Question about 48 hour ph test

Hello all-

I am new to this site and don't usually participate in forums but I think that it would be beneficial to get some opinions from people other than my doctor or people who have never had this procedure. I have had GERD for about 6 years and my symptoms have gotten much worse over the last few months. And, over the last few weeks, my appetite has decreased, I feel nauseous mostly after I eat but also have general nausea as well and I have lost about 10 pounds without even trying to, I have a lot of heartburn/pain, etc. I have seen GI doctors before and had an endoscopy about two years ago. The endoscopy results showed that I had esophageal irritation from my GERD (not surprising) and also the presence of a hiatal hernia. My GI told me at the time not to worry about the hernia because it shouldn't cause me significant discomfort. Does anyone know if these can't get worse over time?

Also, I have been to a new GI doctor recently who upped my dosage of protonix (now twice a day in addition with taking zantac) and after that did nothing significant, today he suggested having a procedure done to monitor the ph levels in my stomach (along with switching to nexium). He recommended a 48 hr ph test (Bravo with the capsule). He didn't really give me too much information but I am a little freaked out about it. Has anyone here had this test, and if so, could you feel the capsule and was it very uncomfortable? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!

Hi TTIme,
Bill is right about the les . I had the bravo,it was ver very easy.Very easy i had 3 strictures choking all the time so this was a breeze You sleep while they attach it to your esphagus/ You go home with t drink etc on a sa monitor .each time you feel GERD whether it is heartburn choking regugitation etc then u press the button on this monitor. you must log what u ate on a small paper they give you to document. The capsule detaches from your throat at some point and u pass it thru ya stools. It doesnt hurt with any of this. It will tell the doctor what your acid score is. I believe anything over 12 is no good. I was a 21.I also tried to trick the capsule/monitor and didnt press the button and to my surprise wen they generated all the data.I had 200 episodes of gerd(Some I werent even aware of too) So good luck in whatever your choice is. And welcum to our gerd forun.
bea

TTime,
We understand your nervousness. We've all been there. It really is just like any other endoscopy.

Bill

hey TTime, whats your status. How are you feeling?

B

Hi TTime,
When my GERD would flare up, I would lose my appetite as well, but rather than nausea, I would get the feeling of a lump behind my breastbone, and I would not be able to eat more than a tablespoon to a quarter cup of food at a time. Even a bite of some foods would result in a terrible stomach pain, and I would feel the uncomfortable lump (probably my lower esophagus and LES). I always lost a lot of weight at those times.

I was also on Protonix 40mg twice a day, and it helped me more than anything else, but still allowed some breakthrough. It would take months for my stomach/esophagus to heal and get back to normal. Yes, I also lost a lot of weight during these episodes.

On a side note, I was fearful to get the Nissen Fundoplication because of all the negative posts all over the internet. When I did have the surgery in February of this year, the recovery from the surgery was much easier than recoveries I'd experienced after a GERD flareup. It was a very pleasant surprise!

Good luck, TTime. I hope you feel better soon.
We're here to help you through!
Denise

Hello everybody-

So I had the bravo capsule placed today. Apparently (from what I remember them telling me afterwards) they gave me three different kinds of medication during the procedure. One of them was so I would forget. I think I may have woken up during or something (which I did with my last endoscopy)...Does anybody know anything about that?

Anyways- I am feeling ok. Still pretty sleepy and it really hurts when I swallow but I am hoping that will go away soon. I had some ramen a couple of hours ago because I was so hungry! It went down fine, but I could definitely tell when it hit the capsule because a bit a pain would radiate upwards. Sorry if I am babbling, still a little out of it.

Also, what are the normal numbers that are supposed to appear on the monitor?

Talk to everybody later, I will post how I am doing tomorrow!

I'm not really sure what type of endoscopy I had l last year. I had anesthesia so I was fine. Even to eat anything right after. I was told everything was fine. They used the scope because I had mentioned I sometimes felt a lump in my throat.

Six months later which was in April they used a pill cam. It was like one of the potassium pills I take. I did have to swallow it lying on my side with a straw. Before the Dr. Showed me the monitor , It was done. about 30 seconds. That endoscopy showed I had a hernia and acid refux. They didn't tell me anything. I always ask for copies,of anything done. So that"s how I found out about the hernia. Keep posting I always learn something new on this forum.

june

TTime -
They usually give you versed(sp) and some type pain meds for the EGD. I have woken up quite a few times and remember gagging and whatnot, but not able to anything about it. It was interesting when they did the EGD at the hospital a couple weeks ago to rule out any ulcers after the surgery ordeal. Since I was on so much morphine they said it would be tricky to get my sedated for the EGD. I remember they used about 6 different syringes and about 10 minutes before I got sleepy. But I must say I don't remember a thing after that. Not even being taken back to my room. I just remember getting sleepy and waking up with Michelle staring at me. Now that will mess with your head.
I hope they get plenty of correct info from this test.
Take care,
Bill

Hey Janice,
Hope you are well. I'll definitely be thinking supportive thoughts for you on Friday. Good luck. Hope all goes well, and you're as pain-free as possible.

On the topic of endoscopy...My first one was done five years ago when I had a colonoscopy. I was very lightly sedated (versed), and remember it all. In August, when I had it done again, I had an IV line put in just in case, but the doctor gave me the option of doing it without any sedation, which I chose. Honestly, it wasn't that big a deal. There was a great nurse who talked me through it, which I'm sure helped. I just didn't feel like having to recover from sedation. I know not everyone could handle it, but I'd do it again.

So, it can't be that bad, can it? I survived! With sedation, it's a piece of cake!
Just got back from dinner with my kids...it's going to be tough getting up tomorrow morning!
Take care,
Denise

(Hi Bill, Bea, Kitt, Teala, Jodee, and anyone else I missed (sorry!)!)