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Bravo pH test for Gerd/Acid Reflux question
Posted on 5/15/13 at 1:51 pm
Posted on 5/15/13 at 1:51 pm
I went to a gastro doctor for the first time ever recently and the doctor set me up for this test. They attach a small capsule monitor to your esophagus at the point it attaches to your stomach. I've read a few horror stories about complications with this and am very hesitant to do this. Anyone ever have this done?
BTW, I only have minor reflux issues without a lot of the pain that most people with serious acide reflux complain about. My symptoms are more of a dull, achey, uncomfortable feeling around my sternum along with being tired. There is also a distinct pressing pressure just under my sternum especially when I'm sitting that is new and very disconcerting. I also have the sensation of chest tightness and shortness of breathe because of the pressing feeling. I have anxiety but this sensations has been different. It's frustrating because in the back of my mind it feels more heart related but I've had all the heart tests (EKG, echocardiagram, Holter monitor, stress test) and they all came back normal. My cardiologist says he could do a heart catheter if I wanted to but he thinks I should rule out reflux/GI issues. Anyone ever had these symptoms? Also, is their any reason why the gastro doctor can't just do an upper GI/barium swallow instead of a risky procedure to clamp a monitor on my esophagus?
BTW, I only have minor reflux issues without a lot of the pain that most people with serious acide reflux complain about. My symptoms are more of a dull, achey, uncomfortable feeling around my sternum along with being tired. There is also a distinct pressing pressure just under my sternum especially when I'm sitting that is new and very disconcerting. I also have the sensation of chest tightness and shortness of breathe because of the pressing feeling. I have anxiety but this sensations has been different. It's frustrating because in the back of my mind it feels more heart related but I've had all the heart tests (EKG, echocardiagram, Holter monitor, stress test) and they all came back normal. My cardiologist says he could do a heart catheter if I wanted to but he thinks I should rule out reflux/GI issues. Anyone ever had these symptoms? Also, is their any reason why the gastro doctor can't just do an upper GI/barium swallow instead of a risky procedure to clamp a monitor on my esophagus?
4
Posted on 5/15/13 at 1:59 pm to Govt Tide
Ask the doctor questions when you are there instead of the OT Board on the Rant.
Hope you feel better.
Hope you feel better.
Posted on 5/15/13 at 2:05 pm to Eric Nies Grind Time
I wasn't really trying to get a diagnosis. I just thought someone here may have had the procedure done. I'm leaning towards not having it done and asking if I can have an upper GI done instead. I'm also getting to the age where I'll have to start having the dreaded colon check up as well so maybe I can get the upper and lower done at about the same time. 
This post was edited on 5/15/13 at 2:06 pm
Posted on 5/15/13 at 2:10 pm to Govt Tide
The bf had it done a couple years ago, and he didn't have any issues with it at all.
Posted on 5/15/13 at 2:12 pm to Govt Tide
I would go with the upper GI. It sounds like you might have a hiatal hernia in conjunction with GERD. I had a lot of the same symptoms.
I had 4th degree esophagitis. Basically, my esophagus was one big ulcer. I have been on meds for 3 years and it is great. My esophagus was completely healed when they did my last GI.
I had 4th degree esophagitis. Basically, my esophagus was one big ulcer. I have been on meds for 3 years and it is great. My esophagus was completely healed when they did my last GI.
Posted on 5/15/13 at 2:59 pm to Govt Tide
I've got GERD. It can be pretty dang scary on days where I'll have esophageal spasms. It's remarkably akin to a heart attack in the chest tightness, numbness, shortness of breath, so it can be alarming. Doc has me on Protonix daily and zantac and tums when necessary. He said I wouldn't have these issues if I lay down the strong drink, sodas, and drop a few pounds. But screw that.
Posted on 5/15/13 at 3:04 pm to Govt Tide
I had an upper GI for mine and had to have my esophagus stretched due to stricture. It really sucks arse when everything you eat gets stuck or causes a lot of pain going down. It can definitely give you that feeling that it's something else in your chest. And spasms can be awful too.
Rule out all your GI symptoms before you agree to a heart cath, especially if all of your other tests have come back okay.
Rule out all your GI symptoms before you agree to a heart cath, especially if all of your other tests have come back okay.
Posted on 5/15/13 at 3:33 pm to PepaSpray
quote:
He said I wouldn't have these issues if I lay down the strong drink, sodas, and drop a few pounds. But screw that.
It does help. My doc told me to cut out what wouldn't make me miserable. I cut out sodas and I try not to drink a beer close to the time I go to bed. I think dropping some weight definitely helped.
I have been on Nexium for 3 years. I tried to come off it at the beginning of the year and it came back with a vengance in just a few weeks. My doc told me that I would have to be on meds forever unless I did the surgery. I decided to take the little purple pill everyday.
Posted on 5/15/13 at 3:37 pm to 12
I've gotten to where I don't have to take my Nexium everyday. You can't quit it cold turkey because your reflux will rebound. I was able to ween myself off it with changes on diet and taking it every other day and working my way down to only when I know I'll need it.
Something to be aware of with it too is that being on Nexium long term can frick with the bacteria balance in your stomach. They think it's part of what "helped" my colitis develop. I'd take probiotics with it.
Something to be aware of with it too is that being on Nexium long term can frick with the bacteria balance in your stomach. They think it's part of what "helped" my colitis develop. I'd take probiotics with it.
Posted on 5/15/13 at 9:16 pm to BluegrassBelle
I started taking Nexium a couple months ago. It's made a huge difference in my quality of life. I was getting heartburn after every meal, regardless of what I ate.
My doc warned me that mineral absorption is diminished while taking PPIs, so he recommended that I supplement calcium and magnesium.
I'm shedding weight like a boss right now (15 pounds in the past seven weeks) which I''m hoping helps me get off the Nexium sooner than later.
My doc warned me that mineral absorption is diminished while taking PPIs, so he recommended that I supplement calcium and magnesium.
I'm shedding weight like a boss right now (15 pounds in the past seven weeks) which I''m hoping helps me get off the Nexium sooner than later.
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