How long does the small bowel series typically take

[calmygal]

I just had my small bowel series test today and i was wondering how long it took everyone else test? They told me it usually takes people 4hrs give or take to get the barium through your system. It took mine an hour and they said that was very fast. They said most of they people they see take 4hrs or more some take 3 but not many take an hour they said that is rare. So i was wondering how long all of yours took and what does it mean if your it goes really fast?? And i thought that barium was horrible and really hard to drink 2 large glasses of it, i had such a hard time with it but at least i didn't gag or anything it just took me a while lol! I thought i was going to lose it though... Just wanted to find out what all of your experiences were and what it means thanks for all your input!

 

[kicker]

I had mine back in August and was told that it could take between 2-4 hours after drinking the barium. Mine took 35 minutes and when I asked them was that fast they said it was normal. I'm a little confused with it also. Sorry that I'm not much help, maybe someone else has a better answer.

 

[bushydougie]

I had mine done a few weeks ago and it took just over an hour. I actually didn't mind the barium and almost downed it all. I'm just a bit odd I guess!!

 

[Becky]

Mine took FOREVER and they kept making me drink more. The spot they wanted to get to was too imflammed so it would pass thru.

 

[Jennifer]

Mine always take forever cause I hate the taste of barium and turn into a little kid when it's put in front of me. "NO! It's tastes yucky!" Just kidding, I drink it but it takes a long time and the doctors usually break and run the test anyway even if I haven't finished my 2 glasses. I only got one glass down one time (if that cause when I was younger I'd poor some of it down the sink :blush: ) and they got pictures just fine as if I had taken down 2 glasses. I honestly don't think 2 glasses is necessary. What does it mean if it goes through faster? Possibly means that you digest food faster than the average bear or maybe its because everyone else takes longer to drink it where you just powered it down.

 

[Zalanicht]

It took me 5 hours of walking around the hospital for it to get everywhere it needed.

 

[tmgread]

I've never had this test. Is it something that I should get?

 

[Jennifer]

If its needed Tina but I don't know if you need it or not (haven't seen all of your posts, sorry). It reveals inflammation and can even show sores and other such things via x-ray after you consume more barium than you'd ever like to.

 

[gypsigirl28]

calmygirl, I had this test done and they told me also it could take up to four hours. It only took me 30- 45 mins. They said that was quick but according to the docs everything was fine. it confused me to. Good luck with the results

 

[calmygal]

Thanks for all your posts so i guess everyone is different and my 1hr doesn't really mean good or bad lol!! Guess i should of known that seems like thats the case with everything having to do with crohn's i think i should just get this off my mind i am sick of thinking about it and go about my life as normal. I was used to the diarrhea and cramps before i started thinking about what i thought it could be and now i over analyze it now. I just want to go back to the way i was i never thought anything of it, it was just a part of my everyday life. Now i wonder about everything and i just want it out of my head cause i just think they are never going to come to a conclusion with me and i hate all these nasty tests and i don't want to do them anymore....

 

[Shannon]

I had this test done and like everyone said, the times vary. I took too much hope from the doctor's reaction to the images, after a week they concluded my disease was further along than initially thought. But you're right, thinking of yourself as normal is important, you don't want to let this become your identity. At the same time though, don't be too hard on yourself for taking symptoms seriously. That is the first step to a successful treatment and subsequently normal life. I know all of this sucks, I hate the tests too. I hope you can come to a good balance of taking good care of yourself and feeling normal! Take care,
Shannon

 

[calmygal]

thanks shannon

 

[planetjen]

mine went really fast too. i think they were just excited to be doing it on someone under 85 yrs old.....i just remember them being like "Turn! Flip! Now this way! No, that way! Now flip over! Twist! Good! Flip! " LMAO - like a fish outta water. Think mine took about 1.5? Maybe we should enter a contest!!!! Fastest Small Bowel Series 2010~~

 

[calmygal]

lol right!!