I didn't have much problem either drinking the smoothie. I got the berry flavor which tasted like Razzles chewing gum. I just sat at the table & drank one small sip at a time. I think the only way it would make you sick is if you chugged it. * I just read what Tybear wrote about the dye they inject makingn you feel like you peed your pants. She's right, I had that reaction too & I was thinking to myself "what the heck is this?", but it did only last for a minute & then went away. It was interesting to hear that this happened to somebody else, I thought it was just me.
Looks like you have some very good drs. and they are on the right track. The straw for the barrium is a great idea (wish I had known that :-)) Getting a 2nd opinion even on the pathology never hurts. You are wise woman to take control of your health. Keep us posted.
~Tascha
Hi - I had no problems with the barium. It's not "chalky" like the old stuff you used to get. Sounds like the reactions people experience are pretty diverse. (It's definitely better cold, though!)
Good luck!
Susan
Hi there. I had a barium drink - the taste wasn't that bad, it was a thick smoothie like thing, but I vomited when I was half way through drinking it and they told me to drink the rest which I did and after the scan I vomited again. And then I had a very bad reaction, they said it was from the dye they inject. The dr. said it was a combo of things including my masses that caused the bad reaction. I don't know how common this is and don't want to scare you w/the details unless you want me to tell you.
If your talking about the smoothie-like substance you have to drink before a CT scan, it's really not THAT bad. I would take it over the Golightly bowel prep stuff anyday! It really makes a difference to drink it with a straw - I have no idea why, but it's just better - trust me. Never thought to try it cold, but will definatly next time. I've had the orange flavored one (tasted more like coconut) but my preffered choice is the mixed berry. The dye they inject into your vein makes you feel like you peed your pants - I'm not joking! You get really warm and tingly, but it goes away within a few minutes. I have never had a problem with either of these things and thank goodness for that - I have to have a scan every three months!
Hang in there...it sounds like your docs are keeping on top of things. As far as the "beverage", chill it really well and use a straw to aim it towards the rear of your tongue (thank you for that suggestion, Mary). It helps to avoid the majority of your taste buds. I'm sure more of our regular posters will be here with more tips for you. Keep us posted.
peace,
Anne
It sounds to me that you have good Drs. and are on top of evertything, especially your patholgy report. Never had Apple, I don't know if even that could make it better. I always get diareah and have to get it all out of my body asap. If I am traveling a long way to get a cat scan I always take an extra pair of underwear. The last barium I had tasted like suntan lotion smells (tropical yech...) Also they inject a dye into you right before they scan and drinking water flushes this out quickly from your kidneys.. Good Luck