Scared but just want to know...

So sazzy, I'd say you are lucky to have found a good pulmonary specialist; I had to go to Nat'l Jewish in Denver to get a good one.

First, lets discuss your Bravo. I have had two and had no problems; you're prepped for endoscopy, normally given a mix of versed and demerol, so no pain, no memory..life is good. They will check out the esophagus for any number of things and while there will insert a capsule into the wall of your esophagus. I can't say that it made much of an impression on me because I may or may not remember feeling it...so not a big deal. The capsule has a transmitter and it will electronically send signals to a little recording box you will wear on your belt (honestly, the whole wearing it around your neck really bothered me, so I wore it around my waist).

You will record information as instructed for a period of 48 hours, after which your recorded turns off and you return it to the Dr.'s office. In the meantime this capsule is hanging around taking up space in your esophagus and will let go and move through your system without you even knowing it.

Don't fear the test!

Your pulmonary symptoms; I was treated for years for different types of pulmonary issues, and while everyone agreed that the symptoms weren't exactly this or that, they didn't know what it was...trips to the pulmonary specialists in mid-Michigan were of zero value. Eventually I was sent to National Jewish; there they determined that the reflux (which I thought was a minor matter) may actually be a major player. They sent me for tests and holy cow, was it a big deal. The reflux was making me a pulmonary cripple; I was aspirating while sleeping (who knew) and by this time my lungs were very inflamed and my alveoli, fibrotic as are the very ends of the bronchiols.

The surgery I had in July (Nissen-Cleveland Clinic) probably saved me from a life connected to oxygen tanks. My lung function is amazingly wonderful, and while the damage I have is permanent, I can breathe, hike, walk up hills and stairs and walk miles on the treadmill. An amazing feat for someone who could hardly walk two blocks one year ago!

It sounds like you are on the right track; take the steps to find out what and when and why and how and go with it.

Good luck, don't fear, check in with us often to let us know how you're doing!
Janice

Thank you LdyJane for replying so quickly and so informative.  I feel much comfort knowing there is somewhere I can discuss my issues without sounding like a debbie downer...but as you all know...not knowing is horrible...I just want to know what it is and how to deal with it.  I will let you know how my procedure goes.  By the way what type of surgery did you have?

A Nissen Fundoplication, so sazzy; many of us have had it with varying degrees of success; most people that I have spoken to are glad that they had it. It takes a lot of testing and verification to get to that point, but my life has been given back to me with this surgery.

Lets take this one step at a time (one test at a time!) and see what they come up with, but you are with friends!. They've gotten me through the fear, the unknown and helping me with the hurdles. Kitt is the best; a strong shoulder, a wise, wise, women and a friend!
Janice

Aimee,

I so appreciate the feedback and experiences that you have shared. I am hopeful that Monday is the first step in finally diagnosing my problem and once I know what it is....I will kick it's butt~

Will let you know how I do...

Thanks again~