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From: Melissa tessie@netcom.com
Date: 5/2/00
Time: 8:10:11 PM
Remote Name: 134.71.74.105
Well, I wouldn't say it was a piece of cake. These tests were unpleasant but not unbearable.
This is what it was like for me. The first one done was the manometry. The tube is bigger that for the ph test. First they used a syringe (without a needle!) to deposit some goop (about the consistency of runny jello) up my nose. Then I had to sniff it (kind of difficult *g*). This is to numb the nose. Then the nurse started to insert the tube/probe. I felt pressure as it hit the back of my nose, but no pain. I was given a basin to hold and some kleenex. The a cup of water with a straw. Then told to start drinking and keep drinking as the tube was slid down my throat. Yes, there was some gagging, coughing, and watery eyes. Not fun, but not painful either. Then I had to lie down while the testing started. The doctor came in and moved the tube/ probe in a series of movements up the throat. Sometimes I was asked to swallow water. This part was not bad at all. It took around 50 minutes. Then I saw the little zig zaggy lines on the computer screen. The doctor told me some of what the meant, but I forget!
Then the tube was pulled out. That was rather icky with some more gagging. I think for that part I was told to hold my breath.
Then it was time for the 24 hour ph tube to be inserted. Again the goop was put in my nose, and I had to sniff it up there. In went the smaller tube, and I did some coughing and gagging again (didn't throw up on the nurse since I did what I was told and hadn't eaten or had anything to drink since midnight). The tube was taped to my nose and face and looped over my ear. The tube was attached to a little tape-recorder like machine that hung at my waist from a shoulder strap. Then I was free to go home for the day. I was given a big packet of instructions. I had to keep a diary of all symptoms. No lying down except at bedtime. No eating or drinking between meals (I had a bit of an expection if I had to take migraine pills--which if taken had to be listed in the diary). Two meals must be eaten of foods likely to cause problems with heartburn. The first was quite specific--a greasy hamburger, fries, and a vanilla milkshake from a drive-thru restaurant. I think about 30 minutes was allowed to consume this. Hah! Not easy to eat around that nose tube that hung down a little. It hurt some in the area of my adam's apple to swallow (I did have to take a migraine painkiller and this really helped that discomfort, fyi).
For dinner I was given a choice from several columns. I decided on big troublemaker foods for me. I had steak with southern fried potatoes with ketchup and iced tea. A banana for dessert. Look out! Very bad heartburn attack after that for a LONG TIME. Then no more food. I had a little water or tea right before bedtime, but other than that, nothing past dinner at around 6. This was also because I had a barium swallow scheduled for the next morning.
Back to the hospital in the morning to have the tube pulled out. I held my breath and the tube came out fairly quickly. There was no pain but some coughing and gagging. Then it was off to the area where they did the barium swallow tests. It's kind of yucky chalky stuff that tastes a bit fermented. One of the tests involves eating a barium burger. Yep--a real hamburger bathed in this barium stuff and no doubt cooked in a HOSPITAL KITCHEN. Yummy--NOT!*vbg*
This was all done at the USC University Hospital. I have to say that everyone there was very professional and it was well done. I can't say it was fun, but it was necessary in getting me properly diagnosed so I could be helped.