Dreading tomorrow x

[Barbie]

Ive got the barium follow through tommorrow afternoon. Im dreading it. Im so worried (although I know worry solves nothing) but Im worried about having to drink all the barium stuff as it always makes me feel so so so sick anyway and this is the worst flare Ive had on the sickness and pain wise. For a week now Im struggling to get anything in me at all, even a glass of squash hurts and to make things worse Ive had to stop my pain relief (tramacet) for the last 48 hrs before test cos it can slow things down. Im in agony and I didnt sleep last night ...sorry to sound all depressive. I know there isn't anything I can do I just have to see it out and be brave.

What do other people do when they are in too much pain to sleep and get comfortable? Ive tried a hot bath, hot water bottle etc it doesn't do much. I feel so weak and having to go down the stairs on my bum! LOL my legs feel like they want to give way. Im more worried that Il just throw all the barium back up and it will ruin the test? Has anyone ever been able to drink less of it and the test still be ok?

Any suggestions? things always seem worse at night, I know but last night I had to take a sleeping tablet to get to sleep but Im having to be careful at the moment cos my blood sugar has been so low (I can check it with my work stuff so its fine) but I live on my own and don't want to risk having another hypo in my sleep!!! xxx

Sorry to sound negative I just know you guys will understand thats all x hope your all ok xx

 

[woops!]

Ohh please be careful with your blood sugar..... im worried about you. I have worked in a hospital and my patiens who have taken a barium follow though I usually start them drinking it eariler than the Dr wants. Small slow sips seems to work best, and having it chilled is better. I don't know if your hospital has flavored barium, but my patients have told me bananna is the best flavor. (I had this done myself years ago, cant remember what flavor I choose) You can drink less than the recomended amount and still be able to do the test. I see that you live in England, I am not sure how flexible your Dr will be with that. I live in the US. I think if you can you should have a friend stay with you. I'm worried you will fall down the stairs, or your sugar will drop.
As for trying to sleep when your hurting... I have no good ideas, it seems that you are doing alot already. I wish I was more helpful, I feel bad for you. Please let me know how your test goes, and please be carefull.

 

[Barbie]

Thanks x dont worry Ive been being really careful. When I had the prep for the colonoscopy last week I didn't realise I have been having low bs and it was 1.6! I only found out cos I went to a and e cos i thought id developed a dvt with leg pain and it turned out it was my bm. Ive been out to patients myself who should be unconcious that low, but the doctor said its probably been on the low side for a while and my body has got used to it or something so until it really drops i dont feel any other than the normal rubbishy tired me. I was just feeling awful. Anyway as u prob know its cos all my carb stores had been used so i was just burning off sugar as quick as taking it in and was fasting after the prep. So Ive learnt my lesson and Im checking it very often...work have been so sweet and came round and filled up my kit for me that I usually use for work...and again im having to fast the only thing i seem to be able to eat with comfort are clear ice lollies and callipos.

Its only one night, so Im going to set my alarm clock for every hour to make sure Im still with it and test my sugar just in case. I think it would be a bit stupid to take a sleeping tablet just in case the alarm doesnt wake me.

Im just sooo worried about drinking all that barium I dont know how I am going to do it. I have some anti-sickness pills I could take before I go and will take my painkillers with me so I can take them asap afterwards. Wish it was all over right now xx

 

[Mark33180]

if you are having trouble getting the barium down what you might want to consider is having them put a tube in your throat. They did that when i was in the hospital. It was mostly to drain my stomach because nothing was going through it but they had to do a ct scan and they just put all the barium shake stuff into the tube to make sure it got into my stomach and into my system. was really easy to do. No nasty taste and felt kinda cool.

 

[Barbie]

Thanks thats a good idea especially as ive had a tube i before and im not afraid of it. I guess if I ask they can only say no cant they anyway. good thinking batman :0) xx

 

[Astra]

Hey Barbie

about sleeping, my doc prescribed Codeine Phosphate for my pains and joint pains too, it's fab for D too, stops it in it's tracks, and it makes you drowsy, BAM, out like a light!
Don't take it during day tho, makes you sleepy, don't drink or drive either!
Codeine Phosphate, whilst really good, can be habit forming and addictive tho, so I only take it when absolutely necessary. (ie, in agony!)
good luck with tests, let us know how you get on
xxx

 

[Entchen]

Barbie, I hope the test goes well for you tomorrow. I'm sure the staff will hep you find a workable solution. I remember hanging on for the first while with deep breathing and concentration, and then being allowed to throw up a little earlier in the process than I'd expected (I thought I wouldn't be allowed to at all until the end) -- so if you can get the barium down and keep it down for a little while, you could be clear sailing.