Burning pain during a barium swallow?

There is something that has always bothered me and I have looked for answers on the internet but haven't come up with anything. When I drank the barium during a barium swallow I got this awful pain in the pit of my stomach it was so terrible that tears streamed down my face. I told the examiner and he didn't seem to care. I later asked him if that was normal and I think he said no but he gave me no reasoning. Anyways I was only diagnosed with severe gerd. Has anyone else here who has had a barium swallow test experienced this before?

Green,

A lot of people getting a barium swallow have pain, bloating feeling, vomiting, etc.

Did you have to swallow any pills before the barium? If so, those are to make gas so they get a better image.

The barium is not radioactive. It's a contrast medium, meaning it shows up on x-ray.

The additives in the mixture are what get me. One brand:
acacia
anhydrous citric acid
dimethicone
ethyl maltol
polysorbate 80
saccharin sodium
silicon dioxide
trisodium citrate dihydrate
sorbitol
carrageenan

I am sensitive to the artificial sweeteners in particular. Nowadays, when I get this test I take Benadryl an hour or so before the test.

They used to make the mixture without all the unnecessary flavors and sweeteners. You can't get it clean anymore though.

Make sure to drink plenty and maybe take a laxative after the procedure (checking of course with your doctor). Flush the john frequently to keep it from getting clogged.