Anyone had a proctogram?

[itsstillhotinperth]

Just that - got one on Wed. How horrible (read humiliating) is it? Just when I thought there could be no further embarrassing medical tests, along comes this one...

Colonoscopy in a couple of weeks - dreading that too. Well, the prep. I'll be off my head for the procedure. Thankfully.

It's really OK. I had to drink a barium meal and then laying on one side on an examination couch had barium paste inserted into my rectum (and maybe into vagina - i can't recall). Then you go behind a screen and sit on a commode to empty your bowels. The doctor and support staff were very sensitive and put me at ease.

But, a word of warning, depending on your reason for needing the test. I ended up really, really constipated afterwards with the barium meal that totally bunged me up a few days later. So if you are prone to constipation I'd suggest taking laxatives after the test.

Thanks Coconut for the info - it doesn't sound too bad.yep, I'll definitely need the laxatives, however, my date for colonoscopy has been changed to wed and the proctogram two weeks hence.

Next post will be about colonoscopy stuff and how to get all that disgusting solution down my neck without throwing it back up....

It is not nearly as bad as it sounds. I was totally amd utterly horrified at the thought of having one. It didn't take long either. When I sat on the toilet thing, I had my back to them as well as it being low lighting and having a screen, so it didn't feel nearly as embarrassing as I'd thought.

However, due to my bowel issues, I was unable to "expel" the paste and they stopped the test as they'd seen enough. Unfortunately, this meant I spent ages in the hospital on a regular toilet trying to emoty myself of the barium as I had a train journey home. I had not thought it through very well. Just bear this in mind.

Good luck!

Oh and I threw up quite a bit of the colonoscopy prep but I still had drunk enough to clear me out.

My top tips - put the prep in fridge or even freeze for a very short while as it tastes less gross while cold. Also put a pot of Vaseline in the fridge as your bottom may get sore.

Just out of curiosity are you perth australia -where its nearly always hot, or scotland?. I have had one colonoscopy and prep was horrendous!

Honestly try not to worry about being embarrassed. At the hospital where we conducted proctograms, the patients dignity is very high on the list of priority for the radiologist, HCA and radiographer involved. You will most likely be covered up with privacy shields when you are asked to 'go'.
All staff are still in the room as you but are behind a privacy screen for that part.

The initial part where they insert the barium, you will be on the couch turned on your side.

It's a fairly common procedure and all staff have seen it many times.

Whinetime89 - Australia and it's just warming up for spring - a balmy 28 on Friday!

Thank you Candy and Lilly, off to get some vaseline tomorrow for prep tomorrow night/Wed am. I'm afraid I might still be 'going' on the way to the hospital for the colonoscopy.... aaarrrggghhh...

Will update Thurs