Smoking a Pipe with GERD/Reflux

[dcon]

I am not giving medical advise, just experience. I suffered with a GERD/hiatal,hernia diagnosis for over 20 years I took every new reflux drug that came upon the market during that time. I additionally underwent 2 surgeries (laparoscopic fundalpication, for those in the medical know). I puked a lot of blood on the way and pics of my esophagus looked like hamburger
Eventually, I came upon a gastroenterologist that had been doing research that,,was suggesting that a large percentage of GERD was triggered by poor gut motility. He prescribed a regime,of probiotics and an elimination of wheat in the diet. Lo and behold, the daily puking stopped and my gut eventually healed.

I am relating what worked for me and was recommended by an awarded expert in his field. To each his own and good luck.

 

[olkofri]

When you are drinking, you wash down the acid as you swallow which can help for a very short time. After a smoke and drink the chemicals are absorbed and enter the blood stream where they then act upon the smooth muscle receptors to activate the effect which would occur a short while after drinking/smoking.

That's quite sensical. I reckon it explains why the pain/discomfort is there when one wakes up next day.

I must say that GERD symptoms vary based on individuals' idiosyncrasies. It's heavily influenced by emotions, and it also depends a lot on the diet. Good medical advice helps, but most of the onus is on the sufferer himself to suss out what makes it worse or better and go with the affinities whilst avoiding the inimicals.

My reflux is quite vexing to-day, after having had very fatty food last night at a friend's house. In **my** case such food is a trigger, whilst I'm OK with leaner food, even if acidic.

As with all things, it's all a balancing act of benefits vs risks.

 

[Doctor Chopper]

That's quite sensical. I reckon it explains why the pain/discomfort is there when one wakes up next day.

I must say that GERD symptoms vary based on individuals' idiosyncrasies. It's heavily influenced by emotions, and it also depends a lot on the diet. Good medical advice helps, but most of the onus is on the sufferer himself to suss out what makes it worse or better and go with the affinities whilst avoiding the inimicals.

My reflux is quite vexing to-day, after having had very fatty food last night at a friend's house. In **my** case such food is a trigger, whilst I'm OK with leaner food, even if acidic.

As with all things, it's all a balancing act of benefits vs risks.

You hit on two important factors with GERD that I think deserves attention.

First, when are laying down gravity is no longer working for you. GERD is worse at night when you are laying down.

Second, fats decrease stomach emptying which makes GERD worse.

Having a pipe, whiskey, and a pizza right before bed may sound great.....

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Either that or get a divorce.

No way man, you cant hit the lottery twice.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Can't you crack the window an inch? Won't destroy a/c much....

She's wants the whole thing down, and nobody wants to ride like that. I usually just smoke cigarettes with the window cracked. Ive learned to adapt and i dont really mind, I'm just carrying on.

The heartburn thing is must be psychosomatic, though.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

A small amount of vinegar out of a shot glass always makes my heartburn go away.

It's worth a try. In my experience the medications for heartburn make it worse in the long run.

 

[anotherbob]

No way man, you cant hit the lottery twice.

hey it's an option. A shitty terrible option but.. it does provide a little perspective.

 

[PaulDM]

I use a big foam wedge when I sleep. Really helped with GERD. Black coffee can set me of as can alcohol. Smoking can contribute but I haven't noticed it.

 

[kcghost]

I've decided from listening to all the "medicos" on this page not to get this disease,

 

[mateusbrown]

Smoking is one of those things that supposedly makes GERD/Acid reflux worse... so why does it make mine feel better? Multiple times per day, I have acid creep up in my throat, causing a burning sensation. But as soon as I start puffing, it almost immediately alleviates it. Long term it's bad, but good in the moment, I guess?

Not sure how all this works either, but long story short, I had a gastroenterologist appointment a few weeks back. Two things that stood out to me on the list of things to avoid for GERD were caffeine and nicotine. I think as for the pipe, whenever I smoke it, it also coincides with my "chill" time, which means I'm in the recliner watching TV, which means I'm also mentally relaxed, probably just had a snack or meal, and I know I can sit still for an hour or so.

 

[SmokingInTheWind]

I have had GERD symptoms for a few years. My GERD has recently improved from diet and other changes. My chronic cough has turned into a nagging tickle in my throat. I want to get rid of all symptoms. No alcohol and caffeine, so the only vice remaining is nicotine from pipe tobacco. Mon-Fri I smoke one bowl a day after dinner and on the weekends several bowls throughout the day with one after dinner. I am considering cutting out smoking during the week and having my last bowl around midday on the weekends. I am working up the courage to try this compromise approach.

 

[bullet08]

Had it for decades. Stress goes along with the work ethic. Used to work half days, that's 9am to 9pm building a new team. Then a bunch of off shift to fill up the gaps. Sure team work is great, but it will eat into your health. Didn't know what was causing all the coughs and heartburns. By a chance, one of the doc suggested Nexium. Problem is gone. I was smoking long before acid reflux, and I'm smoking now. Go see a doc and get a med. Sooner or later, you'll be taking a fistful of pills anyway. What's one more?

 

[ParkitoATL]

By a chance, one of the doc suggested Nexium. Problem is gone. I was smoking long before acid reflux, and I'm smoking now.

I have struggled with heartburn for years, constantly chewing Tums, etc. On our recent trip to the UK I decided to take emaprazole every day so I didn't have to fight reflux on vacation. Zero heartburn on the trip, and none since my return even though I stopped taking it ten days ago. Happy times!

 

[SmokingInTheWind]

Had it for decades. Stress goes along with the work ethic. Used to work half days, that's 9am to 9pm building a new team. Then a bunch of off shift to fill up the gaps. Sure team work is great, but it will eat into your health. Didn't know what was causing all the coughs and heartburns. By a chance, one of the doc suggested Nexium. Problem is gone. I was smoking long before acid reflux, and I'm smoking now. Go see a doc and get a med. Sooner or later, you'll be taking a fistful of pills anyway. What's one more?

My job started getting WAY more stressful at about the same time my GERD started. So, there is that. I don't see that changing until I retire in a few years. I know what you mean about teamwork. I used to be the only Field Engineer on site. A team of one. My supervisor was in another state, and I was in charge of my own little kingdom. I thought I could coast into retirement. Then things started expanding and now I am dealing with a big team and a supervisor on site. It's not as bad as you described, though.

I am not taking any meds and don't want to. Hopefully, cutting back on the nicotine will help. I should smoke lower nicotine blends, at least for the last pipe of the day. Can't let that lower esophageal sphincter get too relaxed before bedtime, ha, ha.

I think I will have a big smoke out until Sunday night and then give my plan a try.

 

[The Libertine]

This has been an interesting conversation. I haven't had the displeasure of GERD so I have no advice but Doc gave some excellent advice

 

[condorlover1]

I have a similar issue with uncontrollable flatulence. It doesn't bother me particularly and is highly amusing, especially when you get some idiot to fall for the 'Pull My Finger' routine. It is a great way to 'wow' the ladies and horrify the old crones, the added bonus is you are every small kids hero for about five minutes.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

I have a similar issue with uncontrollable flatulence. It doesn't bother me particularly and is highly amusing, especially when you get some idiot to fall for the 'Pull My Finger' routine. It is a great way to 'wow' the ladies and horrify the old crones, the added bonus is you are every small kids hero for about five minutes.

I can relate to this.

 

[SmokingInTheWind]

I have a similar issue with uncontrollable flatulence. It doesn't bother me particularly and is highly amusing, especially when you get some idiot to fall for the 'Pull My Finger' routine. It is a great way to 'wow' the ladies and horrify the old crones, the added bonus is you are every small kids hero for about five minutes.

Flatulence is on my list of "issues" as well. Just ask my wife.

 

[OzPiper]

This is strictly anecdotal, so please take it for what it is

I had a weekend away of eating and drinking with a bunch of mates A few months back.
Both nights a lot to eat and drink - over a few hours.
Both times I took my reflux med midway through dinner.
Slept right through the 1st night with hardly any reflux.
The next night - constant reflux. Had a really disturbed sleep.

Only difference, on the 1st night we walked back to our motel - a good half hour stroll.
The 2nd night we decided to take cabs back, rather than brave the cold of the night.

Perhaps there is a lot to be said for a post-prandial walk after all
And losing weight, of course.

 

[SmokingInTheWind]

Flatulence is on my list of "issues" as well. Just ask my wife.

My wife's list of my issues is longer than my list of my issues.