**********the tube is a sensor to monitor over 24 hrs the pH of the stomach, placed while you are awake, swallowing and maybe drinking water while it goes down, it is typically lubricated with jelly (lidocaine) to make it easier. After it is placed it can be annoying, but tolerable. When removed the monitor box is connected to a computer and downloaded, reported to the GI doc. The MD is just looking for more info to treat you better, however, they can assume you have excess acid levels and treat anyway. The problem with under treated acid conditions is that the esophagus can narrow down ( that's why food gets stuck) they (the MD's ) have a nifty trick for that....repeated dilalations of the esophagus. So much fun, try to get proper treatment before that is needed.
Daily hints, eat slowly, especially the first bite, eat something like a few Cherrios after difficult meds, tap temp water ( not cool). If food does get stuck and does not move ( like when you try to unstuck by vomiting, it is a medical emergency) the hospitals always have a GI team on call. Beware of the fresh grilled juicy steak!!!