Barium Enema Questions

[MCPayne]

Hi everyone.

I had my colonoscopy today, which unfortunately, didn't go so well. My GI stated that there looked to be some narrowing in the colon, so he couldn't get very far at all. I think if you're looking at the diagram of the colon, he was only able to get a little past the rectum to that hard right turn, and that was about it.

Anyway, having said that, he wants to do a Barium Enema test. I've had the Barium Small Bowel Series done in the past, but this is my first time having the enema test. I did some research, and it seems that the prep is similar to a colonoscopy. My question is, after the test, does it take as long for the barium enema to leave the body as it does after the small bowel series? I remember after my small bowel series, I was going to the restroom every hour or so, and having diarrhea, which was white, which I know is normal after that procedure, in order to evacuate the barium from the system.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Hello! I had the exact same problem when I had a colonoscopy 5 years ago. Luckily they could fit me in for the barium enema that afternoon as they had a gap so I was still a little sedated and still cleared out.

It's really not like a small bowel barium at all! You lay there and they put he tube up your bum and let the barium drain into you. Then you have to move into lots of positions as they take the pics. Seeing the live x ray image is cool though.

Then after it's over, I went to the toilet right away and let most of the barium go into the toilet. Most of it went that way and then you feel fine. I think a bit came out the next time I went to the toilet, but no urgent feelings to go after the first time anyway. Good luck, hope it goes ok!