Has anyone had a barium swallow?

[NorthMumOfTwo]

Hi guys I'm due to have a barium swallow today at 1pm. I was originally suppose to get an endoscopy but it was cancelled as of my anxiety disorder as they said I would find it to traumatic and to do a swallow instead. I must admit I feel slightly apprehensive as I have had 16 weeks of swallowing issues, at one point I couldn't eat at all but now I can manage drinking and certain kids of foods such as crackers, mash, soups etc. Is the barium liquid very thick? As I struggle with textures it triggers of anxiety which makes my swallow more difficult? Is it bitty or a smooth texture? And also how did everyone feel afterwards as I have a phobia of vomiting 🤢 any advice is greatly appreciated ☺️

[TheSpottedZebra]

I did. It was not delicious but it was fine! I can't remember if it was t9tally smooth or bitty actually. But it was sort of heavy.

It was really honestly fine, utterly do-able. The worst bit was when it came out the other end, as it, er, took quite some flushing.

[NorthMumOfTwo]

@TheSpottedZebra

I did. It was not delicious but it was fine! I can't remember if it was t9tally smooth or bitty actually. But it was sort of heavy.

It was really honestly fine, utterly do-able. The worst bit was when it came out the other end, as it, er, took quite some flushing.

Did it make you constipated? As some have said they had diarrhoea. Also do they make you have some granules and lemon juice to produce extra gas as that's mentioned on my letter which I dread as I suffer extreme bloating as it is and discomfort? And that's what I'm not looking forward to as any thick heavy textures I physically can't get down it induces anxiety attacks like il choke haha xxx

[Brunonononooo]

I had a barium meal. I don’t know if that’s similar or the same! Mine was through a tube though. As possible said, it wasn’t pleasant but the worst bit was the urgent needing of the toilet at the end!

[romdowa]

First time I tried the barium swallow I threw it all back up. Second time I managed to keep it down but it wasn't pleasant at all. I'd rather the endoscopy but they sedate me for them

[NorthMumOfTwo]

@romdowa

First time I tried the barium swallow I threw it all back up. Second time I managed to keep it down but it wasn't pleasant at all. I'd rather the endoscopy but they sedate me for them

Awww God that's putting me right off having it xxx

[NorthMumOfTwo]

@Brunonononooo

I had a barium meal. I don’t know if that’s similar or the same! Mine was through a tube though. As possible said, it wasn’t pleasant but the worst bit was the urgent needing of the toilet at the end!

Mine is apparently the barium drink and some granules and lemon due to induce gas xxx

[BobLep0nge]

It took 4 attempts for me to actually manage not to bring it all back up, couldn't stop retching. It was horrendous, tasted slightly fishy.

[NorthMumOfTwo]

@BobLep0nge

It took 4 attempts for me to actually manage not to bring it all back up, couldn't stop retching. It was horrendous, tasted slightly fishy.

I have a very bad reflex so anything vomit inducing makes me feel terribley anxious xxx