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Posted 8/25/2013 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having the esophageal impedance test done on Tuesday. I've stopped my ppi last week and stopped all other GERD meds today. Anyone have any advice on the test? I found one discussion on this topic but lost it so I started a new thread. I'm not too worried about the passing of the wire into my throat, I've had my throat scoped before. I'm worried about it coming out during the 24 hrs. I thought about sleeping in a recliner but then it won't show my laying down symptoms. Any ides? I toss and turn a lot.
Posted 8/25/2013 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there

The wire doesn't usually come out unless you are sick. I have a lot of nausea and I was very worried about vomiting during the test, especially as I knew I would be gagging a bit with it in. However, that wasn't a problem. I put the bed flat to give the most realistic impression of my GERD as possible!

MMM
Posted 8/25/2013 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have much issues with nausea and vomiting, so that's not a problem, I worry about accidentally pulling it out in my sleep or getting tangled in it while I sleep.

CM
Posted 8/25/2013 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
With the wire it's taped to your face, so every time you accidentally catch it the first place it tugs on is the sticky tape on your face, which alerts you to backtrack on what you're doing! I did a TON of housework with the wire in, determined to trigger as much reflux as I could, and at one point I turned round and caught the wire on a door handle, but it only tweaked the bit stuck to my face and that was that. It's stuck down it 2 places - on your cheek and on your neck. I moved the neck one to down behind my ear as it was more comfortable than the front where the tech stuck it.

It really wouldn't come out just from tossing and turning in bed, and besides you've got the box in bed with you, so you tend to rouse yourself a bit to move the whole kit and kaboodle from one side to the other. No one sleeps all that great with it in!

I wouldn't worry about that side of things - if you've got the wire and the box you'll be well aware of them in the bed and as soon as you stretch to far you'll feel it tugging on the tape by your nose!!

MMM
Posted 8/25/2013 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info, I was worried, but it does sound like I should be fine. My dad told me his came out and he had to do it again. Not sure it is the same test, he doesn't seem to always understand what I'm telling him over the phone. Sadly this impedance test in on my husband's birthday.

This is the last test before I see a surgeon, so I'm very nervous. I had really wanted the surgery a few weeks ago, but now I've done research and find that the total healing time seems to be closer to a year, I'm scared.
Posted 8/26/2013 8:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hey cmiller0299.
I'm new here too, but I found I just couldn't cope with the probe/wire and felt so nauseous that I pulled it out after a day (was supposed to stay in for 48 hours), but fortunately the 24 hours had recorded enough data for a positive result, resulting in surgery. I know it can be an inconvenience and uncomfortable, but for me it is encouraging to also know that it is very common and important procedure. From my research, complications of surgery are very low, and generally able to be controlled via medication and diet. At least that's what I've been told :-) I just wish I'd had a support network and information resource like this forum when I underwent surgery.
All the best.

Rog <*}}}><
Posted 8/26/2013 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the information. I am glad I found this forum before my surgery. I needed someone to talk to that has been through it. My family is very supportive but they don't know any more than I do. Still anxious about the impedance test but more confident that I will get through it fine. Now to get rid of this stuffy nose by tomorrow. :)

CM
Posted 8/26/2013 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I failed this the first time because the nurse couldnt get the first measuring tube thru my broken nose. I need to try it again somehow. Have no idea how though. I even dreamed about it last night and gagged in my dreams.
Posted 8/26/2013 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry they weren't able to do yours. Did they try both nostrils? I had my throat scoped in 09 and had them go through my left nostril because I have a deviated septum to the right. Wish me luck mine is just a few hours away ( tomorrow).
Posted 8/27/2013 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Yes they tried both nostils. Good luck and please post how its going.
Posted 8/27/2013 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Well, have the wire in my nose and down my throat. Ended up having a brief manometry done as well. They first had to put the manometry tube down first to also measure where to put the wire. I gagged, burped repeatedly, and threw up a little several times. It was more uncomfortable then painful. I had to drink water and swallow repeatedly to get it down. She had to slowly pull the tube out some to get it to the right place. I then had to swallow and not swallow. I had difficulty holding my swallowing which made the test take a few mins longer. There needs to be a certain amount of time between swallows. After that she was able to remove the tube and insert the wire, which she taped to my face. The monitor was explained and I left.

My throat is a tiny bit sore and the tape on my face a bit annoying, but overall once it's done it's not that bad. For most of my other tests, the EEG and bravo, I was put asleep, so this was the worst test by far. Overall it wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be though. If you have to get it done its best to stay calm and relax. It will be over quickly and having the wire left in is not that bad.

I'm planning on eating things I usually can't have like pizza rolls, chocolate, ice cream, and chili. I was told this is best. I didn't sleep well last night and want to nap but this is discouraged unless part of your normal routine. I am anxious to get it out and get the results to see if a nissen is right for me.

CM
Posted 8/27/2013 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Pleased you got on ok with your tests. Like you I've got those tests on Monday and im dreading it. I had an endoscopy a few weeks ago and it was awful I gagged and beltched all the way through it. The staff were lovely and caring put I wouldn't want to go through that again. Do you have to press a button on the impedance test when your refluxing ? Not sure how that'll work for me cause I can never tell . I think I only get acid vapours and can only tell when I have a burning throat or mouth. I get occasional heartburn but I'm extremely careful what I eat but even so I still get symptoms.

Maria
Posted 8/27/2013 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I have to press a button when I get symptoms. They typed in my top 3 and I press 1,2 or3 depending on the symptom. I was put out for the endoscopy but I'm sure if you are awake it's gonna be similar only they go through your nose and then down your throat. For me I get a pressure in my chest and a cough until off my meds the I get heartburn too. For this test you have to be off your meds, at least usually. My doc encouraged me to eat and do activities that cause reflux. Makes for a painful day but then the doc gets to see what I go through and will use that info to help me get better. It's scary to have to go through all this but it helps the docs get all the info. Don't stress too much on your ph test. It's over before you know it.

CM
Posted 8/27/2013 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
I've missed welcoming several new members   so i thought I would do a big shout out welcome to all new comers. WELCOME Glad you found us but sorry you are suffering with GERD/Heartburn.  I am amazed at how popular the LINX topic has become over the past year. Someone asked how to join the LINX Club ~  most of the members who post under this topic have had, are going to have or are interested in the LINX Procedure. VIEW IMAGE “The LINX Reflux Management System is a sterile, single-use, surgically placed device used to treat the symptoms associated with GERD,”  “LINX offers an option to patients and their health care providers and is an alternative to current surgical procedures.” The LINX system is composed of a series of titanium beads, each with a magnetic core, connected together with independent titanium wires to form a ring shape. It is implanted at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a circular band of muscle that closes the last few centimeters of the esophagus and prevents the backward flow of stomach contents. The force of the magnetic beads is designed to provide additional strength to keep a weak LES closed. Upon swallowing, the magnetic force between the beads is overcome by the higher pressures of swallowing forces, and the device expands to accommodate a normal swallow of food or liquid. Once the food passes though the LES, the device returns to its resting state.  If you want further info just read through this thread as well as the other threads on the topic. I wish you well, Kitt
Posted 8/27/2013 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
CM
Thanks for the information and kind words of encouragement. I'm sure ill be fine and I know I have to go through with it too. If all goes well and it proves I have gord then ill have the Linx fitted. Only started with all of this in April , I'm not on medication and I never even had indigestion before this.It all came out of the blue I could eat whatever whenever without any problems. Then wham ! My way of thinking is if the sphincter as become weak then it's always going to be weak and no medication will repair the sphincter. So it needs support and I believe the Linx is the best option at the moment.

Maria
Posted 8/27/2013 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Maria-

A tip to not do a double swallow during the manometry. Either press your tongue to the roof of your mouth or hold the tip of it with your teeth. It works.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/28/2013 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
Bill, thanks for your tip on swallowing during manometry tests. I'll try them and let you know how I get on after the tests on Monday.

Maria
Posted 8/28/2013 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
Just woke with the tube in my nose and had no problems keeping it in during the night. I didn't sleep well at all though due to the tube and all the heart burn throughout the night. Can't wait to get this out. My medicine doesn't take care of all the symptoms but it does help and I can't wait to take them and get back to the GERD diet. I hope they decide to do surgery. I don't know how much more I can take of this.

CM
Posted 8/28/2013 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry so negative on my last post above. I was tired and experiencing symptoms from being off my meds for a week. Plus I had intentionally ate things that cause symptoms all day the day before. Wanted to say getting the wire out was not bad. Overall once the wire was placed the worst thing was a slight sore throat and the tape on my face holding the wire in place. And of course the GERD symptoms:) knowing that this will help the doctors help me, makes it worth it.

CM
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