The End of the Week of Hell
I neglected to post the last several days... I guess just lack of motivation. I got through both tests that were scheduled, with some difficulty.
Monday was alright as far as being off my stomach meds went, but I was pretty nervous on Tuesday because I had to go in for the tests that morning. Both were very uncomfortable - the esophageal manometry because its a large tube and I was expected to swallow around it and such, the 24 hour pH study because i had to have a smaller tube in for an entire 24 hours. Easier to manage but just as uncomfortable. Trying to eat, swallow, or even talk was uncomfortable.
I think if I was to give anyone advice going into those tests, I would probably say this:
If you’re prone to anxiety, do all you can to stay relaxed going into the tests - you’ll get anxious during for sure, but its better not to work yourself up beforehand. Even better if you can bring a supportperson, but I would strongly recommend bringing someone thats not skeeved out easily.
bring throat lozenges - honestly I wish I had thought to do so because my throat was pretty sore for a good 18 hours (at least) after the esophageal manometry
bring a handkerchief or several - the doctor sprayed an anesthetic spray in my throat and up my nose, so that stuff was running out everywhere, plus I was crying from having something up my nose lol
on the topic of anesthetic spray, if you do opt to have the spray, know that its going to feel really weird once it takes affect. Its likely going to feel really hard to swallow, but dont panic. Its not that your body cant swallow, you just cant feel yourself swallow.
if you drink tea, definitely make sure to have some honey around too - mixing a heaping spoonful was also really helpful for making my throat feel better. Ginger tea was a lifesaver for me.
prep to have smoothies/congee/soup - they say for the 24 hour pH study to eat as you normally do, but depending on what you’re eating that may be really difficult. Soft foods are a really good way to go as you’re still eating but its not uncomfortable
side note: surprisingly I found eggs really difficult to eat... dont want to get TMI/gross but I felt like the eggs were “tugging” on the tube as I swallowed
prep to not shower for at least 24 hours - if you’re having a 24 hour pH study done, you can’t shower with the monitor on. If you tend to get a little smelly, buy some body wipes and dont do any heavy working out
take time off - if you can manage it, taking some time off work may be helpful. Taking a few days prior off was helpful in case I was sick to my stomach, the days of the tests off was helpful for obvious reasons, and the days after was also really helpful because I could tend to myself without the stress of work. I was able to nap/sleep more as I recovered, get back on my meds without worrying about work, and eat whenever I was comfortable enough to
be compassionate to yourself - I think it was really hard NOT to judge myself, especially during the tests. The doctor I had was working as if he does this day-in-and-day-out (he probably does, on second thought) so I felt really childish and self-conscious when I couldnt hold my composure. I couldnt stop my eyes from watering up and I was dry-heaving. But looking back on it, it was a new experience for me so it makes sense that I was anxious and these things caught me off-guard. They are not easy tests, and you’re fully conscious for them so theres essentially no filter. It doesnt feel good, and thats valid.
Needless to say, Im glad Im back on my stomach meds and although I was dreading having the tests done Im glad that they’re over. I have to wait a couple months in order to find out what the results are unfortunately, but it is what it is.
If anyone else has had these tests done or has had a similar kind of test done, you have my respect. I hated the experience, but Im proud that I got through it and you should be too.
