Barium swallow

Hi everyone!

Next Tuesday I have to go for an upper GI x-Ray series with a small bowel follow through. I have to drink barium for this procedure and that's what's making me nervous. I've heard that this stuff tastes awful and I'm terrified that it's gonna make me throw up. I have a terrible phobia of vomiting.

I had a lactose tolerance test done last Thursday which was a bit tough for me to get through. They made me drink I believe it was 200 mL of pure lactose mixed with water. I was terrified of how my body was going to react but I made it through and the test ended up being negative. I guess I was more nervous for my lactose test because I didn't know how my body was going to react to the lactose. But with barium, once it's in you then you should be fine right? It's the drinking it part that worries me. I heard that the texture is similar to pepto bismol and I have a hard time taking pepto because of it's texture :/

I literally can't help but to sit here and cry because I'm so scared and because I'm so tired of having all these tests done. I like that I'm getting results back because that's giving me peace of mind, but I'm just so worn out from doing them because I work myself up before they happen.

Does anyone know exactly how much of this stuff I'll be drinking? Any suggestions, advice, or support would be greatly appreciated!

Right before I was diagnosed with Crohn's I was in the hospital, on a liquid diet and doing a colonoscopy prep. Had the colonoscopy done, saw the pictures and the words from the Dr. Got back up to my room for maybe 10 minutes and then "Oh hey now we need to do a SBFT.".

So I go down into a x-ray room and they gave me two Styrofoam cups worth of barium, probably 24 ounces (700mL) at the most. As for the texture it reminds me of a thick milkshake (I've never taken pepto), it DOES NOT taste good at all. I just did my best not to think about it and drink it as fast as possible. I think I gagged once or twice but I didn't get nauseated.

I don't remember how long they took to do the x-rays but I had to go to the bathroom as soon as they were done. It was not a pleasant day that day. I was so upset after finding out what was wrong with me, THEN I had to drink that stuff.

Just try to stay positive, I know it isn't something you want to do.

Big hugs, I'm sorry you have to go through these tests.

Thanks for sharing your experience Ishiman. Anyone else ever had to do a barium swallow?

It's all I can think about lately and I'm getting so nervous :(

Hi Keeley and welcome.

I am sorry to hear of your prolonged illness.:(

Did your doctor mention the possibility of gastritis?

This is an acute irriation of the stomach lining that can be caused by an initial illness, like the one you had...or possibly by medicaition/diet/causes unknown...

It can take a long time to heal...and I would expect that your mono would further impede your progress in getting better. (you had a double whammy!)

I am sure that your GI test will be able to determine what is going on.

Trying to get an appoinment ASAP would be good, so you can feel better all around!

Also, you did not mention whether you also deal with anxiety...and whether this could be the cause/a factor in your stomah issues? If so, post back, and I can offer some suggestions.

I hope that you get the answers and treatment you need soon!

Scaredy Cat