If you need Ambulatory pH monitoring, you will be asked not to eat, drink or smoke before your procedure. You also might need to avoid certain medications. Your nurse (RN) puts pain-relieving (numbing) medication in your nose to make you more comfortable, then places a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through your nose and down your esophagus. You’ll be asked to drink a little water to be sure the tube is in place. The bit of the tube that sticks out of your nose will be taped to the side of your face. A small recorder is attached to the part of the tube that sticks out of your nose. The whole procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes.
You’ll wear this equipment at home and keep a record of your activities and any symptoms you have. Yourdoctor or nurse will explain how to record your activities on the recorder.
If you have Bravo pH monitoring, you will be asked not to eat, drink or smoke before your procedure. You also might need to avoid certain medications.
You’ll be sedated and any discomfort should be minor. Your doctor may numb your throat with a gargle before placing the endoscope in your mouth. The endoscopy procedure takes less than 30 minutes, then you’ll be monitored for 30 minutes to one hour, after which you can have someone pick you up and drive you home. You might need to rest the remainder of the day, but you can usually resume normal activities the next day. You might notice a sore throat or abdominal bloating for a day or two.
Your nurse will explain how to record your activities on the recorder and explain any special instructions.
