helen
What you are experiencing is night time reflux. It is without a doubt one of the most disturbing sensations one can get. Yes, you do feel like you are drowning. Actually the reflux from the stomach is so high it reaches the back of your throat (hence the burning in the morning) and can in some situations, cause wheezing as some of this "high" refluxate? crosses over into the windpipe and then gets into the lungs.. NO GOOD! Yes, you are correct very often the surgery is not as effective as it can be in some cases. I would suggest you do NOT sleep laying completly down. You must get yourself a wedge pillow which will elevate your upper body. In addition, you should place some blocks or bricks under the legs of the head part of the bed to further elevate that portion of the body. Do not eat at least 3 to 4 hrs before you go to sleep. This will allow all food in stomach to be completly digested. There are certain trigger foods which are unique to each person. For me it was acidic foods, (fruit/juices) also all fried foods produced more acid. Some keep away from chocolate and tomatoe products and find this helps. There are numerous sites on the net which will provide you with diet suggestions. Do not allow reflux to happen.. Yes it (in some cases) can produce a condition called Barretts, a cellular change. From barretts there can be further changes in the cells being constantly irritated. Cancer of the esophagus is only in a small percentage of those with this problem. However, why flirt with any possible problems. Get to a good gastro dr. and have an endoscopy. This is a sure way of knowing whether there are already any physical changes in the esophagial lining. Good luck