HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Scope tomorrow....need advice

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/8/2015 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
I've been dealing with acid problems for 7 months now and back in August I went to a different GI Doctor because my first did my scope back in March saw nothing and because I was complaining of food getting stuck he dilated my esophagus. He didn't do a biopsy because he said everything looked clear (makes sense). Anyway every time I called because I had severe heartburn for many months after the dilation they just gave me more medicine. Then in June I started having trouble with food getting stuck AGAIN, even after being dilated. So doing my research I went to a new GI who says with people who are my age (33) and food getting stuck, she likes to do a biopsy to check for EE (esophilic esophagitis). She also wants to do a Bravo study tomorrow as well. Here is the thing, most of my symptoms are gone (except food doesn't go down super fast, I usually have to help it with some water) and I'm also having some LPR symptoms (I think). I'm having ear clogging, ear popping and my throat gets irritated when I raise my voice to high. Here is my question, because I don't have typical heartburn right now and regurgitation.....is the Bravo test going to be accurate? I also stay away from all trigger foods, so maybe I should eat those? Any advice would be great. Encouragement too, I have three little girls and I hate to go under. Thanks

Lisa
Posted 10/8/2015 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
I did not have typical heartburn. I had an extremely irritated throat which would lead me into coughing fits and cause a lot of phlegm. If you read up on LPR, most cases do not have typical acid reflux heartburn symptoms. My 24 hour test showed that I was not having a lot of acid issues, but food and stomach fluid was being pushed up into my throat and lungs many times during a day. I did not realize how many times I was actually regurgitating in my mouth until I started paying attention to it. If I was you, I would let them do the tests to see what they find. It is not always just straight Acid Reflux.
Posted 10/8/2015 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
I would do the tests, even if your symptoms have died down it could still be happening. Make sure to eat your triggers on the day of the test so they can figure out what is really going on.
Posted 10/8/2015 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
The Bravo test gives the least amount of data so if your symptoms are more like LPR you may not get the results you need. Ideally to detect not just acid but fluid in general you should get a 24 pH impedance probe. You should have a chat with your Dr and see if this could be an option for you.
Posted 10/10/2015 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
GERD can be a serious condition if not treated. Anyone that is having the reflux burning after a meal, reflux burning during sleep time, please go to a Gastroenterologist. I have had the problem for many, many years, finally I had the EGD at the same time as my colonoscopy, I have Barretts Esophagus. It is a pre-cancer and even in remission they told me I will always have it. My last biopsy was good, thank God, now another in 2016. The concern is always there. Please take heed with the GERD. Susan
Posted 10/10/2015 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for advice! I had my capsule implanted yesterday. I have some discomfort when eating and it feels like something is stuck (wait something is...haha). I just hope all this is worth it, but the good news is that my esophagus looks great, there wasn't even a need to biopsy.
Posted 10/11/2015 9:54 AM (GMT 0)
Awesome to hear. The pH tests are a pain, literally, but they are so worth it. I had the 24-hour pH impedence test, it was awful because my sinuses got a bit damaged during my manometry test done prior to putting in the pH probe, so I was in a lot of pain with it, but I'm glad I stuck it out because the results are invaluable.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply