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Finally got to see the GI, motility tests??

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Posted 6/20/2010 9:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all, haven't posted in a while, but I finally got my GI appointment.

He was a very nice man who was unhurried and listened to everything I had to say. He is sending me for yet another endoscopy (why they couldn't have checked for everything on my first one I do not know!) and said this is as a precursor to a "motility" test. What is this? He said that I have to come off my PPI which I am very unnerved about, the acid is raging even on 40mg per day.

My question is, what can the motility test tell them? How does it help in the diagnostics process? They have ruled out Barrett's and any tumours with the 'scopes but my throat is still choking me with the spasms, and I still can't swallow and choke all the time. They found a small hiatus hernia with the Barium swallow, so what more can be found?

Also the nurse said that for my endoscopy they will give me a "mind drug". What on earth is this? I had my first 'scope without any drugs and my second with a general anaesthetic.

Thanks for listening

Liz x
Posted 6/20/2010 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
"motility" test- also known as Manometry test
A small cath, with sensors on it, is inserted down your esophagus via your nose to your LES.
You are asked to swallow ten perfect swallows of water. During this time the sensors are reading your swallowing process. It is a stressful test, you'll want to gag at times, but if you focus on something else during the test you'll get through it quickly. No Sedation allowed.
The test is to see if you have any swallowing difficulty that may hinder the acid reflux surgery.

The mind drug is probably twilight sleep. You'll be relaxed and slightly awake, but you'll forget the procedure.

Joy
Posted 6/20/2010 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Joy is correct in that the manometry test is not pleasant but is necessary prior to surgery. You may also need ph testing which was worse as they keep the small tube down your nose for 24 hours. But it will show how much acid is refluxing. You should check again about stopping your ppi's as I stayed on them during these tests ao the doc could see how effective they were. And I basically had no LES discovered on these tests. Am 4 weeks post fundoplication and no more reflux.
Posted 6/20/2010 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
There is an alternative to the wire ph test. It's called the BRAVO. A small capsule (that is a radio transmitter) is attached to the side of your esophagus by a special scope. The scope is removed and you wear a small receiver for two days and keep a journal. The capsule falls off after a few days and passes. It's painless and not aggrevating.

Joy
Posted 6/21/2010 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Liz-
The manometry is very important especially since you have swallowing issues. Yes it is an unpleasant test, but a very important one. I am thinking the "mind drug" is probably versed. You usually won't remember the procedure if they give that to you.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 6/24/2010 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. I am just kind of weary of it all now, it was never my intention to get the reflux fixed, I was happy on the ppi's, all I wanted when I went to the doc originally was the lump in the throat to go away. Now they're all focussing on that and no one mentions the throat thing at all anymore. It's the one thing that bothers me the most.

I haven't been spoken to about surgery yet, this is all supposed to be diagnostic, which is why I was wondering what it was all for.

I feel like I am a passenger on a runaway train with absolutely no control now. I want my life back :-(

Oddly, I have been off the PPIs now since last Friday and my reflux has been minimal. No worse that it was on the PPI's anyway. Last time I halved the dose I had terrible reflux. Weird.
Posted 6/24/2010 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
You can't have any sedation for a manometry (swallowing study) test because anyting at all invalidates the test, even your morning coffee. Most places won't give you anything for inserting the Bravo capsule either. If you don't gag uncontrollably there's no reason for sedation for endoscopy either. And you can refuse sedation for anything! Some docs are just lazy or insecure in their own skills and need patients sedated sothey can run more through the mill faster. Actually it's usually just a nurse who inserts the Bravo capsule and just a technician who inserts the manometry tube.
Posted 6/24/2010 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
I had a doctor do both of my tests (manometry and Bravo). A radiologist did my barium swallow and stomach emptying study.

Joy
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