(Bravo PH) Danger!!! Warning on the Bravo PH 48 hour capsule test!!!

I had this test done yesterday, also as part of the lung transplant evaluation. From what I understand they want to make sure no GERD issues. One of the reasons for rejection is acid getting into the windpipe and harming lungs. So far I have had discomfort when I eat and swallow but was told to expect that. After reading all of these posts I too am hoping for no issues from the capsule. Wish me luck!!!!

Then you have a colonic stricture or obstruction. The BRAVO is smaller than your bowel movements.

I had the Bravo test done last week. I had a lot of heartburn, reflux, and discomfort while off my meds for it (or so I thought). I have been having a lot of problems for about 8 months now and the new acid med is working pretty well, but they still wanted to test. The doctor just called today and the test was totally normal. It ran out of battery while I had it so it died and I had to replace the battery and restart it. Has anyone has false readings or not had the results come back like expected (at my initial appointment my doc really thought I was having bad reflux and it runs in my family). I am soooo frustrated and don't know what else could be causing all of this. Any help?

I am in the middle of the Bravo PH test. So far so good. Mild discomfort only when I swallow food. The best way I can describe it is... Have you ever swallowed a french fry the wrong way and it feels like the pointy end is scratching you all the way down your esophagus so you try to stretch it down but you can still feel it going all the way down?!?! It kind of feels like that but only lasts for like 2 seconds. I was extremely nervous about doing this because of all of the HORROR STORIES on the internet. After this, I will not look online for anymore answers. All it did was make me extremely scared of a procedure that has (so far) been painless. I cannot feel it in my esophagus unless I swallow and even then it is not painful at all. Just a little uncomfortable. Turned in the recording device today so anxious to see what the data will reveal. My endoscopy was completely normal. YAY! I have not been diagnosed with gerd, gastritis, or anything of that sort yet. I just have what I think is acid reflux (burping, nausea, stomach pains, spasms that feel like heartattacks, etc.). My advice to you if you have this Bravo PH test done is to RELAX and chew your food up into the consistency of baby food. It makes the sensation of your food passing the capsule much more pleasent.

i got it and i still have chest pain. i think i need it removed. i awoke to severe chest pain and was sent home ended up in my e.r. the e.r. made sure i was not having cardiac problems and sent me home with a shot of bentyl (stomach cramping relaxer) it didnt work that was on a wed morning so much more to this story. thinking of bringing a lawsuit against gastro doctor. I wasnt told much other than it was safe and if it hurt to bad and wasnt placed right it would be removed its friday i still have it and will have it removed monday bc i have no choice its just painful.

Chris,

I have a good friend who was damaged badly by this procedure. He is in agony and has lost his voice. This is the only link I have been able to find to Bravo endoscopy damage. he has seen many, many doctors with no good outcome and no answers.

Can you help?

Briana, did you ever have any further trouble from the Bravo probe??

Did you have any lasting problem from the bravo probe??

When the Bravo pH capsule works, it does a great job. But, there have been numerous product recalls because of malfunction which has led to many failed studies and patient problems. With the Bravo capsule you always risk perforation in the esophagus,severe chest pain whether swallowing or not, capsule getting lodged somewhere in the GI tract upon expulsion, or not detaching within 5-7 days.These risks should always be explained by your physician. If you do not feel comfortable with this technology there is an alternative which has been around much longer, is just as accurate and effective. It is a simple 24 hour pH test used with a small catheter inserted into the esophagus via the nose. There is usually a small discomfort associated with this catheter in the nose and throat and virtually no chance of perforation, chest pain and it will never get lodged. The catheter is removed form the esophagus via the nose after the 24 hours and you may have a sore throat for a day or two. I would highly recommend researching both these technologies before you have your procedure performed and asking your physician if you have a choice.

I think it caused me to have major problems. I had it done on March 4 and it hurt really bad so i went back to the ER for a cat scan. The next day my throat swelled up and its been that way every since. Im in a living hell now.

I had the Bravo probe and within 6 days i lost my voice. Its been 11 months and i have never recovered. It has led to numerous health problems.

I got the Bravo ph done on Wednesday and I'm in constant chest pain and can't eat because of the pain and burning and bleeding from the rectum

i have put on me yesterday 03/28/14

I am having the bravo test done on 4-17-2014

Sorry this is too late to help you. Hope  your experience is better than mine. Had the Bravo experience 4 years ago. Still have problems where it was attached and then migrated to hurt further. I wonder at times if it's still in there somewhere. Does anyone know how it could be detected? I may need an MRI one day and want to be sure it would be safe.