I have been feeling so bad lately with Gerd. I feel sick to my stomach. I have not been eating at night but everynight I am jerked out of a deep sleep with the feeling that something like a freight train is moving up towards my throat. I stand up and swallow and things get back to normal after a while. This is so scary. Anyone know what I am talking about? Now, I don't have this if I take tums. I do sleep slightly propped up though. I have taken tums for a long time and I wonder about the long term usuage. I have read that it is bad for your kidneys yet my gyno told me to take them everyday for the calcium. My reg doc says they are completely safe. I just don't know. I do know I do not want to take PPI's though!
Any input would be greatly appreciated! 
Pat