Re: Another long day at the hospital

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

Oh I so remember the barium swallows, very unpleasant indeed, but so

diagnostic. I am glad it's over for you!

Jill

[Guest guest]

Oh Jo,

You really are going through the wringer with all of this. when it rains,

it really does pour it seems. I am so sorry for all of this. Please hang

in there!

Jill