EPIC FAIL!

I'm having a rough day. I went in for a motility with impedance study today and after multiple attempts to place the probe correctly, they gave up! Apparently the location/size of my hernia is such that they can only get the probe down to the hernia but not through it. I'm schedule for an EGD this Friday so Plan B is for me to have the EGD and while I'm still under have my surgeon place the manometry probe properly, then wake me up so I will be able to swallow on command and they can do the manometry test. I hope it will work. Right now, I am drained, have a fuzzy headache and sore throat. And I'm really bummed out.

Has anyone else ever had an experience like this?

They had me sit straight up, then tried reclining slightly, reclining more and even tried with me standing up but they could not get it passed a certain spot. I'm feeling pretty dejected tonight since I really wanted to get this piece of the puzzle before seeing my surgeon on Friday but that won't happen. Also, the alternate plan to wake me up from the EGD and go right into the motility test sounds good this afternoon when I was not able to take any more but now, I'm thinking it could get pretty complex. I trust my surgeon though and if he thinks it's workable then it will be. Right now the back of my throat is sore and the area around the hernia feels a little sore. Part of me wishes they had kept trying and gotten it done but feeling sore now the way I do, it must be better that they stopped.
So, now it's wait until Friday.
Peg

They went into the stomach initially for my manometry too. Think its to measure the pressure of the LES when they pull it back through into the oesophagus. I'd have thought though that if you have a significant hernia that this pressure measurement will be incorrect anyway?? Think they take measurements of the oesophagus at certain points and think the LES is the marker for where they start taking these figures. That's my understanding but I could be completely wrong!

All the very best

Trotters,
From what they told me, you are exactly correct. They intended to get the probe down to the LES and then slowly pull up, measuring the strength of motility along the way. I have a very large hernia that got in the way and caused the tube to start coiling. Honestly, I feel like a failure and wonder if I can't even do this test, how will I ever manage the surgery and recovery? The length in between tests is really wearing me down a bit. I'm glad I have the EGD appointment set for Friday so I'll at least be able to speak with surgeon and get some feedback about the motility test.
Also, not that I think it would have changed the outcome, they didn't use lidocaine or any numbing agent, just lots of goop on the tube to help it slide down. Sore throat today and runny sinuses last night.

Ah feel your pain. It's so wearing having all the waiting in between all the tests I agree. I had the same with my nose and sinuses after my manometry and impedance test, think it's a reaction to a foreign object being up your nose and yours probably had to endure more than most, bless you.

Easier said than done but try not to stress too much I'm sure it was an unfortunate situation and im sure it will be a lot easier to get it in place with egd at least they can see and aren't going in blind. Wish you lots of luck and I hope you get your answers and treatment very soon. Stay strong x

SUCCESS! I returned to the endoscopy center today for an EGD and a repeat of the manometry. As planned the surgeon placed the manometry probe after the he completed the EGD and while I was still under. They woke me up, all ready with saline and apple sauce to swallow. 20 perfect swallows. Not hard at all. The surgeon said that the problem was that my esophagus takes a sharp turn near the bottom making it difficult to advance the flexible tube. I see him in a week to discuss all the results. In the meantime, I am relieved to have this part behind me.
Peg

Thank you, Sweetie. No uncomfortable after-effects. Glad to have the tests done and hope the dr doesn't need any more.

Thanks, Sandy. It sounds like we both have been through the mill and we both deserve positive outcomes! I see the surgeon in about a week. How about you?

Peg

I can see I'm in good company, here! I've been OFF PPI's now for 15 agonizing days not that it helped me much in the first place. Have my pH manometry Weds. April 15th and consult w/surgeon on Apr. 20th.

My Barium swallow showed the hiatal hernia and SIGNIFICANT reflux! I know it will be rough and I'm stressed to the max but know I will get through it, because I can finally see LIGHT at the end of my 6-year dark tunnel! Praying I will be able to have the surgery!

I'll be following this thread and posting my results and anything I learn that might be helpful to others. Hang in there, fellow sufferers and I will too!

Oh Joan!

That is NOT good news. The staff are there to help and support the patients. Was this in a local hospital or a teaching university hospital?

The motility study that I just had was uncomfortable but the technician was very kind. I don't like all of the testing but it has to be done and the sooner it is finished the happier I will be.

Remember that there are hundreds of scopes done every week across the country and very few people, I think, have serious problems.

Hang in there!

Sandy