CT scan was done yesterday..I had to drink barium 2 bottles?

Question

they also injected dye...to take pictures of my stomach and pelvis..
since yesterday i have loose bowels and discomfort in my stomach....Is this normal?

Answer 1

There are several things that you need to watch out for with barium and injected dye. Drink lots of water. The dye tends to be rather hard on the kidneys, so lots of fluids will help with this. I have not had a patient that has ever had loose BM from the barium. I would keep an eye on this for dehydration, again fluids will help with this. If it continues I would call your doctor

Answer 2

The contrast you drank for your CT scan does not cause loose bowels. In fact, one of the side effects of the barium contained within the oral contast is constipation. That is one of the reasons why you should be drinking a lot of water.

"Is Oral Contrast Safe?

In general, both barium and gastrografin contrast are safe and pass uneventfully through the gastrointestinal tract. Minor and temporary side effects, such as constipation, may occur."

http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/ctscan/CTS_contrast.html

As for the IV contrast, I have only heard of reactions in patients right after injection. The kidneys will filter this contrast out of your blood stream rather quickly.

"When the test is finished, the kidneys and liver quickly eliminate the contrast from the body."

http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/ctscan/CTS_contrast.html

"If your physician gave you an IV contrast agent, you should drink fluids following the test to speed excretion of the agent and to guard against dehydration."

http://www.vascularweb.org/_CONTRIBUTION_PAGES/Patient_Information/NorthPoint/CT_Scan.html

I would say that your abdominal symptoms are coincidental to your CT scan, but it never hurts to call your physician with any concerns.

Answer 3

Oh, yes! Don't worry about it.

It will pass. HA!

I mean, the barium has to pass through eventually. Your bowels know what to do with it.

If you still feel as bad tonight, or tomorrow, call your doctor. He may be able to suggest some over the counter medication to settle things down.

Answer 4

Yes, any time you drink a radio contrast solution you upset the balance of the electrolytes in your system. Keep hydrated with an electrolyte sports drink and it should pass within 24-48 hours.

Answer 5

yes it is
but keep drinking fluids so you can pass/get rid of the rest of the barium