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Posted 5/22/2012 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
just want to say hello! I found this site thru a search. I have GERD and a moderate Hiatal Hernia. I was dx 2 yrs ago by endoscopy before having my gallbladder & appendix out. I am on Omeprazole & Ranitidine, not really working the best so will be doing a ph Impedance 24 hr. test any day now, just waiting to hear from scheduling. Not really looking forward to the catheter but I understand why it should be done. I feel like this is controlling my life and it's about time I control it! I really do watch what I eat & drink, just miss some of those foods I used to enjoy, but the reflux isn't worth the taste. Hoping to learn and share from some of you going thru this & am wondering if you found the ph impedance test helpful, please don't tell me how bad it is, I am kinda gagging as it is ;)
Posted 5/23/2012 6:29 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Deb,

The pH test is certainly not pleasant, but it is absolutely doable. Things I have learned from my way-too-many-times doing this test:

1) Carry a wad of tissues. Your nose is likely to run a lot.
2) Eating is uncomfortable, and I recommend holding on to the catheter while you swallow. Don't pull on it or anything, but just holding it steady makes swallowing a little easier.
3) When they are putting the catheter in - make sure you have a large amount of water and a straw. I've had it done "dry" -- and you gag a ton. When you are sipping water, the tube goes down pretty easily.

That's about it. Certainly not the best way to spend 24 hours, but it really is not that bad once you get past the first couple of meals.
Posted 5/23/2012 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Deb,

I had the 24 h a few months ago and MultiFundo gives a lot of good tips. Tell the nurse/technician who is doing it to talk to you the whole time. It helps takes your mind off of what is going on. As for the tube, it was more annoying than anything else. They said to eat normally but I ate softer foods, like scrambled eggs and pudding. I did not hold on to the catheter when I ate and actually I was a little afraid to touch it at all. My nurse even told me to stay in the same clothes for the whole 24 hours so I wouldn't have to unpin the wire going to the computer box or whatever it is that you hit when you eat, sleep, etc.

After the first few swallows, I was kinda used to the feeling.

I tried to stay occupied by watching movies and reading and coming here just to distract myself. My doctor said the results are well worth it so hang in there.

Robyn
Posted 5/24/2012 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Deb,

I had that test quite a long time ago & I honestly didn't find it too bad. Sure it's uncomfortable having the tube inserted, but once it was done I didn't really notice it. I ate & drank normally & even found sleeping wasn't as awkward as I expected. I was more than happy to get rid of it though. & it was worth it to know what was going on with the acid.

Good luck
Posted 5/25/2012 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for your responses. I have the test on Tuesday afternoon, was happy to hear it doesn't actually stay in 24 hours! It will be worth it to get the results to hopefully get rid of this morning nausea! thanks everyone!
Posted 5/25/2012 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Deb, Welcome to the GERD/Heartburn forum. This forum is for questions, discussions and support relating to Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD - Heartburn) and include Causes, Complications, Diagnosis, Medical Treatments, Surgical Treatments, and Symptoms. I am thrilled that you have found us.  From what I have read recently, there is no gold standard or definitive test that exists for a doctor to use to accurately diagnose GERD. A test called a pH probe is accepted as the standard for establishing or excluding the presence of GERD.  I am happy to hear you are going to have the pH probe and thow it is not pleasant for many people others have posted that it has been ok and not as bad as they expected.  Please keep us posted and let us know how the pH testing goes for you.  Again a warm welcome to the forum. Kindly, Kitt
Posted 5/29/2012 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
thanks Kitt! got my probe in now, drinking a beer! dr's orders! they said to do what causes the symptoms, so eating what I don't anymore, like pizza and garlic bread. may suffer later but for now all is going ok. The probe went in better than expected, just got a killer sore throat but guess it could be worse! go back 6:30 tomorrow to get it out, I was their first patient to do this at my hospital, it's a new tool for them, though not new to the world I know. Just a few more hours til bed.....
Posted 5/30/2012 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
After fitting it is a bit uncomfortable but not too bad apart from the occassional pulling when swallowing, I found worst part was not being on the PPI's. As a lot of mys symptoms came when out running I did a 7k run with it fitted so it should stay put.
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