Upper gi cat scan and the drink

[Hope]

Hi all, I could use some help.

I am very nervous. I need an upper gi cat scan. It's most likely my ibs is bothering upper gi. I am not worried about the cat scan, or even the results, but I am very very worried about the barium drink. Has anyone had it? Will it flare me terribly? Please don't tell me horror stories, because that really sets my anxiety off :dizzy: But i sure would like some reassurances, or even some calming words.

Thanks,
Hope

[KEC]

I had to drink that stuff for a pelvic scan. I did not find it yummy but I found if I plugged my nose and drank it straight down I could do it. Good luck. Kathy

[Katrina]

Last time I had it I had one very short moment of pain I held myself...ahh, and then the pain was gone.

Not possitive the pain was related to it but I thought so....even if it was ....that was so short it isn't something to be scared of.

Hope your tests go well

:kiss: :kiss:

[ICNDonna]

When I had mine, it wasn't my favorite thing to drink (but not horrible) --- it did not cause bladder pain at all.

Donna

[Nurse2]

Ask if you can have "gastroview" instead of the "cheeta" It is much easier to get down. It is usually 3 cups total-one cup every 15 minutes. If there is ice in it, it is tolerable!!! It looks like ginger ale. The cheeta is white and very very thick. People seem to tolerate gastroview but most don't know about it! Hope that helps!

[vm]

They flavored my son's barium mixture. You might ask if they can do it for a grown up. :)

[Sarojini]

I had an upper GI when I was in the 5th grade... I remember the barium mixture being thick and chalky-tasting, but even at that age I was able to get it down without much difficulty. It was gross, but over quickly!

[Strawberry]

I just had the barium swallow last week and my bladder was fine all day. I did some research on barium and found that it is the most alkaline substance on earth so that would be good for our bladders I guess. It didn't have much taste at all. Good luck! :)

[jobobbi]

i had a upper gi and catskan 2 weeks ago. the drink was nasty but it didn't bother my bladder and the upper gi was ok considering. i don't remember much so that helps. but i would say there is nothing to be worried about bobbi

[Hope]

Thanks for all these replies. Helps this nervous nellie so much. I didn't do cat scan yet, had to reschedule. Now my fear is that since is is called "barium sulfate" that means it is a sulfa drug, which I am allergic to. Anyone know if this is true? This one is called baro cat.

Hope

[ICNDonna]

It does not mean it contains sulfonomide, which is the sulfa antibiotic. When you go for the test, they will ask about allergies --- just tell them about the sulfa allergy so you will feel better about it.

Donna

[Hope]

Oh, so sulfa drugs are really just the sulfa antibiotic? Thanks Donna! I will ask to be sure, though.

Hope

[jobobbi]

i don't think its something to worry about, i am allergic to sulfa too and i had one and was fine, plus your docs should know what your allergic to and hopefully they are smart enough to figure it out. bobbi