Appreciation

I have suffered from GERD and also have a hiatal hernia for over 30 years now.  I have taken almost every OTC medication, including PPI's with limited success. Currently I use Prevacid, and have little to no relief, even tripling the daily dose. When I tried Nexium I found myself suffering from headaches, althoug the Dr. said this was not a side effect, when I stopped taking it, the headaches resolved.

I am at the point, after decades of medication providing little relief, that I am considering a Nissen.  I have an appointment for a consultation next week. My reflux is at the point that lifestyle changes, dietary management and medication provide little relief and I am awakened with reflux several times a night. Needless to say, the lack of a good sleep is having secondary effects on my health.

 I wanted to offer my appreciation to the forum members for their informative posts on this procedure and the healing process.  While I am somewhat nervous regarding the procedure, I have been reassured by the wealth of information provided here.

 

I finally got an appointment for my surgery consult this week.  A friend who has had a nissen successfully done advised me one of the pre tests will be a nasogastric tube inserted for testing.  I am curious as to what exactly this test is for, how uncomfortable it may be and how long it lasts.  Any information would be appreciated.

I had the same test. Its less uncomfortable than you'd think. Basically, a very tiny tube goes through your nose and rests in your esophagus for 24 hours. On the other end of the tube is a small handheld computer that you can strap around your neck or arm. Your doctor will instruct you to hit buttons on the computer to help get the data they need. In my case, I hit a button each time I had extreme chest pain.

You can drink or eat freely and do anything with it in, you just have to carry that little computer around everywhere. I didn't find it to be really that uncomfortable or a problem.

You may also be getting a manometry test. Some people get both, some people just do the manometry. I had both. Its a little larger tube that is only inserted for maybe 20 minutes. You sip water while they take readings. This tube some people have problems with since its a bit bigger. I found as long as you sip water while the tube is going down, its no problem. Once its in, it didn't bother me, just when they inserted it.

Hi Keeponburning,

Welcome to Healing Well!  I'm glad you've found helpful information here.  As Kitt said, we'll be very happy to answer any questions you have.

There is one other test that involves a tube being placed through your nose.  It's called a manometry test, and it measure your swallowing to ensure that the correct type of Nissen is done.  If your swallowing reflex is strong, you'll have a full wrap, less strong, a partial wrap.  It's an important test and if your surgeon doesn't order it, I'd question your surgeon's competency. 

Here's a video showing someone getting both of these procedures, and I think it might ease your anxiety (unless you think watching it will create more!).  I think the manometry swallowing tasks are a little more challenging than the woman subject indicates, but I've had it done twice, and really, it's not that bad.  You have to get 10 good swallows and the test is done.  The trick is to not swallow in between.  Bill, a moderator here, has had this test many times, and he suggests sticking your tongue out and holding it between your teeth between swallows.  (If you swallow between required swallows, it takes longer.)

Anyway, here's the video, FYI.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9BrhCCuD5g&feature=related

Good luck with your apointment!  Let us know how things go.

We'll be here to answer questions and support you through the whole process!

Best wishes,

Denise