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Anyone done a BRAVO PH study?what was it like for you?

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Posted 11/16/2008 4:16 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you Kitt,

I have been looking for relief for years and the Internet seems the only way to go to get information.

Because the doctors treated me for GERD & Acid Reflux but I feel was mistaken but with all the testing I have gone throught (exploratory surgery, Bravo pH etc) maybe I can help.

Thanks again.

Posted 11/19/2008 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
No info on the Bravo test.

I would caution on the use of ginger for acid reflux. It has done wonders for my IBS and other intestinal issues. But it is very warming and will cause heartburn if your esophagus is already irritated by reflux, or even sensative. I use it alot in the winter for my digestive track, but in the heat of the summer if really increased my heart burn. Instead, I would suggest chewing on a little licorice root or drink some cool licorice tea (no sugar). Licorice is "cooling" by nature and a natural anti inflamatory.

Reflux can be worsened by an over acidic stomach, but it is not always the case. I take acid capsuls because of low stomach acid. I also have acid reflux. My doctor said the most common sense statement I have heard yet. Heartburn isn't caused by too much acid in the stomach, it is cause by the acid getting into the esophagus. She told me to only fill my stomach 2/3rds full. This can be done by trial and error. For me, if I eat more than about ten ounces for a meal, I increase my chances of a flair up. Even at that amount if I eat more than every 3 hours, I risk flair up.

I avoid alot of bending over shortly after eating.

I sleep on a ramp cushion at night.

When I work out I do all my routines in a vertical position, and things like stomach crunches are done slowly to not pump the juices up. I do yoga work out, but I move into inverted poses very slowly.

I was diagnosed with acid reflux and a hiatal hernia (spelling?). So it is hard the keep the top of the stomach closed. I was prescribed Priolosec, but have not taken any, nor to I use antacids, because both would through off my digestion process (largely due to my low stomach acid).

These are some of the things I use to manage my reflux. Hope you find something helpful in them. Good luck.
Posted 11/19/2008 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
The BRAVO test is a piece of cake compared to the 24 Hour Ph study with the nasal catheter. I had the NDO Plicator done in January of 2008. Seemed to work well for awhile but now, November, feel that there is heartburn and coughing from reflux. I am in the second day of a new BRAVO test so we will see. I heard that NDO does not make the Plicator anymore. Any other ones out there with a success or non success of the Plicator?
Posted 11/19/2008 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
I had the Bravo pH study done as well - TWICE

BRAVO pH STUDY LINK

Like 2voices said, it is a breeze, love new technology and thankful it is not the other catheter type where a wire type of thing connects to a device you wear and then it goes into your nose for 24 hours.

The first 12 hours or maybe 24 you can feel the capsule in your throat, it hurts but a bad sore throat is worse.  A lot of people do not like going under, it's fine, just do not eat when you come out of it. Wait until you go home, sleep it off and then you can eat.

Every swallow will hurt so chew your food well and small bits are better but just swallowing as a normal thing to do hurts anyway.  But remember like 2 voices, it's nothing, it's well worth it.  The little pager you wear will beep if you forget to put it on so it is also brainless.

Good Luck

Post Edited (JGMC) : 11/19/2008 9:31:50 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/19/2008 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
I have a question for anyone who had the 24 hour PH study I am scheduled for it tomorrow along with the esophageal motility. The last time I had anything put down my nose and into my stomach was when I had a pancreatitis attack due to gallstones and they put a tube to empty my stomach. That was about 10 years ago. I remember it took about three nurses to get the tube down my nose and into my stomach. It was a large tube as I remember and not very flexible. Is this a difficult/painful procedure. I am not too worried abut the capsule in my esophagus because i have a constant feeling of something being stuck in my throat, but I'm a wimp whenit comes to pain just want to know what to expect before I have the procedure.
MJ
Posted 11/19/2008 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
2voices

Welcome to HealingWell and thank you for your input.  It is much appreciated.

We do have a welcome topic for newbies and others as well as a weekly check in.  You will often find some very helpful info in those two threads.

Again Welcome

Kitt

 

Posted 11/19/2008 11:22 PM (GMT 0)

JCMC

Thank you so much for the link.  I took a look, very informative.

I am glad the Bravo test is much improved the quality of the testing.

Take care my friend

Kitt

Posted 11/19/2008 11:37 PM (GMT 0)

MJ,

You are probably remembering the NG tube, the Nasogastric tube and yes they still use them but I do not know it that is the one they will use for your test? If it is I am sure they will anesthetize your nares and throat so it won't be as painful as they used to be.

One thing you can do to help is to sit up as straight as you can and bend your neck forward, don't pull your head back. By bending your head forward the tube will follow you natural anatomy to your stomach. Just my opinion from putting down NGs

Bless you and take care

Kitt

Posted 11/20/2008 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Kitt. Will keep that in mind for my test.
MJ
Posted 11/21/2008 12:26 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for your advice Kitt It helped the procedure was not as bad as I expected even though I would not want to do it again.  Now tomorrow when they pull out the probe I will do the happy dance

MJ

Posted 12/5/2008 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
I am scheduled to have the bravo test in January! I am scared to death after reading some post and don't know if I want to go thru with it? I am getting nervous already.............I feel for you all that have/had so many problems with it. The drs and their nurses make it sound so easy! Guess that is how they get you to go thru with it. I was also reading some of the things that can happen because of the test, bleeding, hole in esaphogus, etc...............I don't know what to do!
They say I have reflux because of this "globus" sensation I have constantly for 2 yrs now.....other than that I don't have most of the normal symptoms, I do have belly pain and pain in my ribs but rarely heartburn or feel anything coming up into my esaphogus/throat area. I have been on so many of the PPI meds and nothing has helped to date (9 yrs)..........but I don't know that I can do this test!
Posted 12/5/2008 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
k9lov3r.............why the tube thru your nose.......they told me the capsule will be in my esaphogus and no tubes in the nose? am i correct the 24 hour test must be much different than the bravo 4 that i am scheduled for?
glad it is over and went well for you, now i just have to keep the nerve to do my test!
Posted 12/5/2008 5:33 AM (GMT 0)

Yes the two tests are preformed differantly.  I don't know why they did the nasal catheter.  I thought I was having the 48 BRAV PH study, but when they called to schedule me they told meit was the 24 hour nasal catheter PH test. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever had done and if it helps the doctor figure out what's going on it was worth the discomfort.  Your test doesn't require the capsule be attached to the recording box like mine did.

The motility test also is not that bad.  Just relax the tests themselves were not that bad.  They were not nearly as bad as I was expecting.  I followed the following advise that I got from Kitt and it helped:

One thing you can do to help is to sit up as straight as you can and bend your neck forward, don't pull your head back. By bending your head forward the tube will follow you natural anatomy to your stomach. Just my opinion from putting down NGs

Good luck let us know how it goes.

MJ

Posted 12/6/2008 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Rdjc, welcome. I have had so many of the tests (I hesitate to say all of them..but I think I may have!) I want you to relax about the bravo; let me tell you about the two tests:

1. the 24 hour PH - Normally administered by a trained nurse, numbing medicine is put in your nose and you sniff it up and some ends up going down your throat too..kind of yucchy, but it's okay. A very thin catheter is gently inserted up your nose and to the point in your throat where you would swallow. k9lov3r is absolutely correct when he tells you about your head position; this makes all the difference in the world. Another thing that helps me a lot is the way I swallow water when doing this. Often they tell you to take sips of water; for me, it works much, much better if I take long, slow drinks of water. This allows the catheter to move easily through the larynx and into your esophagus. Once you're taped into place, you'll receive instructions on buttons to push on the electronic monitor and everything else with this. You have to return the next day to have this removed and turn in your electronic monitor. For me, this test is a nuisance, but incredibly informative for practitioners; it bothers my nose mostly, but I can eat and sleep fine with it.

2. The 48 hour bravo: During endoscopy, the Dr. will insert an electronic capsule into the wall of the esophagus; you will be provided an electronic monitor and instructions on the use of this. After 48 hours you will return the monitor and diary if provided one, to the Dr.'s office. I guess I could say that there were times when I could feel something in my esophagus, but honestly, it was pretty much a non-issue. At some point, the capsule disengages and it passes through your system un-noticed by you. The advantage of this test, is that you really can go about your normal business.

K9lov3r is right about the motility test too; it's not that bad. It's similar to the 24 hour ph, where a catheter is inserted, but instead of wearing it for 24 hours you are asked to perform a series of swallows. The catheter registered the strength of the contractions in your esophagus while swallowing. It's an exceptionally informative test for your Practitioners and fascinating to watch as well!

Please listen to K9lov3r, relax and the tests will take care of themselves!
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Janice
Posted 12/7/2008 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
The motility test is horrible, even my Gi doc says it is the worst.
I got thru it with lots of encouragement from my doctor and prayer...
I do not see how anyone could say this test was ok...let's be honest , it isn't and it helps to know th truth so one can prepare .
Take care..Annie
PS...you will get thru it though...this too shall pass!
Posted 12/7/2008 6:16 AM (GMT 0)

Annie

I am so sorry that you had a rough time with the motility test.  Maybe I was one of the lucky ones but I was being honest it was not as bad as I thought it would be.  I guess we all have differant reactions to tests.  Yes I felt it was uncomfortable but once I relaxed it was ok.  I do have a strong gag reflex but again once I relaxed it was not that bad.  They had a little trouble when they got to the hiatal hernia but it did not cause any more discomfort that what I had already felt. 

MJ

Posted 12/7/2008 6:34 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Annie,

I understand if this was a nasty test for you but most patients have anticipatory anxiety and when the procedure is done they feel it was not as bad as they anticipated.

During the  test, a small catheter is passed  through the nose and into the esophagus to evaluate the motility of the esophagus, that is, its power to move spontaneously.

The physician can  examine the esophagus for motility disorders that contribute to swallowing problems.

IMHO to me it seems like if you have to have the test try not to overthink it in your mind.

Catastrophysizing the event will make you more tense and by the time your get to the GI Lab you will be wanting to turn around and run back home but for your own good health, you can do this test.

Hugs to all of you brave people.  I have had procedures that scared me to death and then when I went through them, it was not nearly so bad.

Happy Sunday to all

Kitt

 

Posted 12/7/2008 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with what you are saying about it being ok after it was over but I also like to know the truth up front.
If you get upset about things like the test then it can be better to work on your anxiety before they lay you down on the table. These tests do need to be done for very good reasons and yes I know anyone who has one will we fine, but I like to be informed and that is my point with the information I provided. I will also offer this advice straight from my heart....when I am in a situation that has the potential to cause me anxiety I pray the Our Father over and over in my head...works EVERY time !!
God Bless
Posted 12/9/2008 7:01 AM (GMT 0)

Annie,

I pray the Hail Mary and try to take my mind off somewhere peaceful and pretend that I am not even there.  I like to know upfront about the procedure too.  In fact the physician's have a duty to tell you about the procedure before you are even scheduled so you can choose to go through with it or say no thanks, not right now.

Happy Holidays.

Kitt


Posted 6/21/2009 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there

I'm new to this site and came across it while browsing the net for information on the bravo ph testing. im 22 and have been suffering from Gerd (its called Gord in the UK) since i was about 12 i have had 2 endoscopy's and a video fleuroscopy. I also went to have the ph testing done a few months back but it wasnt under sedation and they used catheters i freaked out and now am waiting for an appointment under sedation! i was just wondering what it was going to be like once theyve down it and how reliable it actually is.
im so sick of being give different medication, told its all in my head or that im anorexic its completly ruined my life i hardly have a social life as i end up in so much pain and feel sick.

its so nice to know that im not alone as alot of the time it feels that way :-)
Posted 6/22/2009 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi sunshine,

They put you to sleep for this and attach a small batteryto your esohagus.I had no problems with this.It passed throuh me a few days later i would imagine.Go to the newer posts for more infromation

Good luck

B

Posted 8/26/2010 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I Just had the Bravo inserted this morning. They told me to push a button everytime I felt pain in my chest, guess it is just the capsule after reading these posts ( I should stop pushing it :) ). Every swallow even when not eating or drinking feels like a ball getting stuck. I've had the the other nasty test which was fine. And the upper GI with Barium and they said I was a prime canidate for surgery based on the reflux. I'm not sure what difference this test will make in their decision to do the surgery acid or anything I eat/drink. Do they only do the surgery based on the ph of what is refluxing?

Cat
Posted 8/27/2010 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Cat,
They base your need for surgery upon all of the tests.

You've attached to an old thread. How about posting a new thread and introduce yourself.
Posted 12/11/2010 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
I just had the Bravo procedure this morning. 11 a.m. It is the most painful thing ever in my life. I have a high threshold for pain i.e. 25 stitches to the head, appendicitus (which was somewhat painful), etc... and this Bravo procedure was by far the worst. The first 4 hours killed me when I swallowed. I could barely eat or drink. 8 hours later the drinking is somewhat better. I ate at 5 p.m. hamburger/french fries and the pain was so unbearable and that's on pain meds I have. I'd rather have someone take a broomstick, put pepper on it and stick it up my butt. Does anyone know if the pain in day 2 gets better? I know I need this test but man, I wouldn't get it done again. I was told by the nurse, I'm the 5% that it hurts. Don't know why but whole well. Does it get better by the days?
Posted 12/11/2010 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
The 5% who suffer from the pain of it are usually the people the doctor caught a nerve during the "pinning" process. Hopefully the capsule will fall off soon for you. It sounds like the nerve is calming down for you. You might have to restrict yourself to liquids and very soft foods until it falls off. It took about four days for mine to fall off.
I only felt mine when I turned my head and it was only a tugging sensation.
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