Worst heartburn of my life...

So last night I was laying in bed with my husband, asleep while he was watching TV. All of the sudden I woke up coughing, and in the worst pain! It felt like full on stomach acid was in my throat/mouth. I was in tears couching trying to make it stop. Water didn't help. Tried some milk, and finally antacid tablets. In the mist of all the coughing, I even had a little blood come up in my spit. I assume from the acid burning my throught/all the coughing. After about 30-45mins I was able to go back to sleep, with a huge fear it would happen again.

Has this happened to anyone else? I've never has acid reflux, but I thought that was one of the things 'cured' by RNY. Should I be concerned?

Are you on a acid reducer?  If not, go get one, like generic prilosec.  I know I can't add soy to my shake before bed or I get it even with prilosec.

No I'm not. I guess I'll pick some up at Walmart. It was seriously the scariest thing ever!

That is classic acid reflux/aspiration. That's where you have acid reflux and then you inhale some of the acid into your lungs. It is very scary and very dangerous. Might want to talk to your doc about an acid reducer. While its happening you feel like you're never going to be able to breathe again. Just try to stay calm and don't panic. Concentrate on your breathing only, taking tiny little breaths to try not to start coughing again.

Call your doc if you have blood coming up with your coughing.  

RNY may not "cure" acid reflux - the weight loss causes less pressure on your stomach which helps.   But there are many people out there who are thin, and have severe reflux.

Some additional advice for heartburn
Don't eat or drink for 2 hours prior to lying down. 
I elevated the head of my bed about 6 inches (and yes, I slide down the bed every night) but it helps
Avoid spicy or acidic food, especially in the evening.

I'd be concerned if I coughed up blood like your noted.  You may have the start of an ulcer.  I'd check with your doc. If it's only a built up acid issue, get a script for Prilosec.  My surgeon has stated this at a couple of support groups:  "some patients need to be on Prilosec long term".  I've met a couple of his patients who state they have "gut issues" and feel much better on Prilosec and a permanent basis.  The script version will cost you less than OTC, with insurance.  Or go to Walmart and fill the script there--$4 or so a month will get you relief vs buying the OTC version for $20 or more. DAVE

 I'm on Prilosec for life.  I have to take it 2x a day.  Stress does it for me.  It's not the food, we've determined that.  It was either Prilosec of Xanax and doctors frown on the daily use of Xanax so Prilosec it is!

That being said, I would visit my Dr. if I coughed up blood.

Carol, I too have been dealing with lots of stress this year and have come to the conclusion my discomfort is due to stress as food doesn't hurt one way or the other.

Thanks everyone! As for the blood, it wasn't that I was actually coughing up lots of blood, its was just a little string of it in my spit. I am going to check into the acid reducer and watch the eating at night. I did eat right before heading to bed last night so that might have been a big part of the problem.

Thanks again!

 
Do you have sleep apnea?

This happened a few times for me when my apnea was really bad. I would happen when I would stop breathing for a long time (several minutes) and then would aspirate. The acid had less to do with acid production than it did to do with the apneic episode - It is very traumatic to wake up to.

If I were you, I'd probably check in with my care team anyway. Even if there is a slim chance it could be ulcer related, you want to share that info with them.