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Anyone done a BRAVO PH study?what was it like for you?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 12/11/2010 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi DIEGO40,
Welcome to healing Well! I suggest you copy and paste your post on a new thread so that it won't get buried in this old one.

I just got done with the wired 24hr PH monitor, and when they were placing it, asked about the Bravo. The nurse said that very few people find it painful, but she has had one or two complain about pain.

I'll bet if you ever had it again you'd have a completely different experience.

I've had two other wired monitors and this was the most uncomfortable I've had. I had lots of spasms. Not fun. It might be because I had a manometry and endoscopy then they placed the monitor. Also, it's the first time I was put out for the endoscopy, and I couldn't help them swallow it down. (At least I don't remember helping, although the nurse said that with a low level of meds you can follow directions but don't remember anything. I'll never know.)

Hang in there. I'm sure it will get better soon.
Good luck!
Denise
Posted 6/22/2011 10:49 AM (GMT 0)
Currently have Bravo...After years of feeling like my food is stuck in my throat I finally received a diagnosis that explains it, and is very often confused with REFLUX. IT IS CALLED eosinophilic esophagitis!!!
Does your throat often feel like its going to close up?
In 2008 they found esophagil rings and did balloon dialation. They said it was the cause of reflux, but 2 days ago (2011) I had endoscopy that showed no rings but they took a biopsy and found that I have eosinophilic esophagitis. They also installed the Bravo capsule to see if it is reflux related, which now they don't think it is. Now I have this uncomfortable capsule in my esophagus...I want it out now, It makes me feel panicked!
PLEASE tell me out there how many days did it take for the Bravo capsule to fall off?
Posted 1/8/2013 6:19 PM (GMT 0)

I'm a month shy of 31 and I've had acid refux since I was about 15. I've been on several different medications over the past 15+ years and have had an endoscopy about every 3-4 years to check for Barrett's. I've tried Prilosec, Aciphex, and I'm currently on Nexium. I'm usually good with the Nexium but often have to take a zantac at night to get me through. I've been exploring the surgical options because I'm ready to have kids but don't want to be on medication through a pregnancy.

The surgeon I am seeing is ordering a series of tests to qualify me for the laproscopic surgery called Nissen fundoplication.

I already had the Barium swallow test which was a breeze.

I had the Esophageal Manometry done a few weeks ago and although it was no fun, it was fairly quick. My advice is to stay calm and do exactly what they say and it will go by fast. The painful part for me was when they were trying to get the tube up through my nose and down my throat; once it's in place it's not too bad. In total they said it took me 8 minutes and their average was 11 minutes.

I had a routine Endoscopy done (I've had many done in the past) but this last time left me with a sore throat and discomfort swallowing for the first 24 hrs. I'm assuming that was just from the tube.

I am scheduling the Bravo PH monitoring test for two weeks from now and I'm very nervous. I'm the kind of person that can't miss my nexium in the morning or I'm playing catch up all day by taking pepcid, zantac, etc. so a week without medication prior to the test is going to kill me! Have any of you had this test done? How did you live with the heartburn for 7 days+? Unfortunately tums never work on me and only make me throw-up when I'm having bad heartburn.

Any suggestions or comments you have on the Bravo PH test and for dealing with the heartburn would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance

Posted 1/9/2013 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
Tiffany

The first thing I would suggest you do is start your own thread here on the forum. This is a very old thread you have posted to and you will get more response if you start your own, that said, I have the Nissen Fundoplication 2 years ago this coming April 1. Before my Nissen I had many tests but the last one I had was the Bravo PH. Inserting the monitor capsule was easy, I was put under mild anesthetic and they inserted it in a procedure similar to endoscopy. It was difficult to go without my meds (2 nexium per day 40mg each), by the time the monitor capsule was inserted, the doctor said I had developed an ulcer. but I made it. The sensation was as though I had something (like a small pill) stuck in my esophagus. within about 3 days the sensation was gone. As far as how did I deal with being off my meds... I slept sitting up in my chair for most of the time without them. very uncomfortable but I kept telling myself that in the end it would all be worth it. I also had to watch everything I ate while off my meds. Everything I ate was very bland. I got through it. And now I am doing well.
I hope this has helped you.
By the way.. I was 61 when I had the surgery.
Sandi smurf tongue turn turn tongue smurf
Posted 5/18/2024 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
I am 71 years old and I was diagnosed with GERD plus hiatal hernia. I have terrible symptoms, had different medications and over the counter antacids, some help some don't. I am afraid to eat enything even the GERD diet
gives me symptoms. I had 8 tests from a GI doctor and a surgeon who specializes in hiatal hernias. All tests negative
even the Bravo. Now they are referring me to Mayo clinic. It is very furstrating, I lost 20 lbs in 3 months, I was not big
to begin with. I am scared which gives me anxiety and I am afraid i am going to die. Anyone over 70 that can give me
some comfort?
Posted 5/21/2024 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
ReflectionSome8779, you are posting on an old thread that has not had any activity since 2013.

Try not to let anxiety get the best of you. The Mayo Clinic is a world known medical facility, you will get wonderful care there. Take comfort in knowing you will be seen by the best.

Take care.
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