Upper GI and Barrium Esophogram, anyone?

[spima3]

My ENT found GERD and has me scheduled for Upper GI and Barrium Esophagram.

I got a severe head cold and cough right after my dx, so I never went. I plan on calling on Mon to schedule the tests, but I would sure like to know what they are like? Anyone been through it, and can you offer some assurances. I am very nervous about it and I think it wouldn't be so bad if I had an idea what I was getting into.

Thx so much. lori

 

[klynn]

The first one I had was very uncomfortable. The second one I had was at a different location and they gave me enough good drugs that I didn't remember a thing.

 

[minnie56]

I have GERD...I have had those tests and they were not at all uncomfortable. Easy tests, IMO.

 

[Christine]

I only had the upper GI and not the barium (not sure why they are doing both). The upper GI is very easy. The worst part is worrying about it before you go!

 

[spima3]

I have GERD...I have had those tests and they were not at all uncomfortable. Easy tests, IMO.

Well, I like the sound of this, so that's the one I'm going with!

Thx all, lori

 

[minnie56]

 

[BelleWDW]

I dont think they do both-right?
Barium is a drink and they xray you afterward
The other is a camera going down your throat-DS had this one done and he was zonked out and didnt feel anything.

 

[laurie31]

I think some of you may be thinking of an endoscopy instead of an Upper GI.

An Upper GI is just swallowing barium and then having x-rays.

An esophagram means they take the x-rays while you are swallowing, to determine if you have reflux.

This is a very good link about Upper GIs:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=uppergi#

and here's one about esophagrams:
http://www.aradnj.com/ESOPHAGRAM.html

The pictures of the barium moving down your esophagus will look something like this:

It's likely you will just drink the barium once, and then they will take lots of x-rays. Nothing painful, just the barium can taste thick and chalky. It will also turn your poop white so don't worry about that the next day.

 

[Christine]

I think some of you may be thinking of an endoscopy instead of an Upper GI.

An Upper GI is just swallowing barium and then having x-rays.

An esophagram means they take the x-rays while you are swallowing, to determine if you have reflux.

This is a very good link about Upper GIs:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=uppergi#

and here's one about esophagrams:
http://www.aradnj.com/ESOPHAGRAM.html

The pictures of the barium moving down your esophagus will look something like this:

It's likely you will just drink the barium once, and then they will take lots of x-rays. Nothing painful, just the barium can taste thick and chalky. It will also turn your poop white so don't worry about that the next day.

You're correct. I thought an upper GI was an upper endoscopy. Guess not! I never had any other upper GI tests besides the endoscopy.

 

[spima3]

You're correct. I thought an upper GI was an upper endoscopy. Guess not! I never had any other upper GI tests besides the endoscopy.

Anyone know why one is done over the other? I just assumed the upper GI/Barium swallow was the next step after the Dx.
However, it seems many here have had the endoscopy, would that be in addition to the upper GI?

Again, you disers are a wellspring of info, and I am thankful,
Although I think I had a TMI moment w/ the barium graphics, and the white poop! At least there weren't graphics on the latter!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I'd had it done - it's one of the easier tests I've endured It is different than upper endoscopy, which several other posters mentioned.

The worst, IMO, is drinking the chalky stuff. You're awake for it and don't feel anything (just xrays) - mine took awhile but I was already in the hospital so I had nothing but time on my side anyways LOL

 

[kim929]

I had a barium swallow last week. you stand agains the xray table on a stand, they give you a cup of barium and while you drink, they take xrays. The stuff is not the most pleasant thing to drink, but it is an easy test.