Questions about pH monitoring/impedance tests... how did you feel versus results?

Hey y'all! Sorry I'm Little Miss Questions lately, but I'm going home for a visit in about 4 months (first in two years!!) and I'm desperately trying to figure out how to help myself/understand things.

Any of you who have had either or both tests, how were your symptoms versus what the tests showed? Here is why I ask:

I was just reading about pH monitoring and impedance testing from the WebMD website. It said there that when having these tests done, you should NOT eat an acidic meal as it may mess with the results.

To this I scream: WHY NOT?!?!?!?!

I understand that it's just trying to see how much stuff your stomach spits up into your esophagus, but for some of us sometimes, that isn't until we eat a trigger food. Or does reflux happen to some people all the time and is painless?

It seems silly to me to stick to my brown rice and vegetable routine and have nothing show up on the test... what happens if I go to Italy someday??

My next test up is an ultrasound 17 January (I'm guessing to check for gallstones), but nothing besides that. I'm calling the doc in the morning to see what the GI said.

I am feeling great and trying to stay optimistic but I'm going to be going to a lot of family dinners while I'm in America and that is always a minefield for me and I'm starting to get very nervous.

Subquestion! When you guys want to eat something bad, do you do it without looking back because you're going to enjoy it? I myself am a nervous wreck when I'm in a situation with little to no safe food. I'm hoping that some other perspectives will help me here.

Thanks all, I hope we're all feeling well today!
Ashley

Hi Ashley --

I think PPI-LESS mentioned he had had the impedence test, and it came back negative...even though he has symptoms. It's true that reflux comes and goes depending upon a lot of factors, and certainly your chances are better with a 48-hour test to catch something than with a 24-hour one. In my case, I don't usually notice the reflux when it happens, but the Bravo study showed tons of episodes.

As far as not eating an acidic meal -- at least with the Bravo study -- you're recording your meals on a diary, so, those periods are factored in to the analysis. I would say go ahead and eat what you're accustomed to.

My most recent GI requested that I get an impedence test done, but I couldn't find anyone within 150 miles that still does the test. It has largely been replaced by the Bravo, but it does provide some unique info that the Bravo does not.

My first Bravo almost a year ago showed over 100 episodes of reflux during the 48 hours, and I was pretty uncomfortable during that time. However, the Bravo I had in October showed that I'm in the "normal" range, yet I'm still struggling with LPR symptoms following the TIF surgery in August. Your mileage may vary, but I think you can be confident that if you have a reflux problem, it will show up.

I normally eat a bland diet most of the time, anyway, and don't eat meat or spicy dishes. So, I very rarely consume any trigger foods. Don't drink soda, coffee, or tea either -- not because of the reflux, just because I never developed the habit.

Have fun traveling, and good luck with your tests!

-Bruce

Yeah, agree with Alcie about the not fun tests. I have had 2-3 motility tests done, and that is by far the worst test I have ever had. It might just be me, but I find it extremely uncomfortable and always have my eyes watering and struggle to not swallow when I am not supposed to.