barium enema

[K99]

I have to have a barium enema soon following already having colonscopy which they said doesn't get a full view of colon which they want to. Has anybody had one? If so what is it like? I stressed and worried the whole time leading up to colonscopy but got through it and it wasn't really that bad. I feel stressed already about having this done and I don't even have my appointment yet!

[Impret-Sir]

My mother had one of these a few years ago, its nothing to be worried about, although it doesnt exactly taste great, its not that terrible either, you just drink the stuff from a glass, wait a while for it to get to the bits they want to have a look at, then they take an x-ray, and.........thats it!

[Clanad]

Except that I percieve K99 as expecting to have a lower GI (gastro-intestinal tract) examination, in which case, as he/she states, the barium will be adminstered by a rectal tube in the form of an enema, whereas Impret-sir's mother experienced an upper GI examination using swallod barium solution. Having not experienced the procedure myself, I couldn't comment on it directly... however, I've had several relatives and friends that have experienced it and nothing of any real consequence was reported, other than some discomfort. additionally, one can't eat or drink anything or smoke for perhaps 24 hours before hand. All expressed concerns they had before the procedure but most said it wasn't anything to be anxious about. I understand that it does take several visits to the bathroom afterwards to evacuate the enema's material... Best of luck!

[gucciman]

being stressed and nervous is nothing to be ashamed about, i go through exactly the same when i have something on my mind worrying me, only natural.

[Kay]

k99. Please try not to worry. I had a barium enema. The day before you'll be given a sachet to make into a drink to empty your bowel. The process involves a thin fibre optic tube which is insterted into your anus and up to the lower bowel. You will be mostly lying on your side for this. The bowel will show up on screen which you can see. I had tummy ache afterwards as they have to inflate the stomach but it wore off in about half an hour. Drink peppermint cordial afterwards. Good luck.:-))

[copippin]

Hi K99,I too have had a barium enema and as the other answers suggest,the anticipation is far worse than the actual procedure so pleas don't worry.Usually the radiographers are very sympathetic to what you must be feeling and as it is a sensitive area,you are treated with respect and kindness.FINA's description was spot on.Hope all goes well,and Happy New Year

[Vics]

Oh K99 I am just like you - I stress at the mere mention of things. Speaking from experience, In addition to what the others state I would just add 2 practical points to make it go smoother. 1. Stay indoors ie. near a loo the day/evening before incase the powder takes rapid effect. 2. Get a taxi or someone to run you to and from the hospital - so that again you do not have the additional stress of driving/parking etc. Oh and 3. Have something booked really nice for a couple of days after - like a manicure - to treat yourself for going through with it. Best of Luck. VicsX

[dirtyharriet]

I have had one of these. The worst part for me was the day before when you had to drink the laxative preparation in the morning and evening. My poor arse was so sore from all the visits to the lavatory. The nurse who administered the Barium Enema told me that this is indeed the worst part.

What happens in the actual procedure is that you will have a tube inserted in the rectum which should NOT be painful, although if you are tense it could be uncomfortable at worst. Some fluid will be poured inside the tube in order to see inside you on the screen. You will be lying on a table which will tilt you up and down. You will be asked to turn over a few times so that the fluid will coat your insides evenly. The worst bit about this is that some air will be introduced inside you. This also should not be painful but will make you feel a bit bloated. The whole thing takes about 15-20 mins.

Afterwards you will probably find you are a bit "windy" and constipated because of the fluid.

It really isn't that bad but I wish you all the best.

[Connemmara]

I had a barium enema about 2 years ago in RVH belfast. But the anticipation was indeed worse than the actual thing. However then I was strapped to the table from my chest right down to my legs and I was comfortable with that - they then moved your body around and the straps were really strong.

However my friend got one there about 4 months ago and they have done away with the straps and she felt she was going to fall off the table and got extremely agitated. This friend of my mine is a great sufferer so I know it was appalling for her. Also if I was to get another one I could not turn around on the table as I have had broken arms and ankles for the past 2 years and they still give me gyp and also I am heavy so turning on the table would absolutely make me more worried.