Upper G.I. test on Tuesday -advice?

[SpexyAshleigh]

I'm going in for an upper G.I. test on tuesday for recurring nausea issues. I'm going on day 11 of nonstop nausea, have barely eaten and have spent time in the hospital this past week trying to get healthy and be treated for it. (this is a two year long issue) No medications are working for it, so I'm going for further testing. I am REALLY scared for this upper G.I. for some reason...I've read up on it, I'm going to have to drink a nasty barium drink, and I am so scared I won't be able to keep it down. Has anyone done this test and if so, how bad is it?

 

[Hot Mega]

Wow...

Seems like that can get pretty serious especially if stomach acid has been making it's way up your esophagus for a week or so.

If you're being treated for this already I don't think I can add anything to that other than to say try Dramamine and/or Immodium just to put your stomach in some kind of order...

Hope you get better...

 

[SpexyAshleigh]

Wow...

Seems like that can get pretty serious especially if stomach acid has been making it's way up your esophagus for a week or so.

If you're being treated for this already I don't think I can add anything to that other than to say try Dramamine and/or Immodium just to put your stomach in some kind of order...

Hope you get better...

thats the thing though, no medication out there is easing my nausea. They've tried about six different drugs, ranging from chemo-strength anti-nauseants to anti-psychotics, administered orally, through IV and shots to the arm and ass. Nothing is working and its perplexing my doctors...so I have zero options to settle my stomach for the test I'm so scared lol. :/

 

[gunslingingbird]

I once dated a girl who had to go to the hospital once because she had gastro-intestinal issues, and she had to take the barium contrast. She didn't yak, but she came pretty damn close to it. Good luck! :thumbsup:

 

[lurkingdirk]

For many people, this test is no problem. I'm guessing it will be smooth sailing for you, too.

The results will, I'm guessing again, be something small. I don't think it will be trivial - you've suffered two years with this, but I do think it will be something very treatable. You're young and healthy (and hot like crazy, but that's irrelevant). They'll have a pill for you to take for a while, and this will clear up.

All will be well, there will be a clear diagnosis, and you'll feel great very soon.

 

[squallumz]

this kind of thing is pretty common. worrying doesn't help you in anyway, as hard as it might be. the best thing to do is try and relax.

ive known lots of people with gi issues and they're doing fine. the body's a complex thing.

but seriously, stop worrying.

 

[Trident1]

I'm going in for an upper G.I. test on tuesday for recurring nausea issues. I'm going on day 11 of nonstop nausea, have barely eaten and have spent time in the hospital this past week trying to get healthy and be treated for it. (this is a two year long issue) No medications are working for it, so I'm going for further testing. I am REALLY scared for this upper G.I. for some reason...I've read up on it, I'm going to have to drink a nasty barium drink, and I am so scared I won't be able to keep it down. Has anyone done this test and if so, how bad is it?

I had an upper GI for a nausea problem back in 2007 that lasted a month and a half. Turns out my stomach was upset from anxiety/panic attacks not from anything physical.
The overall process is easy. I had to drink a super fizzy carbonated drink that made you want to burp. The other thing is to remain perfectly still while they take the images.
In Nov. this past year I had a CGI for what turned out to be an emergency appendicitis. Anyhow I had to drink a barium drink that had the consistency of a milkshake which tasted a tad minty. Just drink it with the straw they'll give you and take good sips. Don't panic, just relax. You'll be able to drink the shake in about 20 minutes.
So I've had the Barium and some other fizzy drink for two problems but I can say that neither was a big deal, or scary. Just treat the Barium like a minty McDonalds shake.
I hope you're ok.

 

[Ulysses31]

I'm going in for an upper G.I. test on tuesday for recurring nausea issues. I'm going on day 11 of nonstop nausea, have barely eaten and have spent time in the hospital this past week trying to get healthy and be treated for it. (this is a two year long issue) No medications are working for it, so I'm going for further testing. I am REALLY scared for this upper G.I. for some reason...I've read up on it, I'm going to have to drink a nasty barium drink, and I am so scared I won't be able to keep it down. Has anyone done this test and if so, how bad is it?

I started having nausea a whopping 14 years ago and it never really stopped, turns out I had delayed stomach emptying which they only diagnosed 4 years ago after dismissing it as stress/anxiety. Unfortunately when you suffer with nausea for long periods of time you develop panic and anxiety which also causes nausea so when you feel sick it could be either the symptom of the illness or stress/anxiety. Anyway I've had every stomach exam available (over 20 I think) and the barium meal was one of my first but in retrospect not the worst. Like you I was petrified of throwing up (of course you will if you suffer from nausea) but as your stomach is empty there is no chance unless you eat beforehand which you shouldn't. As I drank it they put crystals in my mouth which make you gassy and want to burp but they say don't and then from what I remember they put you in different postions on an xray machine and take xrays. It's never easy drinking that crap but it's over before you know it, I had a CT scan last year and they make you drink a pint of something worse than barium along with a pint of water and I'm amazed I kept all that down ukey:

You Might want to suggest having a stomach emtying scan (diagnoses gastroparesis) if all else fails to determine what it is or a pH exam to test your acid levels. I suffered years using ineffective over the counter medicines then found Domperidone (Motilium) which is a life saver, when that fails I revert to anti-sickness wristbands and drinking either ginger tea or peppermint tea which both help quell nausea and then fast until the nausea passes. Try peppermints and peppermint gums, they may help.

 

[jod0565]

The only advice I can offer is read the other good posts and I wish you good luck.
The test is the best thing to do to get you on the road to recovery.

 

[Tittyman5000]

Well I don't have any advice but I just want to wish you well and I'll pray you get better Spexy

 

[SpexyAshleigh]

Thank you everyone for your advice and support....I'm praying that this test reveals whatever the hell is wrong with me. I talked to the xray lady today at the clinic and she said that I only have to drink half a cup of the liquid, so hopefully she ain't bs-ing me because I can chug a half cup no probs I think....hopefully...lol.

 

[Dazza MXM]

You'll be fine Spexy...hopefully you'll soon be well again and feeling soooo much better xoxo

 

[The Grasshopper]

Get well quick Spexy, and try not to worry so much, it may help...

 

[LukeEl]

You'll be fine, aside from drinking that barium which tastes awful.

 

[SpexyAshleigh]

Bumping to update: just got back from my appointment. It sucked. I was able to get that shiz down without hurling on the xray lady though, so at least that was ok. Got the crystalized drink to expand my tummy, and a shot to relax the tummy so everything could get coated...it was rough. The barium was vile. So glad its over ...but man my chest hurts so bad right now. Blaghhhhhh.

 

[squallumz]

saying blaghhhhhh every 3 hours will help. keep doing it.

 

[TheOrangeCat]

I've had it. It's not to bad at all. The barium meal tastes like bubblegum, it's a little thick when swallowing (but I,m confident you'll manage!). Then you go (or I did) in a very cool 'whizzy turny over and rotate you' machine and that's it.

No side effects afterwards.

You'll be fine.

 

[Ulysses31]

Bumping to update: just got back from my appointment. It sucked. I was able to get that shiz down without hurling on the xray lady though, so at least that was ok. Got the crystalized drink to expand my tummy, and a shot to relax the tummy so everything could get coated...it was rough. The barium was vile. So glad its over ...but man my chest hurts so bad right now. Blaghhhhhh.

A word or warning, you may get constipated and your 'waste' will be coloured white which is normal so don't panic. If you do get constipated I suggest a bit of prune juice (NOT TOO MUCH!) to help move things along

 

[squallumz]

diarrhea, cha cha cha!

 

[Trident1]

Bumping to update: just got back from my appointment. It sucked. I was able to get that shiz down without hurling on the xray lady though, so at least that was ok. Got the crystalized drink to expand my tummy, and a shot to relax the tummy so everything could get coated...it was rough. The barium was vile. So glad its over ...but man my chest hurts so bad right now. Blaghhhhhh.

Well at least it's over.:hatsoff: