1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

24 Hr PH test for GERD - question for those who have had this done

Posted by Jen_b @jenblalock, Sep 2, 2017

Tuesday morning I'm going to have a tube inserted for 24 hours to test for GERD. I went to National Jewish who diagnosed GERD as the cause of my bronchiectasis and cavitary lesions. I'm getting this test to confirm this diagnosis. Anyway, I am wondering if I should take someone to drive me home afterward. There is no anesthesia used so I should be able to drive myself, right?

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Jen_b | @jenblalock | Sep 26, 2017
In reply to @jenblalock "Back home from having catheter placed. The first test Esophageal manometry, was very gaggy and uncomfortable...." + (show)
@jenblalock

Back home from having catheter placed. The first test Esophageal manometry, was very gaggy and uncomfortable. They use a bigger tube for this than the one for the 24 HR. PH test. Putting in the smaller tube for the 24 hr ph test wasn't bad. I find it very uncomfortable to wear however. I'm trying to eat like normal but swallowing causes it to move around and I think my nose is really sensitive after having that larger catheter in it. Or I'm a wimp. Either way, not fond of it and I find it painful in my nose. Managed to choke down some toast for breakfast but not looking forward to when I have to eat again. I'm glad I took my husband with me to drive because I just wasn't comfortable turning my head or anything. It's going to be a long day but it's only one day and I'm sure other have endured much worse. I haven't ever had surgery or really anything invasive other than the PICC line so I think I tend to be a bit of a wimp. The results will be worth it (keep saying this to myself). 🙂

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@windwalker Thank you!. I believe I did have a cocktail. I hated that I could feel it every time I moved. And the first test with the bigger tube felt like I was being choked. My instinct was to yank it out. I had to remind myself I could still breathe. It was worth it but hope I don't have to do it again.

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Jen_b | @jenblalock | Sep 26, 2017
In reply to @jenblalock "Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon..." + (show)
@jenblalock

Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon daily. Wow! Totally different than the dire diagnosis I received from NJH. I'll send results to NJH and see if I get any feedback.

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@windwalker They do some testing. Just not the whole tube thing. I got the feeling they assume GERD before there are any test done. My doctor said 'i guarantee you have reflux that is causing this, just like all the women on my floor'. That seemed a rather sweeping generalization to me and made me question the validity of her statement since I hadn't even been tested yet. Then I had some testing where I drank some stuff and they tipped me on a table. It showed poor motility. But the tube motility test that I just had showed normal motility. I'm going with normal.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 26, 2017
In reply to @jenblalock "Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon..." + (show)
@jenblalock

Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon daily. Wow! Totally different than the dire diagnosis I received from NJH. I'll send results to NJH and see if I get any feedback.

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Hi Jen, @jenblalock

I enjoyed your comment, "a little GERD or a lot of GERD doesn’t really matter when it comes to treatment. Any GERD will do," so true!!

Teresa

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Jen_b | @jenblalock | Sep 26, 2017
In reply to @jenblalock "Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon..." + (show)
@jenblalock

Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon daily. Wow! Totally different than the dire diagnosis I received from NJH. I'll send results to NJH and see if I get any feedback.

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@hopeful33250 Thanks! I feel it should be a little song. 🙂 Dang though. I was hoping to get of the GERD train. Could be worse!

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 26, 2017
In reply to @jenblalock "Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon..." + (show)
@jenblalock

Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon daily. Wow! Totally different than the dire diagnosis I received from NJH. I'll send results to NJH and see if I get any feedback.

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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

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 26, 2017
In reply to @jenblalock "Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon..." + (show)
@jenblalock

Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon daily. Wow! Totally different than the dire diagnosis I received from NJH. I'll send results to NJH and see if I get any feedback.

Jump to this post

Hi Jen, @jenblalock

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

Teresa

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Carolyn | @cld120 | Sep 26, 2017

Thank you all for this info/discussion! I just went to a new pulmonologist & he said the areas of bronchiectasis in the front, midsections of my lungs are consistent with GERD. I've taken 40 mg Famotidine twice daily & have had my esophagus dilated twice due to strictures (scarring) narrowing the esophagus making it tough for food to get through. I just ordered a wedge pillow & a book about GERD. Sounds like it is a BIG factor with MAC!

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4 replies
Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Sep 26, 2017
In reply to @cld120 "Thank you all for this info/discussion! I just went to a new pulmonologist & he said..." + (show)
@cld120

Thank you all for this info/discussion! I just went to a new pulmonologist & he said the areas of bronchiectasis in the front, midsections of my lungs are consistent with GERD. I've taken 40 mg Famotidine twice daily & have had my esophagus dilated twice due to strictures (scarring) narrowing the esophagus making it tough for food to get through. I just ordered a wedge pillow & a book about GERD. Sounds like it is a BIG factor with MAC!

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@cld120, Hi Carolyn, good for you staying on top of your GERD! I too had my esophagus widened a few years ago. It made all of the difference in the world for better swallowing. I was told that it is a procedure that will most likely need to be repeated annually. I skipped last year, but can tell I need to start thinking about having it done again. I am starting to have trouble again.

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Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Sep 26, 2017
In reply to @jenblalock "Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon..." + (show)
@jenblalock

Results: Motility - Normal! GERD - mild that I probably don't feel. Take two chewable Gaviscon daily. Wow! Totally different than the dire diagnosis I received from NJH. I'll send results to NJH and see if I get any feedback.

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@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.

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