What to Expect for Your Esophageal Manometry Procedure

John Clarke, MD, Monica Nandwani, CRNP, and Amanda Buler, RN, discuss the High Resolution Esophageal Manometry diagnostic test. They explain why your doctor may order the diagnostic test and what to expect during the procedure. The video also shows a patient undergoing the basics of an Esophageal Manometry, including the endoscopy tube removal.
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[DanandKristen]

I had this done a month ago. I was prepared for the worst and deep down feared I wouldn’t be able to complete it. But it went well and I got through it. Here are my tips: first, I spent the weeks prior psyching myself up and believing I could do it. My son’s little league coach is a former Navy SEAL so I asked myself, “Would he be worried and anxious about this? Of course not.” So I channeled some of his courage to psyche myself up. Definitely make sure they numb your nose and throat good. Mine was numbed well. And when they put it in your nose and tell you to drink as they put it down your throat, don’t even think about it going down. Just concentrate on drinking the water and nothing else. Once it was down, I felt better because that was the part I was most worried about. From there, I felt no pain at all, only some discomfort in my throat where I could feel the tube. It felt like something just kind of sitting in my throat or, not to be gross, but it felt like snot or something that was kind of there in my throat. Although I could talk if I wanted to, I didn’t talk anymore than I had to. And shortly after the procedure started, I pulled out my phone and brought up a picture of my kids and just looked at it through most of the procedure, thinking “do it for them.” Finally, I did my best to just stay calm. Breathe, relax, know you are in the hands of a medical professional and that you will be fine. When it was done, I was incredibly proud of myself for having done it. For several days I felt so good knowing that I can do hard things, and that alone was worth it. Believe in yourself. Be strong. Relax. You’ve got this.

[karlyr]

Just here to say I did this today and read all these comments beforehand and totally freaked myself out. It wasn’t bad at all, and if you have a fantastic nurse like I did you’ll be fine. People just come on here to share bad experiences but know there are plenty of good ones like mine. It’s uncomfortable and definitely not a fun feeling but focus on your breathing and bring someone to your appointment if you can for extra comfort! My nurse helped me stay calm and relaxed between swallows and I didn’t have to repeat any of them. And this is coming from someone who gets very anxious. You’ll do great!

[alexpantazi]

Good vibes and positive energy to those who need this procedure done! You got this!!

[LucumaKitty]

I got this done today. 😭

No one told me that my nose would be violated like this. 😖 I had it early this morning and it was traumatic! I went through the 7 stages of grief for the 10 minutes that horrible tube thing went in. 😭

It’s nighttime and I’m still dealing with a splitting headache and nausea. 🤢

I hope I never have to do that again.

[robertperformance]

I did it yesterday. Sure, it's unpleasant, but scaring people away is a bad thing. I got through it, and so can you.

[ronwiltse]

This is Marlene Wiltse and I had this test done this morning. It was not that bad. I had an excellent nurse and doctor talk me throughand it went very quick. I want to thank them so much.

[dianaolivarez]

Thank you for the video and positive information. It was good to know how the procedure works.

[TheDeanna]

I have to do this in a few weeks. Thank you for the comments so I know what to actually expect.

[beatricehenderson]

Thank you for explaining this procedure I was nervous about doing it but now I think I can so I'm going to schedule my appointment

[jenro]

Thank you for making this video. Thank you patient for showing strength!

[elainebarnhart]

I love it when they say “ it’s a simple procedure “. My Aunt fanny it’s simple. It’s painful. Believe me that tube doesn’t go down on the first try. And when they pull it out. It’s like having your soul taken out. I will never have this done

[karentracey]

Had this done in UK. A good few years ago, unpleasant yes, don’t recall any pain, but in truth I was so ill with achylasia anything which would help determine treatment I begged for. Surgery 6 weeks later sorted but on medication for life. Crack on and good luck to all.

[JoeFrawley]

I love how they skipped over the part where they go through the nasal cavity down the throat. You gag constantly and it feels like you are being punched inside your head.

[thegraciest_]

I read these comments before my procedure, and now im coming back to leave my own comment after I had my procedure this morning.

Im a 26yo female and was HORRIFIED beforehand. But I lived to tell the tale that it wasn’t that bad!

The whole thing basically just feels like a really sore throat. The worst part for me was the taste of the numbing spray, and the tube being pulled out lol. Both made me slightly gag- but that was it. My nurse said it’s common for people to vomit during insertion, but I luckily didn’t experience any of that.

The two biggest things that will get you through it is 1. your own mind, and 2. having an encouraging nurse. If I can do it then you can too!! Mind over matter. Sing a song in your head through the tough parts, squeeze the table, jiggle your foot, anything that will help. The entire procedure took only 20 minutes if you perform well and listen to the instructions. If you mentally push through then the faster it will be over! ❤

[aarondelgado]

I am going to have this procedure done on Monday and I hope it will go smoothly!

[adg]

I had it done today. No pain, didn't gag once. Had lidocaine in my nose, no throat spray. Nurse was amazing and has done it for 15 years. My advice is to relax, close your eyes, breath. Chin on your chest the whole time of insertion, keep drinking the water as they put it down. It helps! Once the test is ready. When you swallow, take a big gulp of the saline and spit, so you're not tempted to double swallow. I double swallowed once because I left saliva in my mouth and naturally did it. Now have in the 24hr one, have eaten. Got some reflux and am looking forward to putting it all behind me. I have read horror stories because negative experinces is what makes us run to tell about. I prolonged it because of those stories. But it wasn't as bad as I thought, uncomfortable yes. Feels weird having something in the back of your throat you can't "get rid of" by swallowing. Please, relax. You got this!

[sueali]

I’m going to do this next week and hopefully it will go smooth, I’ve tried it 5 years ago and there were 4 nurses around me trying to make it right, they had no experience before and they were trying hard, I was literary crying!

[Mercurychick]

I just had this procedure done this morning and it is very very unpleasant. I am lucky that the nurse/doctor carrying the exam out was extremely patient and kind and reassuring. I can imagine this test being a nightmare in the wrong unskilled hands. Gagging and dry heaving is a thing. It will happen when the tube is passing through the throat. Even with the numbing. Its only 20 min but it isnt pleasant. Its not painful but very uncomfortable. I hope to never ever do that again.

[Smokeys]

Getting it done in July and I have a huge gag reflex. Should be a good time.

[TheBrcc]

This was for sure the MOST uncomfortable thing I’ve ever experienced. I can’t count the amount of times I gagged throughout the procedure. I could feel the probe in my stomach the entire time. It sucks for sure!