1/16th of an inch

[Scarlett]

I am considering having the pH test done for acid reflux where you have a tube down your nose into your stomach for 24 hours to measure the amount of times acid comes up. The tube that they use is 1/16th inch in diameter, and I have no idea how big that is- can anyone think of something else around the same thickness that would be comparable?
Thanks

[4candles]

1�58 mm

About half the diameter of a drinking straw

[daffy654]

I had that test Scarlett and I was honestly surprised at how painless a procedure it was,I was scared stiff that it would make me gag as it went down my throat and that I would throw up on the doctor.They spray a local anaesthetic up your nose before they do it and then tell you to swallow and you don't feel a thing.Unfortunately I had to later have the bigger tube/camera down my oesophagus(sp) to look for damage and ulcers under general anaesthetic,obviously I didn't feel them putting the camera down because I was asleep,but when I came round I had the sorest throat ever!

[Scarlett]

Hi Daffy-
That's very interesting! I have had the camera down my throat a few times to see my vocal chords and I also had the one down into my stomach (through the mouth) to find my hiatus hernia- which was the worst most foul procedure- even worse than the colonoscopy. I had that one with just a spray- not even a sedative. YUK.
Were you able to eat normally? Did you go to work or avoid it cos of the appearance of the tube? What were their findings?
Thanks also 4candles- that's a lot thinner than the last ones I have had!

[daffy654]

I was in hospital when they did mine Scarlett so it wasn't an issue about anyone seeing it really.I didn't eat whilst the tube was down but that was more to do with how ill I was than anything else.The test showed I was having almost constant reflux which was why I then had to have the further test to see what damage had been done.I was diagnosed with GORD afterwards and prescribed Omeprazole.I have been mostly free of symptoms since then.

[Scarlett]

Daffy, when your GORD was at it's worst, did you have any symptoms that affected your voice? This is my main problem, being a singing teacher. Speaking is hard work and I get a sore throat. It feels like I have a lump when I swallow and my voice is often low and gravelly. I'm sure that my reflux is causing this, as the symptoms started at the same time. I have a hiatus hernia so I'm sure the acid is just coming up too far. I tried Omeprazole but it gave me horrible side effects and didn't really seem to help my voice. I now take nothing but Gaviscon, and am careful with what I eat. The refux is bearable but the voice issue isn't.
Thanks!

[daffy654]

It was the 'lump' that was my main problem,it felt like I had a huge wad of food stuck at the top of my throat and it caused me to be constantly clearing my throat and swallowing excessively,I had a very hoarse voice for several weeks.After being on Omeprazole for a couple of weeks I felt much better.I now only take the Omeprazole during bad flare ups as I had problems with extreme nausea that I think were caused by it.

[Eve]

Omeprazole made a big difference to me as well. I was on Lanzoprezole constantly but a few weeks of omeprazole I now only take it sparingly.

Mine was more really bad chest pain and in the throat and shortness of breath, dr said the acod had damaged my osophegus and it seemed to take ages to heal.

I seem to get loads of air trapped as well and it just seems to go round in circles til I'm sick with it.

Tube doesn't sound as bad as the usual throat down one. I felt awful after I had that and the colonoscopy done, thre up about 10 times after I came out.

[Scarlett]

Omeprazole made me constipated, which is actually a blessed relief after the normal diarrhoea you get with IBD, but I also got this weird headache in my temples, tenseness in my face and dizzy spells where I thought I was going to faint. NOT good whilst you are teaching a class! I am worried about starting the Lansoprazole as I read that it causes dfiarrhoea as a side effect which is a no-no with my UColitis!

[tatu]

simple maths...one 16th of an inch.

[daffy654]

Don't be so obnoxious tatu,you can tell that Scarlett wanted a comparison in size with an everyday object.

[Scarlett]

Yes, what an utterly pointless response.

[chrisrob]

Hi Scarlett, wish I'd noticed your post sooner.
I have had numerous endoscopies - mainly gastrocopies (down the throat). I have also had the 24 hr pH test which was a lot less problem than I'd thought.
The worst bit was having a thin wire running out of my nose to a recorder (like a walkman) strapped round my waist. It's the thickness of a toothpick but a stiffish flexible wire. During the 24 hrs, I was faintly aware of it when I swallowed (like a slightly sore throat) but otherwise no discomfort.
Also interested in your side effects etc.
You may find this site interesting:
www.barrettsfoundation.org.uk/probe/
(though I am not suggesting for one minute you have Barrett's!)

[Scarlett]

Thanks ChrisRob- what was your diagnosis?