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From: Melissa
Hey, the motility test really isn't so bad. It's uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt, and I am a very big wimp!
I had the motility test one morning followed by the 24 ph monitoring test. The tube is bigger for the motility test than the ph monitoring test, but still pretty small. I was glad to find out the nurse inserting the tubes had had these tests done to her before, so she knew exactly how it would feel and how to explain it to me. First she 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*). The goopy stuff tingled somewhat and my nose became numb.
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. Then 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 tube was connected to a computer next to the bed I was on. A doctor came in to conduct the test while the nurse monitored the computer. The doctor moved the tube/probe in a series of slow movements up the throat, then pushed the tube back down again (no problem since it is past the point were gagging is triggered). At one time he attached the tube to a little motorized device that pulled the tube up at a slow, constant speed. Sometimes I was asked to swallow water. This whole procedure was not bad at all. It took around 50 minutes. After it was over, I was shown the little zig zaggy lines on the computer screen. The doctor told me what the various lines represented, but I forget!
I sat up when everything was done and then the tube was pulled out. That was rather icky with some more gagging. For that part I was told to hold my breath. None of this was painful. It's a bit unpleasant but not frightening. Relax and you will do fine!
Melissa Tessie@netcom.com