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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Barium Enema scheduled
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Barium Enema scheduled
by M., Mar 29, 2000 12:00AM
Okay, I am the "M" from the Rectal Bleeding post below. I went to the doctor yesterday and told him my history. He told me that the next time I notice the bleeding to call his office and tell the nurse to schedule me to come in either that day or the next day, and he will do an Anoscopy, which is basically looking just inside the rectum with an instrument to see if there's hemorrhoids or fissures (tears) that he can detect.
But in the meantime, he scheduled me for a barium enema on Saturday (4/1) at the hospital. I've read up on this, and am NOT looking forward to this. Not only the the whole embarrassment thing, but the discomfort/pain that comes with it.
Has anyone else here been through this? I really need some words of encouragement here, 'cause I'm seriously considering cancelling my appt. I know, I know, I shouldn't worry - these people do these procedures all the time, I shouldn't be embarrassed, etc. etc., for the good of my health, etc. etc., but I've never had to do anything like this before, and I am a VERY modest person. I mean, I have to put a suppository in the morning of the enema - I've NEVER done anything like that before! I've never even taken a laxative in my life. Not only the whole insertion of that, but is it going to make me feel like I have to go to the bathroom before I even get to the hospital and they give me the actual enema??
HELP!
But in the meantime, he scheduled me for a barium enema on Saturday (4/1) at the hospital. I've read up on this, and am NOT looking forward to this. Not only the the whole embarrassment thing, but the discomfort/pain that comes with it.
Has anyone else here been through this? I really need some words of encouragement here, 'cause I'm seriously considering cancelling my appt. I know, I know, I shouldn't worry - these people do these procedures all the time, I shouldn't be embarrassed, etc. etc., for the good of my health, etc. etc., but I've never had to do anything like this before, and I am a VERY modest person. I mean, I have to put a suppository in the morning of the enema - I've NEVER done anything like that before! I've never even taken a laxative in my life. Not only the whole insertion of that, but is it going to make me feel like I have to go to the bathroom before I even get to the hospital and they give me the actual enema??
HELP!
more. I have had so many embarresing test done.
Don't worry about it. You will be covered up except
where they are working and you won't really even
see them. The barium enema is not nearly as bad
as it used to be. It doesn't take very long. You
will be fine.
The worst part was actually when they inserted the "tip" and pumped up the balloon. That literally hurt. The rest was not that bad. They drain most of the barium out, after you roll around with it inside so it coats all the surfaces of the intestine, so I didn't have the feeling of having to "go" that bad. Then when they pumped the air in, I felt kind of bloated for a few seconds, but that went away after a short time. The rest was just having to roll around and around, and tilt vertical and horizontal time and again, so they could take all kinds of pictures from all different angles. Then it wasn't too pleasant when the removed the "tip," but at least that was short and sweet, didn't take as long as putting it in did. When I was all done and went in the bathroom, I looked like I'd just rolled out of bed - my hair was all mussed up from rolling around like a loon.
I got a call-back from my doctor's office today, and the x-ray/enema came back NORMAL. So now I guess I just wait until the next time I notice bleeding, and go see my doctor that day or the day after as he requested, so he can do a digital exam and anoscopy. That won't be fun, either, I'm sure. At least I'm feeling better mentally since no polyps or abnormalities were found on the x-ray.
I do know that it is necessary.
Hang in there, yes it is rather embarassing if you are a modest person, but honestly a little embarassment is better than a lifetime of illness and pain. When you do the endoscopy you can be sedated entirely or locally, it is your decision. Keep in mind that Doctor's do this all the time and after this you will probably never have to do this again! AND you might be diagnose and cured! Good luck, and if it makes you feel any better my friend went throught it and she said just breathe, relax, close your eyes and cope. It is not as bad as you are imagining. Good LUck
I had the barrium enema done last December. It is not nearly as bad as you would think it would be. It does feel a bit intimidating at first, but everyone there is professional, so there is really nothing to be worried about. There isn't really any pain, just a "cramping" sensation. Once done, you will realize that it is not that big of a deal, and it is definitley worth having the test done.
The best piece of advice I can give you is, make sure you wear something that you don't mind getting messy. It can be a bit messy. Also, try to get someone to be there with you just to give you a ride home if you can. This helps simply because it is messy, so you will not really want to be on a bus but will want to get home quicker in order to shower.
I encourage you to get the test. It is not that bad and well worth the trouble.
- Jodee
I was so afraid that I may have colon cancer that the fear from that overshaddowed any fear I had of a barium enema!
I couldn't wait to have it done and over with so that I could find out the results. Waiting for me is the hardest part,and the longer the wait,the more paranoid I become because I always expect the worst (which I shouldn't)
The enema was not bad at all,and nobody has their eyes on your rectum while the test is being done either.
After all..your bottom isn't even exposed as many people think.
Remember,these proffesionals do this every day,and if they have seen one bottom...then they have seen them all!
My test was negative and I hope yours will be the same.
through!! Good luck to anyone who has it. I was in so much pain