Concerns After Bravo pH Monitoring Procedure
Hello, I underwent a Bravo pH monitoring procedure yesterday, where a probe was inserted into my esophagus. Since that time, swallowing has been excruciating, causing intense chest pain rated at 9 out of 10. This discomfort has made eating nearly impossible, as I find myself doubling over in agony each time I attempt to eat. The physician who conducted the procedure mentioned that most patients typically experience little to no discomfort. Should I be worried about this level of pain? When I’m not consuming food, there’s a mild discomfort at the probe site, which I would rate as a 2 out of 10 in terms of pain. I had a clear upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the Bravo test is being conducted to investigate suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). It’s worth noting that I have never experienced traditional heartburn. Thank you for any advice. I am a male, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, with no current medication.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 6:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the intense pain you're experiencing after the Bravo pH monitoring procedure. It's understandable to be concerned, especially since you're having significant discomfort while swallowing.
Main Points
- Severe pain when swallowing after the Bravo procedure can occur, but it's important to assess the level of discomfort and other symptoms.
- Pain rated at 9 out of 10, particularly when eating, is higher than expected and warrants careful attention.
Explanation
The Bravo pH monitoring procedure involves placing a small capsule in your esophagus to measure acid levels. While some patients may experience mild discomfort, severe pain is less common. It's crucial to monitor this pain, especially since it is affecting your ability to eat and is rated so highly.
Given your description of pain, and particularly swelling in conjunction with a mild discomfort at the probe site, you may be experiencing signs of irritation or complications from the procedure, such as esophageal spasm or localized inflammation.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your pain levels, particularly before and after eating. Take note of any other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, increased chest pain, or fever.
-
Hydration: Make sure you're staying hydrated. If swallowing water is painful, try sipping small amounts frequently or consider using soft foods that are easier to swallow, such as smoothies or yogurt.
-
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, might help alleviate some discomfort. However, follow the dosage guidelines carefully.
-
Cold Compress: Applying a cold pack to the outside of your throat may provide some relief from swelling and pain.
-
Eating Adjustments: Choose softer, milder foods that are easier to swallow (e.g., mashed potatoes, applesauce). Avoid spicy and acidic foods, as these may exacerbate discomfort.
-
Rest: Allow your body time to heal. It might be a good idea to avoid strenuous activities until you feel better.
-
Seek Further Guidance: If the pain continues to escalate, does not improve with self-care, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms (difficulty breathing, fever, severe changes in swallowing), consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for further advice.
It's important to prioritize your comfort and well-being. Your experience is valid, and I encourage you to stay proactive about your health as you recover. Let me know if you need more information on any of these steps!
Related Questions
Exploring Potential Connections in My Health Issues
Greetings, I've been experiencing daily headaches since October of last year. A blood test conducted in March revealed elevated prolactin levels, and an MRI during the same month yielded no significant findings, which led my doctor to prescribe cabergoline. Subsequently, in May, after enduring a severe migraine, I underwent a CT scan that identified an anteromedial arachnoid cyst located in the left middle cranial fossa, measuring 1.9 x 0.9 x 1.8 cm. My primary care physician recommended that I consult with a neurologist, but unfortunately, there have been complications regarding the referral process, causing delays. Today, I visited an ophthalmologist who informed me of swelling in my optic nerve and reiterated the necessity of seeing a neurologist. He also reached out to my primary care provider on my behalf. I'm curious if anyone here might know if these health issues are interrelated and what underlying factors could be at play.
Seeking Solutions for Pulsatile Tinnitus: Any Suggestions?
Greetings! I'm a 37-year-old female who has recently experienced what I believe to be pulsatile tinnitus over the last year and a half. I don’t currently take any medications, and my blood pressure readings are typically normal, perhaps even slightly below average. My primary concern is a persistent sound resembling a pulsating heartbeat in my right ear. Interestingly, this noise seems to diminish somewhat when I gently apply pressure to the right side of my neck, which likely restricts blood flow momentarily. I have undergone various diagnostic procedures, including CT scans, an MRA, and two MRIs—both for my neck and brain—along with a hearing assessment, which indicated that my hearing remains in good condition for someone of my age. Unfortunately, my healthcare providers have merely acknowledged that everything appears normal in the imaging results, leaving me without any clear guidance. If anyone has suggestions or strategies to alleviate this condition, I would greatly appreciate it. Although I have managed to ignore the noise to some degree, I feel it is gradually affecting my well-being and sanity.
Navigating the Challenges of Chronic Illness and Urology Care
I’m a 43-year-old female, standing at 5'3" and weighing 140 pounds. I've been living with Crohn's Disease for over three years, currently enjoying remission, alongside managing ADHD. The treatment for my Crohn's has left me immunocompromised, as I’m on Remicade and azathioprine. I drink moderately, about three to five times a week, and I don’t use recreational drugs. Please understand this is a burner account, and my intention is to seek advice because I’m feeling quite overwhelmed and anxious about my current situation. Back in mid-June, I mistakenly held my urine for an extended period, likely stretching my bladder too far. The following day, I began experiencing symptoms indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which quickly escalated to painful bloating. A visit to the emergency room revealed I was retaining over 1.5 liters of urine and confirmed I had a UTI. Though I could pass small amounts of urine during that time, I never fully emptied my bladder. A CT scan ruled out any obstructions. I was sent home with a Foley catheter and a three-day course of antibiotics. After consulting a urologist, I had to keep the catheter for an extended duration of 12 days until I could undergo a voiding trial. It was confirmed that the antibiotics I had taken should have resolved the infection; however, my bladder required healing. Throughout this ordeal, I was in considerable discomfort — the urologist attributed it to catheter irritation, but I suspect the infection was still present due to the insufficient treatment. When the catheter was eventually removed, I performed well on the voiding trial, but soon thereafter I noticed a resurgence of burning sensations and bladder pain. I was initially informed to expect some burning for up to 48 hours post-removal, so I waited patiently. However, by the third day, I found myself increasingly anxious that the UTI symptoms lingered. When I contacted the urologist’s office, a urine test confirmed my fears. They prescribed another five days of Macrobid, but as my symptoms worsened, I found myself completely unable to urinate within 48 hours. It felt as if my urethra was blocked. I returned to the emergency room on a Sunday and had to undergo catheterization again. The medical staff noted significant swelling in my urethra which complicated the procedure. The ER doctor diagnosed me with a complex UTI and prescribed a ten-day course of cefdinir. He assured me the urologist would reach out on Monday to schedule catheter removal later that week and advised me to continue antibiotics for three days following the removal to prevent a resurgence of the infection. Due to these complications, I was compelled to postpone my Remicade infusion by 12 days. While I was reluctant to reschedule — as consistent treatment has kept my Crohn's in remission — I understood the importance of addressing the infection. Disappointingly, the promised call from the urologist on Monday never came. That Tuesday, when I followed up, the nurse informed me that the urologist was deliberating how best to proceed with my care, and I would have to wait to hear back. The next day, a urology nurse communicated that I would need to keep the catheter in for at least 14 days, with a void trial to be scheduled afterward. I expressed my concern that waiting so long, especially since I would be undergoing an immunosuppressive infusion right before catheter removal, could put me at risk for infection with such significant breaks in antibiotic coverage. They responded with a recommendation to simply extend my antibiotic regimen by a few days to 17 days total but would still only prescribe a single dose post-catheter removal. To make matters worse, I’ve now developed the first yeast infection I’ve had since my teenage years, likely a side effect of the extensive antibiotic use. The urologist suggested over-the-counter treatment, which I have started. However, I’m now experiencing renewed discomfort in my bladder, which raises concerns about the potential for a yeast-induced UTI on top of everything else. Although I felt some improvement with the cefdinir, this new pain, which coincided with the yeast infection, feels ominous. I’m utterly fatigued by this cycle of catheters, infections, and treatment adjustments. Despite my attempts to communicate my health concerns about prolonged catheterization and its impact on my weakened immune system — shared with several urology nurses and in messages to my urologist — I feel my pleas are falling on deaf ears. Am I asking too much? Is there a specific request I can make to mitigate the risk of further infections at the time of catheter removal, so I don’t have to defer my Remicade treatment? I would sincerely appreciate any advice you might have.
Persistent Submandibular Lymph Node for Over Two Years
A 22-year-old female reports the presence of a solitary bump located in the submandibular region for more than two years. The bump is movable and has a slightly flattened shape rather than being perfectly round. When lightly touched, it shifts either upwards or sideways. Although it isn't discernible externally, there is an absence of this bump on the contralateral side. The patient has a history of TMJ dysfunction and atypical facial pain on the affected side, raising concerns about the possibility of adenoid cystic carcinoma affecting the salivary glands. Notably, the bump has not undergone any changes in size and is not associated with pain. An examination of the floor of the mouth reveals no abnormalities. The patient is also considering scheduling an ultrasound next week to further investigate this issue. Recently, a head MRI was performed and yielded normal results, as did a recent Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan.
Concerns Over Brain-Eating Amoeba Exposure
Last night, while I was enjoying a warm shower, a troubling thought crossed my mind. Being a resident of Texas, I use well water, which occasionally carries a noticeable sulfur odor. When I turned on the shower, it burst forth with a significant splash. Normally, I check the water temperature before stepping in, but feeling fatigued, I only reached for the faucet without fully moving away from the tub. As I stood there, the water splashed onto me, and although I wasn't directly looking up, I felt moisture in my left nostril. This sparked a fear that the water could have entered my system either from the high-pressure stream or splashed up from below my lip into my nose. Such concerns arise occasionally when learning about the risk of brain-eating amoebas, which thrive in warm freshwater conditions such as those found in poorly maintained swimming pools or natural bodies of water. It's unsettling to think that these organisms can be inadvertently washed into our bodies during everyday activities. Thus, the importance of staying informed about water safety and hygiene cannot be overstated, especially in regions where such amoebas may be prevalent. In light of these risks, it may be prudent to take extra precautions in our daily routines, such as using filters or ensuring water hygiene to keep ourselves safe from these potentially harmful microorganisms.