has anyone had an esophageal manometry? - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

sportsmom1968 · 08-18-2005, 09:14 AM

A few days ago I had the esophageal manometry done as a pre op test for the nissen fondoplication I having next month. The doctor said they do it to check for any swallowing problems I may have because if there is a problem they cannot preform the surgery. My reflux is very severe and I have barretts at the age of 35.

Well, when they did the procedure they found my LES muscles not working, which we already summised. But the nurse doing the test said there seems to be some problems with my swallowing as well. The pressure in my upper esophagus seemed to be below normal. Do any of you have that problem as well. I am worried that it is due to a neurological disorder...MS or ALS. I have not gotten the official results back but I am very worried. I have been ruling out MS for other problems I am having which the doctor says I do not have.

I have noticed that as soon as I eat I get that lump in my throat...immediately. I would think that means I have problems swallowing and that it is not due to my refulx. I am very worried!!

Mikeboy · 08-20-2005, 12:06 PM

Hi Sportsmom

I had an esophageal manometry (entry via the nose! was yours via the nose too?!) a few months ago which confirmed that less than a quarter of the esophagus muscles were working as they should. Nothing was said about my LES so I assume it is okay.

My symptoms are simply difficulty in swallowing, with bits of food (meat, grapes, occasionally pills) getting stuck in the esophagus and making a complete air-tight blockage. It feels almost as though the esophagus scrunches up closed on the trapped piece of food. When this happens I am unable to swallow anything - not even my saliva, and it usually takes a couple of days before it corrects itself.

About 4 weeks ago I had another gastropy and had some biopsies from the gulllet to check for any changes. I get those results in 2 more weeks

I am worried too incase a) they run out of things they can do and I have to live with it, or b) it is something incurable and nasty and is going to get worse...