Bravo ph test

So I saw my surgeon today and I thought we where ready for surgery to do the nissain wrap. But now he wants to do the Bravo PH test where he will insert the probe and attach down my throat. He says I might have a problem swallowing but that should be about it. So what can I really expect. I will have to have it in for 48 hours then return to the hospital to drop off the box. He says it should just drop off my throat and pass out with no problems. So now I will have this test on July 27th and then surgery on July 30th. I will have to stop my 2 a day Nexium and I am little afraid to do this. I have already had the swallowing test and a 24hr PH probe test. I did not stop the Nexium per my surgeons instructions for the 24hr PH test because I was getting a lot of reflux when I tried. I am tested out and I just want surgery but I have to go with what my surgeons thinks will give me a better outcome.

HI Shooter~

Just had the Bravo done last Monday. I too was scheduled for the wrap only to be told more testing.

The test was no problem for me. Had the endoscopy at the same time and they check your stomach and esophagus to make sure everything looks ok. They will do a biopsy usually as a check to make sure you dont have any bacteria or anything else going on as well. Then they will attach the little capsule. I arrived at the hospital at 130 and was home by 430 and back to work the next day. When you swallow sometimes you can feel the capsule, like if you take a really big drink of something, or dont chew something small enough, but all in all it was painless. And, I am a week out and can tell that the capsule has already fallen off. Oh, BTW, you are knocked out for the procedure. So you won't remember anything.

During the 2 days... in my case, I had 3 buttons to press for 3 of my worst symptoms. So when I felt them I pressed the button the monitor they give you. I also wrote down when I ate and for how long and when I laid down and got up.

I actually got my test results back today, which was fast. Usually I hear it takes about a week to get everything back.

Good Luck. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jodee

Thanks for all the real life info. I have very bad luck when it comes to health problems. I forgot to ask the surgeon if it will be a problem with the swelling from the surgery and the probe still maybe in my throat. There is only 3 days between when he places it and when I have surgery. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks, Will

Update on the Bravo test results...

Had 120 episodes day 1 and 147 day 2 for a total of 267 in 48 hours...

Longest episode lasted 5 mins... there are percentages in there about how often it was upright and how often laying down... more often when upright, backwards, yes I know.

When I had the 24pH test done in December, I had 112 episodes, so it's gotten worse.

I pray the surgeon goes with the surgery... I can't live like this anymore :(

Jodee

Jodee,
You're on the right path...doing the tests you need to do. I hope you get all the answers you want! Be sure that if you have the surgery you choose a very well qualified, recommended, and experienced (in Nissen Fundoplications specifically) surgeon!
Glad you got some of the answers you were looking for.
Best wishes...hang in there. You'll get to the bottom of it.
Take care,
Denise

Hi Everyone :)

Not sure how many my surgeon has done. We did not get that far on the last appointment... I had a list of questions, and didn't ask even one. So on my next appointment I will have them ready, and I will def. ask how many she has done. I am part of Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and she is the only on who does them, so I assuming she has done a lot, but will ask just to make sure... oh and her success rate too.

I think my LES may be a complete failure too... and i must say, I can taste the antibiotics coming up and its really gross! I had to go get some lifesavers(and they really are) at lunch to get rid of the taste.

And Bill, I though I had it bad... but 400 in 48 hours... I can not even imagine!

Oh... and going back to work after the surgery. I am having mine on a Monday, and was planning to go back the following Monday. I work in an office and sit in a chair all day. The surgeon's nurse said I would need 2 weeks... thoughts on this? How long until you were back to work.

Oh, and happy belated birthday Denise :)


Jodee

Yup, I have a pretty easy job... well as far as I hold my chair down pretty much all day. No lifting or anything like that. So I hope to be back in a week. And they are pretty flexible with me, so if I need to take a 1/2 day I can.

Yes, second graders are full of energy. I almost became a teacher, but didn't think I could deal with the parents.

Thanks again Everyone!!

Jodee -the first time I was out about 8 weeks. This time my surgeon said I could go back in a week or two until he remembered what I did. I am a maintenance mechanic and have to lift 75pounds plus on my own and he decided I was staying off atleast 6 weeks until my little setback. I was supposed to go back the 28th, but I am restricted to less than 10 pounds until 7/6 now. I should find out more on Tuesday when I have my follow up. I am definitely not ready to go back yet. I haven't even figured out how to stay awake for more than 8 hours yet. I even took a short nap at the ball diamonds this weekend.

Take care,
Bill

Jodee - The GI told me I had the most they had ever seen before. Leave it up to me to go overboard!

Take care,
Bill