Hi Jen, @jenblalock

Yes, a song would be great - Getting Off the GERD Train - I wonder if we have any composers in our group who could set the idea to music!

Teresa

Hi Jen, @jenblalock

That is curious that two tests could show such different results - wonder why?

Teresa

@tdrell, Terri, I don't know that testing for GERD is really necessary. The 24 ph test is miserable, and the only thing they say when it is confirmed, is to follow the GERD guidelines. I would just assume that you do have it, and make the easy lifestyle changes that need to be changed; which I have a feeling you probably already naturally do. I feel like everybody on this forum should be doing it as if they have GERD anyway because 98% of those with MAC or bronchiecstasis has GERD. The gerd guidelines are simple to follow.

98%? where does that come from?

@jenblalock, I had the tilted table test too. My results found severe erosion at the bottom of my esophagus from the reflux and mild hiatal hernia. My motitily test from the tube test (ugh) showed normal swallowing. What your doctor said about almost guaranteeing that you have GERD is not a sweeping generalization, it is extremely common for MAC patients to have GERD. More do, than don't. It is called 'co-morbid' as it goes hand-in-hand with MAC infections as well as bronchiecstasis. Most MAC sites will state this as well.

@windwalker Inn studies I've looked at there is a correlation but I've not seen anywhere where it is a certainty or even an almost certainty. Can you direct me to some pages where I can read more about this? Thanks.

@jenblalock , Jen, I cannot tell you exactly what sites to tell you to find this exact figure because I have read SO many articles & publications from the experts and from reputable clinics like Mayo, NIH, NJH, etc. Also watched hours of videos from NTM conferences.
The exact figure really doesn't matter, it is up there for number of incidences of co-morbidity, especially for those who also have bronchiecstasis too.

@windwalker Unfortunately, for someone like me, the exact figures do matter. I've watched the conferences and ready tons of articles also. I'll need to do more research obviously. Best to you.

jenablalock....l did bring to NJH the results of an esophagram l had had locally and within less than a year that showed food does not empty correctly into my stomach....takes its time.So they did have that test to apply. tdrell

windwalker i see my GI doctor in a few weeks....l respect him....l think he is not one to rush into things....is older but l think he keeps up so we will see his thoughts. tdrell