HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Question on Test

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/17/2012 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thursday i,m having manometry and a 24hr P H test,can someone tell me what to expect also just what are these test looking for
Posted 9/17/2012 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
The test is looking for the acid levels of things that splash up into your esophagus.
Posted 9/17/2012 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
The manometry is not the most pleasent of test but it's extremely important. It will tell if food moves normally down your throat. If you have problems it will tell which wrap is best for you (full, 270, 180).

You must go in on empty stomach.
They squirt lidocaine up your nose and numb your throat.
Next they thread a small tube with a sensor into your nose down to your stomach. Using you drinking water to help it move easier. You will gag some but not throw-up.
Then they lay you back to get it in position for the test. Try to fight the urge to swallow it will affect the readings and take longer.
Next comes the testing- you're told to sip, hold, and swallow the water on command. You need 10 perfect swallow to complete the test. Don't swallow unless they tell you to and don't talk any.
When finished they pull the tube out quickly and let you rest a bit.

I've never done the 24 hr wire. I did the capsule test (BRAVO). It was very easy.
Posted 9/17/2012 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi jennas,manometry test is to check how well you swallow,pressures etc and the ph test is to tell how much and how long acid comes up into your esophagus.The manometry involves a thin tube which goes into your esophagus through your nose and you sip water at certain intervals to measure motility.The Ph test involves a similar tube which is connected to a recording device which you wear at home for 24 hrs.Both tests are a bit uncomfortable from a tube being in your esophagus but its bearable and necessary to diagnose yout condition.Good Luck! Barry
Posted 9/17/2012 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
I agree it is not too pleasant, I cannot agree that you won't throw up as I did. I threw up due to both the fact that I had not taken any ppi for a week and the tube as well made me throw up as soon as I lay back. So I would suggest that you do not wear anything you want to wear for the rest of the day. It is uncomfortable but it is only one day.
Posted 9/17/2012 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
Please note:

The manometry measures only the reflexes in your esophagus.

The PH test will tell how much acid is leaking and how often.

The EGD scope will tell how much damage has been done.

The Barium swallow will tell how far up the reflux goes.

The Stomach Emptying Test will tell if your stomach is functioning properly.
Posted 9/17/2012 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
A quick tip on surviving the manometry with only 10 swallows. I have done this tests several times. My secret is to either push your tongue up against the roof of your mouth or actually hold the tip of your tongue between the front teeth. This will stop you from involuntarily swallowing while they are waiting for the first swallow to finish.
If you double swallow you have to start that swallow over again because they need 10 perfect single swallows. Sounds crazy, but it works. The last time I had this last December the nurses said they were going to offer the holding your tongue tip between your teeth to the other patients as it worked so well. I have no idea what gave me the idea other than if your tongue is pinned in place I found out I couldn't swallow.
Good luck and do your best to relax. These are very important tests.
If you have the wired PH test, the wire will pull at your nose sometimes when you swallow or eat. I found it more comfortable to sip water constantly to keep my throat from drying out.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 9/18/2012 7:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hello All,
I am considering having these tests done as even though my surgeon said I don't need it as I don't have achalasia, I never had any of these tests done prior to surgery the 1st or the 2nd time.
I would like to know for sure if my swallowing problem is due to poor esophageal function, or due to the tight crural repair.
I have not taken any nexium today so far to see if I suffer from heartburn, and have had cereal, yoghurt and fruit for breakfast and a meat and salad sandwich for lunch, and unfortunately the burning has started so I'm guessing that it is reflux after all.
I will not be asking my surgeon for assistance in this matter, so I am wondering who else I can see about these tests. Is a gastroenterologist or a speech pathologist the one I would ask my GP for a referral for?
Also, I kind of get the impression that if you want to see another surgeon, they won't deal with you unless they have the permission from your original surgeon. So how does one terminate their liaison with their current surgeon in order to get help from someone else?
Thanks
Regards
Buzz
Posted 9/18/2012 11:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone.my g i doctor tryed to get a tube in my nose down to my stomach but could,nt said my nose is to small but i did have sinus surgery he ended up going down my throat.
Posted 9/18/2012 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
my doctor said I could take valuim has anyone done that does it help
Posted 9/18/2012 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
I refused to have a manometry test done. IMO it's barbaric. There is another test that does the same thing and isn't invasive at all and doesn't involve sticking any kind of tube down your throat. I think it's crazy they make you do that when there's something more.. kind. Had to go to another hospital but worth it.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply