After a long list of health issues, my doc wants me to have a barium enima. I just wanted to know how long it will take and maybe what to expect.
2007-01-23 15:53:07 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
The enema itself doesn't take very long (about an hour at most to administer), and then the X-Rays following should be fairly quick. Be warned, however, that your poop will look like little white bricks for a couple of days afterward.
2007-01-23 16:01:04 · answer #1 · answered by Julia L. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally about an hour from the time you get there until the time you leave...you won't have the tip in for that whole time. A tip will be inserted into your rectum with a balloon at the end to help hold it in, and they will flow barium in. Then the barium is drained back out, leaving a coating in your colon. They will then pump air in to expand the colon to see it better. You will probably feel like you have to have a bowel movement when the tip and balloon go in, just take slow deep breaths. When the air goes in, you may get crampy, again take slow deep breaths. They will be asking you to change positions so they can get different x-rays. At the end after you go to the bathroom, they may take one more picture. Of course the protocol will vary from place to place, but this is generally how it's done. It is not a pleasant exam, but most of my patients are little old ladies in their 80s and they can get through it, and so can you. Drink plenty of fluids in the days following because barium tends to dry in the colon, causing constipation.
2007-01-24 00:01:27 · answer #2 · answered by RadTech - BAS RT(R)(ARRT) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A barium enema on average takes about 15 to 20 minutes. After you are tipped a radiologist will come and they will inject the barium. He may then have you roll around a bit while he his taking pictures on a fluoroscopy table. Afterwards the radiographer may take a few more pictures. then they will drain the barium back out and you will be allowed to go to the bathroom to use the bathroom and clean up. They should take one more picture and thats it
I'm a radiographer although i have never had one many people tell me that they are not that bad
Good Luck!
2007-01-24 03:22:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a student X-ray tech once. takes about 15mins or less. Some patients say it is quite uncomfortable but all of them get through it just fine - you will too
2007-01-24 00:11:45 · answer #4 · answered by hobo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
maybe a couple of hrs.
2007-01-23 23:56:22 · answer #5 · answered by karen v 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋