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Why Bother With All The Testing?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 1/2/2013 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
A few of you know I'm seeing the author of the book "Dropping Acid" and i am having all those doozy tests in two weeks. There is ZERO doubt I have reflux. I am pretty textbook with the cough and when I don't stick to the right diet I get the vapor burning in my throat which gets me back on the low acid diet REAL quick. I'm sure you know how unpleasant the burning is. I consider sticking to the diet a good way to control it. I wasn't sure so I experimented and I will NEVER do that again.

My question is this: Why exactly am i having the transnasal Esophagocopy, the high def Manometry, the PH Monitering and the flexible Endoscopic Eval of swallowing? Why?

I know I have it, I know there is no cure for it. I know how to control it (diet and Gaviscon occasionally) What can she tell me that I don't already know?

Seems like a LOT of (uncomfortable) testing for very little result. I don't want to be another "patient case" for a book or something. I want to get better!
Posted 1/2/2013 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
thegspeak,

The tests confirm the reflux, monitor the level of acid in your stomach, rule out esophageal dysmotility (if you do have it you are not a candidate for the Nissen), & tests for damages done by the acid such as Barret's Esophagus, ulcers, & esophageal cancer. Based on test results your doctor may recommend surgery or find that there is another underlying problem. I would be quite concerned if my PCP didn't refer me for testing. Good luck.
Posted 1/2/2013 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi thegspeak,

I second that...these tests are critical to moving toward getting you better.  Yes, it's obvious you have reflux.  You know your body best, and you know how you feel.  But it is a credit to the professionalism and skill of your doctor that you are going to have these tests.  Both your doctor and you will have a better idea of what is going on. 

Much of GERD's damage is silent, so it's important to have a thorough check of everything.  And as SoldierzWife has pointed out, if surgery is an option these tests are a prerequisite.  You might as well get them over with!

Hang in there, and

Happy New Year!

Denise

Posted 1/2/2013 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
I guess. I'm just feeling more than a little discouraged after reading that the cough doesn't resolve after surgery. And if I do have a motility issue, how is that treated? The cancer I get.
Posted 1/2/2013 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
oh and thank you for your replies :)
Posted 1/2/2013 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi thegspeak,

My cough resolved.  I guess it depends upon the cause and the individual.  I guess you also have to consider whether that's your only discomfort, or if there are symptoms that would be resolved.  At that point you have to decide whether or not you're suffering enough to deal with surgery and its recovery/changes.

It was for me, but we're all different.

Good luck,

Denise

Posted 1/2/2013 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Dencha, I would love to think the surgery would help all my symptoms. Just feeling discouraged after reading that. I'm happy to hear your cough resolved! I see so many happy people here....I'm soooooo uncomfortable. Thanks for letting me know it CAN work with cough!
Posted 1/2/2013 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
My surgeon explained that dysmotility is a swallowing disorder. I read that there weren't any treatments; however my GI said there is a procedure that he does. On the other hand dysmotility makes you a non-candidate for the Nissen because the your tummy is wrapped around your esophagus to tighten things up & keep acid & food from going back into your esophagus. If you already have a swallowing disorder it would only complicate things. And btw, those tests also give your doctor the support he needs to offer other treatment options as well. The tests aren't all pleasant, at least mine wasn't, but I'd do it again if that meant I could have this problem taken care of.
Posted 1/2/2013 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
I was suffering for a long time before surgery became an option.  Sometimes it's just what needs to happen.  Hang in there.
Posted 1/2/2013 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
The Surgery stopped my coughing.
Posted 1/3/2013 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
i think the surgery cures your reflux..and by that your throat will have time to heal...with you still refluxing the acid still might be irritating your throat....when the refluxing stops for the most part..im assuming the healing begins and the cough subsides.
Posted 1/3/2013 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Just because you have a motility issue does not mean you can't have the nissen. I have a motility issue after an esophageal tear and still had a full wrap. They can also do a variety of degree wraps. Joy has a 270 degree wrap because of this.
know how your esophagus functions allows them to determine which type of nissen is best for you.

Take care,
Bill
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