Re: Another long day at the hospital

July 6, 2004

Another long day at the hospital

Jo - I know all about barium swallow studies, being a speech therapist.

I've had an esophagram done with swallowing an effervescent powder so they

could see the esophagus. Also have swallowed barium liquid for upper GI series

at the same exam (as well as 2 other times in the past for GI series).

A modified barium swallow test involves you trying different consistencies of

food/liquids with barium paste/fluid added to the foods (cookie, sometimes a

barium " pill " , cottage cheese or pudding, something harder to chew). You will

also probably drink different thicknesses of liquid with barium in it. The

liquid consistencies would be thin, like water; necter thick like a thick juice;

and a honey consistency like a thick milkshake.

When drinking the fluids, if you fee like you're going to vomit, just press a

cloth to your lips and hold it there and it will help stop the gag reflex.

Good luck and let me know what you find out!

It sounds like you are possibly refluxing into the vocal cords because you are

coughing....and/or the back of the throat.

July 6, 2004

Hi Jo --

I had a barium swallow test a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't too bad (at least

not as bad as I thought it would be!!).

I had to first swallow a very thick shake-like barium, and a couple of real

watery cups of it. Then I had to swallow activated baking soda, to put air into

my esophagaus and stomach, and then drink some more of the barium. I think the

hardest part was after drinking some of it, they tilted the table back and I had

to roll over a couple of times while they watched on the fluoroscope to see what

the barium did. I found out I have a really bad case of acid reflux and my

doctor told me that at any time if the medicine I take for it stops (or lessens)

working, to let him know immediately, Right now I take a 40mg Nexium in the AM

and have recently added a Pepcid AC at night.

Anyway, as tests go, it isn't too bad. I hope it goes well for you, but right

now, it sounds like you need a real good nights rest!!

Love, Patti

Another long day at the hospital

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July 6, 2004