Fluoroscopy swallow test shows esophagus pocket

Posted by pza @pza, Aug 7 3:28pm

Have dealt with acid reflux and is under control in day. Still have mucus at night even with slanted mattress pad and elevated head. Started having food sticking in throat so had fluoroscopy swallow test that shows large pocket in upper esophagus and liquids going down and then going back up. I’ve read about surgeries but I am a senior so would like to know of others’ experiences and treatments

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@pza How exactly do they perform this swallow test? If you don't mind sharing.

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They use fluoroscope which shows movement of liquid down the esophagus. You take sips of barium liquid and you turn to different positions while standing. The last one turns you upside down. I was shown the movement of the liquids and how they came back up. It also showed the pouch on upper esophagus. Just have to fast 4 hours before. Only takes about 15 minutes.

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Profile picture for pza @pza

They use fluoroscope which shows movement of liquid down the esophagus. You take sips of barium liquid and you turn to different positions while standing. The last one turns you upside down. I was shown the movement of the liquids and how they came back up. It also showed the pouch on upper esophagus. Just have to fast 4 hours before. Only takes about 15 minutes.

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@pza Turns you upside down! How do they do that?

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Profile picture for heisenberg34 @heisenberg34

@pza Turns you upside down! How do they do that?

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@heisenberg34

The entire time where you are standing is moveable. With your back against it, it moves and tilts you back.

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Profile picture for pza @pza

@heisenberg34

The entire time where you are standing is moveable. With your back against it, it moves and tilts you back.

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@pza Reminds me of the inversion table I had a few years ago. Strapped in and tilted backwards to about a 45 degree angle. Was for helping to put my discs into better alignment. Did it work? Who knows?

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I had this done, but they called it a modified barium swallow. A speech therapist gives to the different food to eat with barium in it.

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