Anyone has a barium swallow?

[Bamboogie86]

I am having one tomorrow, early morning. Really scared/nervous.

Age 30, multiple stomach problems.

[JumpingJellybeanz]

There's nothing to be scared of. It's pretty straight forward. They'll give you the 'drink' which you drink bit by bit over an hour (I think, may have been 2). The liquid is fairly bland. A bit of a chore to drink it all but not uncomfortable or anything. Then a straight forward x-ray.

[Watto1]

I had one as a kid. It was over 30 years ago so things may be different now but I don't have bad memories of it. I remember it didn't taste of anything in particular but it was a bit like trying to swallow runny wet sand.

[Cruciatus]

I had once a few weeks ago. It wasn't pleasant, but it's just drinking a chalky thick drink, and a powder and then being spun upside down. It was a bit of an anticlimax to be honest! Don't fret.

[LateKate]

I had one a few years ago, the drink tasted quite grim but not as bad as colonoscopy prep, got shaken around a bit and then had a series of x-rays. It was absolutely fine and one of the better procedures I have had. Hope it's quick and easy for you

[Bamboogie86]

Thanks eeveryone. I'm hoping so. Colonscopy prep was horrendous lol as was the colonoscopy. So I think that's why I'm nervous x

[itshappening]

I had one a year or so back, agree with the others that the drink is a bit gross but you just force it back, and the rest was fine. Not painful. The thing that got me was being very thirsty because if I remember correctly I was not allowed to drink from midnight the night before. But really that is not so bad when you know you can have a nice glass of water as soon as it is over. I have not yet had a colonoscopy but have relatives who have had both and all found barium much much easier.

[Germgirl]

It's fine. The drink is kind of fruit flavoured. I also had to eat marshmallows which they dipped in the drink. That was weird but not awful.
The drink coats your mouth so you may want to take a toothbrush with you so you can clean your teeth afterwards.
It doesn't hurt at all and if you can see the screen, it's quite interesting

[lizzieoak]

Not to worry, it's easy. As everyone says, tastes chalky, but no big deal. I think they tipped me upside down a bit?

I had to ride my bike to hospital and back as the exh didn't give a fuck. My exmil had one and kicked up such a fuss my exfil had to "take her to Portugal to get over it". I have never inspired that sort of behaviour in men.

[Bamboogie86]

@lizzieoak 😂😂😂 hahaha.
Thanks everyone. Hoping it goes okay tomorrow x

[JumpingJellybeanz]

The only issue I had with the drink was the texture. It tasted fine but had a slightly thicker consistency than water and I can't stomach drinks like that, smoothies and yogurt drinks and such like. Blurgh.

[lizzieoak]

Off topic, but it is my dream to find a man who takes me to Portugal to get over routine medical tests. Exfil is 1 in a million.

[imjessie]

Yes and I've had one and a colonoscopy . Neither aren't nice but the barium swallow isn't painful . I found it really hard to swallow the stuff but painful it isn't .

[imjessie]

Are not aren't

[Bamboogie86]

Thanks all. Hoping it will be ok x

[Bamboogie86]

All went well. The liquid was like strawberry poison haha. Tried my best to get it down asap. Took near 5 hours to get through my system. All okay though. Thanks again everyone

[itshappening]

Well done OP