Has anyone had a small bowel series? Whats it like?

[GoldFishy222]

Hi this Monday I'm getting a Small bowel series.  I tend to be more on the anxious side so I'm kindda worried about it.  They say it can take 2-4 hours?  From what I've read I'll have to drink about 2 cups of barium, does it taste horrible?  I have the test at 7am and the mornings are the worst for my nausea especially when I get up before 9am.  Is it going to make me feel sick?   Am I going to have to be alone the whole time?  Thanks so much for your help in advance.  I really hope they find something soon.  I'm running out of test to get.  I guess I'm just happy I don't need to get a barium enama...I think that would be worse.  Also what might they be looking for?

[GoldFishy222]

Thanks for you help.  I hope all goes well on Monday.  Im sure everything will look fine and they'll want to more on to doing other test.  I never know if i should be happy or sad when test come up normal... like "yay" im not dying of something awful but "boo" because they don't know what's wrong so I'm still going to feel sick.  

[patient915]

I've had one before.  It takes that long because they need to wait for the barium to get further down into your intestines.  The barium tastes a little like chalk (like milk of magnesia) but every place is a little different.  It might make you feel nauseous but you get to drink most of it slowly.  I spent most of the time in a little room waiting for the next x-ray and you can have someone there with you.  They are looking for changes in the lining of the small bowel, distention in the small bowel, etc.