven’t tried the kefir yet. But will. Thanks, Bongo!

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I’m a side sleeper and sleep on the left side. What you say is medically accurate about right side sleeping.

Nope, no big meals before bed, and nothing heavy 2-3 hours before crashing.

I also take aloe Vera juice daily.

We do keep yogurt on hand (Fage) but I haven’t tried the kefir yet. But will. Thanks, Bongo!

No problemo! I drink a quart of it every week. The stuff we eat and drink kills your good gut bacteria. Especially soft drinks like Coke. I used to drink a lot of diet soda. Now it’s only a once in a while thing. I avoid sugars and especially artificial sweeteners.

I’ve also come to realize my liver can’t handle booze like it once could. When your liver is struggling you can feel it if you pay attention. Feeling bloated or full is one of those symptoms. I have dramatically cut the amount of alcohol I consume. Even a modest amount of alcohol can seriously stress the half century old ( or more) liver.

 

[One Ping Only]

My liver checked out a-ok and I’ve never been a big drinker whatsoever. These days- a bottle or two of a good cab a month for us is the absolute (and very occasional) max. Usually a bottle between my wife and I about every two months. Two in one month (splitting them) is really pushing it. And at 64, I’m aware that any liver at that age just isn’t as resilient to alcohol as it once was. But I could go without another glass of wine for eons.

With the various tests they did when I was in there- They eliminated liver issues, cancer, tumors, blockages, a cardiac event, etc. So those various negative test reports really were a blessing!! Overall, there was a lot to be thankful for in what they didn’t find.

We don’t drink soft drinks. Don’t keep them at home, and when and if we do drink one it’s once a year and we split a Mexican Coke in the glass bottle. That’s it and we’re rigid about it. No diet drink crap either. Hehe. No aspartame. PERIOD. We’ve never gone down the diet soda/drink path & We never order sodas when dining-out anywhere either. Always teas, water etc, sparking water, etc. We’re pretty selective about what we ingest. And watch labels. We don’t keep cookies, doughnuts or any of that here and just don’t buy the stuff.

My wife will make banana-nut bread from scratch occasionally and she reduces the brown sugar in the recipe by at least 50% and it turns out delicious.

One thing that helps is that my wife is on a very strict eating regimen herself and so many of those junk foods and processed foods never get into the shopping basket, let alone make it home here. She won’t eat the stuff. I may buy a box of crackers (Milton’s, saltines, or water crackers), maybe some pretzel rods once in awhile, but the bag lasts for weeks.

Cheers!!

 

[Racer88]

It’s going to sound crazy but don’t sleep on your right side with a full stomach. I’m a side sleeper and if you lay right side down your stomach contents and acid can reverse course. Acid reflux symptoms and even minor vomiting.

Not crazy at all. It's anatomy.... and gravity. My problem is I sleep on all sides... I flip around like a fish.

Feeling bloated or full is one of those symptoms. I have dramatically cut the amount of alcohol I consume. Even a modest amount of alcohol can seriously stress the half century old ( or more) liver.

I can count the number of drinks I have per year on one hand. I've never been a big drinker.

We don’t drink soft drinks. Don’t keep them at home, and when and if we do drink one it’s once a year and we split a Mexican Coke in the glass bottle.

That has been my weakness. And the Mexican Coke (cane sugar instead of fructose corn syrup) is the BEST! But I can proudly say I haven't had a Coke since I got out of the hospital, so about 1 month. I still crave it. But I definitely feel better.... no bloating... since.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I was never a big drinker either. Not a day drinker. Over time though, I developed a habit of enjoying a drink in the evening and thought nothing of it. Once a day. Good stuff. Usually bourbon or scotch. I would also have a beer or two, maybe a cocktail socially. Most often with a client, my partner or one or more of our crew. Or a couple of beers after cutting the lawn or whatever on a summer day.

Even though I cant recall the last time I tied one on, when I took inventory of how much I was really consuming it concerned me. My alcohol consumption was far below what a lot of people I know take in every day. Even so, an average of 7-10 drinks per week seemed like a lot to me. Many of the guys I know will easily pound 12 beers on a weekend in the summer, a few shots, and maybe a few glasses of wine with a meal.

My bloodwork re: liver enzymes was on the high end of the 'normal' range. The doc said..."Slightly elevated. Just about everyone develops some fatty liver symptoms at your age. Nothing to be overly concerned about". That was a red flag for me. I've made a living paying attention to signs of trouble and taking defensive action. In most cases, evasive action is the right decision. Fatty liver may be common, but it can also become irreversible if the liver becomes damaged enough to not repair itself. In some cases it can progress and become so acute that you develop cirrhosis and die. Or need a transplant. Fuck that. The #1 cause of fatty liver is alcohol. Booze is off the menu.

Our clients are all very wealthy people. They drink the good stuff. When I sit down with them they almost always offer a drink. Now I politely decline. They sometimes say.... "This is top shelf. Are you on the wagon or something?" Now, I just reply... "My job is to keep you and your family safe. That's round the clock and I don't ask our crew to do anything I'm unwilling to do myself. Even after one drink it's easy to miss something important. When we're done, I'll have that drink with you".

Only once did someone not sign the contract. That was after I told him what it costs.

 

[One Ping Only]

IIRC, the reason you don't want to sleep on your right side (esp with food in your stomach), is because that's also the side where your gall bladder is.

As far as other sugary stuff= welp it IS Christmastime, and we brought home some Franz Chocolate covered donuts. a 6-pack and 3 will immediately be put in the freezer. And we probably won't buy them again until next Christmas, if at all.

When my dad was here- he'd laid up on so much of this crap. Cookies, donuts, candy, everything he was NOT supposed to have he'd bring in by the shopping bag full. . He could have cared less. shaking my head....

My wife is an incredible cook and used to bake some devastatingly delicious pies for Thanksgiving & Christmas. She hasn't done that in a few years now, and with our lifestyle and eating changes she may not make them again. Our kids will be here in January, so that might be an exception.

HFC- We don't ever knowingly consume HighFructoseCorn Syrup, and don't buy anything that contains it. very, very, VERY bad fooogoo.

Our clients are all very wealthy people. They drink the good stuff. When I sit down with them they almost always offer a drink. Now I politely decline. They sometimes say.... "This is top shelf. Are you on the wagon or something?" Now, I just reply... "My job is to keep you and your family safe. That's round the clock and I don't ask our crew to do anything I'm unwilling to do myself. Even after one drink it's easy to miss something important. When we're done, I'll have that drink with you".

Professionalism, 100%. I love it. Nothing to "dull the edges & senses".

My wife will VERY occasionally have a Cosmopolitain when we dine out, if it's a place she knows makes them correctly. That's probably once or twice a year. I think she had one a few months ago on our 30th Anniversary dinner.

For this Christmas, I may in fact have a shot of something. But that's it. and it will likely be many months before having another.