Nervous about 24 ph and motility tests

Hi Shabby Chic,

I totally understand your hesitation! I was petrified to have these tests done, and while they were no picnic, they weren't that bad either. I just had both tests performed on March 1st and 2nd, and they were absolutely tolerable. My thoughts prior to test were much worse than what both actually felt like. The manometry was fine, and I received plenty of helpful suggestions prior to these exams that really helped both during and prior to the procedures.

During the manometry, don't double swallow. If you do, they will have you repeat the test and it will take longer. If you follow the directions the nurse is giving you, it will be over before you know it. First, they will numb your nose. Then, they will ask you to keep swallowing water to make the passage of the tube more comfortable. Then they will give you a couple of squirts of water, and ask you to swallow (Remember to only swallow when you are asked to).

The ph study is inserted in the same fashion that the manometry is, but is much smaller. I could definitely feel it in my throat, but only towards the top and it didn't interfere with swallowing or breathing, which was great because I feared it would. I would describe it more of a nuisance, more than anything else. Just remember that both of these tests are out there to help us and not to torture us and that these exams will give you the answers that you need and help you to solve the puzzle that is unique to you.

PS--I love your forum name, and I love shabby chic!

Let me know if I could answer any other questions for you.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

I had both tests done in January and are as stated above. I had read on another blog to just concentrate on your breathing when they are inserting the tube and it will be easier. The nurse with me was very good too in that she kept talking the whole time so I tried to concentrate on what she was saying and not what she was doing. Both tests are tolerable. No pain whatsoever. It took me about 4 tries before I could do the swallowing correctly and only swallow when they said to so don't worry if you don't do it right the first few times. As for the 24 hour Ph, it was tolerable as well. I was able to eat normally and they will tell you the foods to avoid, like thin pasta, peanut butter, anything sticky, etc. I slept on my left side with the hip monitor laying next to me. The only annoying thing was that my nose starting running which is the body's defense to try and moistion your nose because there is something there. I even sneezed once very slightly and everything stayed in place.

What I've found with all the tests I've had is that my anxiety over how the tests will feel and be done was worse than the actual testing itself.

Its all good just a matter of being able to try and relax and remember its for a purpose. I actually had a manometry done one week and had to go back the next to have the tube inserted again for pH monitoring and had to remove the tube myself the next day...now that was a little daunting to think I had to do that by myself but it was a piece of cake....good luck :)

Hi guys I'm new here and have had swallowing problems for 29 years! Yes that is correct due to a number of factors. Basically it started in summer 1983,I felt like a snap,next thing I know I couldn't swallow or continue eating my lunch. Had previous Barium swallows etc all showed normal until last August now have Zenker's Diverticulum as well,and severe throat tightness 247. I am on Clonazepam and if I stop even if not stressed within 24 hours the tightness is insane to the point I cannot swallow at all.
No-one really knows what is wrong and I suffer fear and depression as a result and become a bit of a hermit. I have an Esophageal Motility test and 2 PH tests on Mon and Tues.

I am the MOST petrified person on Earth as I tried the first one years ago and I could not tolerate the EM test ,the tube felt huge in my throat,in fact I could not breathe and after trying this 4 times I left practically in tears,that was in 1999.The nurse said some people cannot do some tests.

Also years ago I saw an ENT doctor he put a tiny slim tube up nose and into throat and asked me swallow a tiny sip of water,I tired and almost choked to death,so I have to ask how the heck am I supposed to do any of these tests.....?
I feel I just may not be here to type the results.......

thanks much for reading and all the best :)

I have a hiatal hernia for the past year and a half and have been searching for a surgeon to perform some sort of operation so that I can live again. I finally found one at Yale New Haven Hospital in CT and called him over and over and over until I finally called the answering service a few times before I got his attention. He said that unless I get a Motility Test and 24 hr ph, he will not see me. I am in extreme pain from this football in my chest. Why does he want to test me for swallowing?? I have no problem swallowing, just the food does not pass by the football. It stays there until I lay down for 2 or 3 hours. Then I can feel it going down. I have no acid reflux as well. I have been tested for a katrillion things over the past year and a half and I am tired of being a guinea pig for all the doctors that I have seen. Now I am looking again for a surgeon that can perform an operation on a hiatal hernia. Why is that so hard????