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Posted 3/5/2013 12:45 AM (GMT 0)

Hi, I am new to the site. I have had GERD for about 10 years, I am currently 35. I am no longer able to maintain my reflux with PPIs, still having some reflux that burns the back of my throat. I describe it as "acid crawling up the back of my throat". After hearing about the Linx at the hospital I work at, I made an appointment to see a local surgeon affiliated with the Linx. After seeing the surgeon, he scheduled me for an EGD with Bravo, which I had done on the 2/22/13. I got the results today and was told that I have a hernia-2 cm, gastritis and esophagitis. My Demeester(sp?) score is 75, I was told normal is less than 14.

Due to my BMI being about 36, he told me I would not be a good candidate for the Linx (said BMI should be less thant 35), but the doc said I would be a good candidate for a lap Nissen fundoplication. However, he wants me to lose 20lbs first. He is setting me up for a esophageal manometry and then I will see him again in one month.

I have been reading some posts on this site and figured I would make a post for feedback from you all. I am curious to know about the manometry (and a little scared), and this whole process in general. Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

Angie wink

Posted 3/5/2013 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Angie,
I hope you feel better soon. Was your bravo test done while on ppi or off?
thx
Posted 3/5/2013 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
Off of PPIs for 10 days and off of OTCs (pepcid, etc) for 3 days.

Angie

Posted 3/5/2013 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
My first manometry was a piece of cake. You fast after midnight and then at the clinic you sit on an examination table and they calibrate the computer equipment. They rolled the computer screen right in front of me and then numbed my nostril and throat. Then they gave me a big cup of water with a straw. The technician then inserted the catheter into my nose and told me to starw drinking water. Oddly enough the catheter went down the first time without gagging, etc. Then the technician had a syringe full of water and he gives you measured amounts of 5 cc's which you swallow on command for a total of 10 swallows. You get to watch the whole thing on the screen. I have a strong gag reflex but it didn't come into play for some reason. Believe it or not it was easy and interesting. But due to problems with the original readings I had to do another one the following week.
Posted 3/5/2013 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info Seabee, I hope my test goes as smoothly as yours.
Angie
Posted 3/5/2013 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi kolodyRN,

Welcome to Healing Well!

Right before you have the Manometry, be sure to tell the MD or Technician which nostril you would like the probe placed. Some people, like me, have a deviated nasal septum which necessitates going in from the left side. Also make sure that they use enough lidocaine (or similar) to make the procedure more comfortable for you.

A bottle of spring water would be good as well.

Please post back with the results of the Manometry.

IMO, if a reduction of BMI makes the difference between having the Linx or NF, don't rush into anything yet.

Cheers!

Gastricman

P.S. Are you really an RN?

Posted 3/6/2013 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gastricman, thanks for the feedback. I will make a post for the manometry results, hopefully soon. Still waiting to have the test scheduled.

And yes, I am an RN, a little over 6yrs now.

Angie
Posted 3/6/2013 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
The manometry is fine, it only lasts about 10 minutes. Much better than the endoscopy which I had without sedative and even that I wouldn't be nervous to have it again, just a bit uncomfortable.

Just be glad you dont have to have the 24hr ph test with the tube down your throat, thats the really bad one!
Posted 3/6/2013 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
I had both tests and neither was bad. Had to change sides on 1st, but the tech did it automatically when she had a little trouble getting in one side, she didn't just keep trying.

24hr test was fine - just had a tube hanging out your nose and a small monitor strapped to you.

just relax and it will be fine.

Jayne
Posted 3/7/2013 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
I am actually shocked that you all said the manometry was fine and only lasted 10 min. I had I guess the worst experience. First nostril Epic fail and then second tried again after 3rd attempt finally the nurse said that since your going for a endoscopy we will just place it under sedation. thank god that was the answer. because then I just woke up with it there and was just wheeled over to the dr.'s office accross the street with this thing hanging out of my nose. This was seriously the worst day and experience of my life. good luck to all those that have to get this done/ my heart really goes out to you all.
Posted 3/7/2013 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tarachriso,

Welcome to Healing Well.

I was told that the manometry must be done without any sedation or the results might not be accurate.
You might want to ask about that.

Gastricman
Posted 3/8/2013 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi kolodyRn

I am going for the full Nissen wrap on April 24th, and looking forward to it to get this all behind me. I too am an RN with 35years behind me, now retired. I underwent the manometry and it was a 'piece of cake'. First of all, the tech numbed up both nostrils with lidocaine, and some of it trickled down my throat and numbed it a bit. Then, after checking which nostril to use, inserted a very tiny catheter, MUCH SMALLER than any NG tube placed in hospitalized patients. It went down very easily, absolutely no gag triggered. I found it quite interesting ! But maybe that's me....Good luck.
Posted 3/8/2013 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info everyone!!


Hi luv2drive,

How long after your manometry was completed, were you able to get scheduled for the surgery?

Is the manometry the last test or are there more (just curious)?

I don't go back to the MD until April 8th, still waiting to get the manaometry scheduled. Someone from the MD's office was suppose to call me this week to schedule it, but, I have not heard anything yet.

Thanks

Angie
Posted 3/8/2013 8:58 PM (GMT 0)

Gastricman said...
Hi Tarachriso,

Welcome to Healing Well.

I was told that the manometry must be done without any sedation or the results might not be accurate.
You might want to ask about that.

Gastricman

Hello Yed I had to wait until I was awake before they would do the test. But They placed it while I was under.

Posted 3/9/2013 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi KolodyRN
I had the manometry and a barium swallow in the same week, to determine the type of wrap I needed. My surgery was planned at my visit to the MD where the results were discussed and the options given to me of the surgical correction that would help me.
If you haven't heard from your MD office scheduler, I'd bug them and keep calling. That's what I had to do to get an actual date...Good luck. Linda
Posted 3/9/2013 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Linda, I now have it(manometry) scheduled for Tuesday, March 12th.

Angie
Posted 3/10/2013 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
For me, the Radiologist had already recommended surgical repair of the hernia based upon the barium swallow. Then I had the endoscope which revealed the condition of my esophagus and the size of the bulge above the diaphragm. So the only thing to be resolved by the manometry was whether to do the 360 wrap or the 270. Therefore the ph test was not done. I will have the full wrap next Wednesday.....I am as nervous as a sinner at a revival.....I use the term "sinner" as a euphemism for a lady of loose morals but it could apply to a man also
Posted 4/8/2013 10:47 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all, it has been a few weeks since I posted. I had the manometry and followed up with my surgeon today. He really didn't go into details on the manometry results, but said the test went well. I am scheduled for the Lap. Nissen on April 30th. I am getting nervous and excited all at the same time. I will continue to read the posts here on the site and will post updates.

Angie

Posted 4/9/2013 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Angie.

I am a nurse as well. I had my NF on 4/2 and have no regrets. I had been in the hospital twice prior to the surgery for reflux related problems. I had my endoscopy while I was in the hospital and was sedated. I refused all other tests except an esophagram.....swallowing salt and barium and watching it travel via fluoroscopy. That's it. I have posted my journal under cat98037 titled "My post Nissen experiences". Maybe it will help you know what to expect, especially being a nurse. In some ways, I feel like I have never had surgery. Hope that feeling continues. This forum has helped me tremendousy.

Good luck with surgery and keep us posted.

Tammy
Posted 4/9/2013 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Tammy, I hope your recovery continues to go smoothly. I will continue to follow your posts. It's encouraging to see that things are going well for you.


Angie
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