I realize that it's obviously no walk in the park, but what exactly am I in for?
2006-09-06 16:25:17 · 7 answers · asked by x_RadiantEclipse_x 6 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Barium "shakes" are not that bad. However, this really depends on the "flavor" of the shake. It should be known that this "flavor" only momentarily masks the REAL flavor...awful, chalky, nasty taste. I have found that drinking the shake as quickly as possible and moving on from the experience was the best (i've had to do this process twice). 10 minutes after the test you'll forget all about it!! Oh yeah, 80% of our taste comes from smell, just hold your nose and swallow, just remember to keep holding your nose even after you've swallowed for a few seconds to let the smell leave.
2006-09-06 16:29:54 · answer #1 · answered by matthewbullion 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True, it's not a walk in the park, but it's not as bad as it used to be, either. I had to do it twice in one session, and managed to do it without "urping" at all. There are a lot of flavors to choose from now, and the consistency is a little worse than a melted milkshake. If you've ever tried a dietary drink (such as slim-fast or ensure), then you have a good idea of what the barium drink will be like. It's just that there's SO MUCH of it! My tummy was full, and I had a hard time finishing all of the prescribed dose.
I chose a flavor other than my favorite (which probably would've been chocolate). Because I just couldn't stand the thought of them ruining a good thing! I think that helped....
2006-09-06 16:31:41 · answer #2 · answered by kaylora 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I am thinking what you're thinking, it's called an "Upper GI". I had one done in Atlanta, and honestly, it wasn't as bad as what they say. It depends on the facility, and on your stomach. At the place in Atlanta, they have you drink this barium, (which I think is available in different flavors actually) quickly, and they tip you every which way while you're strapped to this table. It flips you nearly upside down and all directions to get the barium to coat every millimeter of your stomach. You have to keep drinking it throughout the process. The doctor I had was not the best; he had a terrible bed side manner, but I'm SURE others are better - he just kept hammering into my brain "Drink! Drink! Fast! Don't belch!" I guess it's important that you keep air bubbles to a minimum. It didn't taste all that bad, and the texture isn't horrible either, it's just heavy, like Pepto Bismol. I went in with a horrible mindset, I was petrified, but I got through it. It would have been absolutely fine if I had a better mindset, and a better doctor. Good luck!!
2006-09-06 16:35:37 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its bad Im not going to lie, the worst part is drinking the barium which is like liquid chalk. With a lot of those gastro tests you usally have to do something that is nasty. For instance for a colonoscopy you have to chug phospasoda which is like salt water and spend your whole day and night on the toilet. I think barium is less bad then colonoscopy. Just hold your nose and get it over with.
2006-09-06 16:28:47 · answer #4 · answered by Angela. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not bad at all. The barium is the only bad part about it ,having to drink it. Its chalky and thick. It doesn't taste that bad just drink it as fast as you can. then all you do after drinking it is have a few x-rays.
2006-09-06 16:28:22 · answer #5 · answered by cin_ann_43 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is pretty yucky. The barium is gross and there is a lot of it. If you make it through with out throwing it up you will be fortunate. If you throw it up they make you drink more of it. yeah gross.
2006-09-06 16:27:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sux.....got a kind of chemical, metal taste and they made me drink alot, like 6 glasses, make them give you a valium or something first so you won't care. Good luck.
2006-09-06 16:32:18 · answer #7 · answered by the_knower_of_all_knowledge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋