Barium Enema Study Scheduled

[Anonymous]

Update is that we have a barium enema study scheduled for this Friday
at 10am so they can check to see if any areas are constricted/not
allowing the stool to pass through. She did go twice yesterday and once
today from the Miralax – now very watery and loose. No more Miralax
after today – she has to have three stimulation-free days before the
test.

Doctor thinks the fact that she has never been able to wear pants
unless I buy them 1-2 sizes too big and still cut the elastic waistband
is related (she gets really cranky and uncomfortable and upset
otherwise) to this – not necessarily to the reflux. Interestingly
enough, the Miralax has been causing cramps and last night a random 15
minute screaming episode – same as the prunes did back when we tried
those.

I’m waiting to get more information from the doctor – but does anyone
know how this test works/what they do? All I know right now is that the
procedure will take less than one hour, that she will have to drink
barium and that we will have results right away. And that she can’t
eat/drink for 3 hours before procedure (so we will give her morning
bottle early so she’s done with it by 7am).

Should we be nervous about anything? Happening at NYU’s Radiology Dept…

[Anonymous]

I am pretty sure it is like an upper barium swallow but instead of stopping at the stomach they follow all of the way through her system. They will be able to tell you right away if the say anything abnormal and you can watch the whole thing on a big screen in the room. The only thing that i can tell is that barium can make them gassy and constipated (i know that is not what you wanted to hear).

I hope everything goes really smoothly! I will be praying for Marisa!

[Anonymous]

Have been reading more online and spoke with Ped again – they basically
insert Barium into her anus and then take a series of X-rays. Should
actually only take about 30 minutes. DH is scared though and now
starting to want to not do it since the Miralax made her go but I
disagree – I’d rather make sure nothing is going on – especially before
we try solids again in a few weeks. Yea, I’ve heard that about the
Barium too – but I guess nothing we can do about that. Just hope
nothing is wrong…

[Anonymous]

Karen- my husband is also against testing because of the Barium and all I can say is trust your instincts. We might end up doing some as well after all this time. It’s a tough decision but at least you’ll have some answers and most likely put your mind at ease. Until she starts going regularily, the Miralax might have been just a quick fix.

Wishing you and Marisa good news!

Tracy (Ian’s mom 9-26-05)

[Anonymous]

Why is he opposed? Because the barium causes
cramping/gassiness/constipation? It does – but it is temporary and to
me worth it for answers – she has been SO uncomfortable lately and
always had constipation to varying degrees and the issue with pants
pressing on her tummy so I’d rather make sure now that nothing is
wrong. I’m just tired of all the guessing and find that more unfair to
her than a test, even if it is uncomfortable, KWIM? In our case, DH is
terrified of doctors in general – for himself, me, Marisa, anyone he
cares about. But in the end, he knows he wants to know what is going on
too.

[Anonymous]

Because it’s a radioactive material-I think it’s the ‘r’ word that scares him more than anything. But please know that he also didn’t even want to give Ian Zantac at first. I think he’s similar to your husband in that he’s looking out for the family and being very protective (plus it doesn’t help that his sister is an environmental lawyer in the Senate no less-makes him a little overly cautious sometimes-LOL). Sometimes I’m glad because he makes me really think before acting, but sometimes I know I’m right because I’ll research things to death.

I agree with you 100%! It’s time you got some answers and I’m right behind you. If this new GI says let’s test-I’m going to put my fears aside and do it. For peace of mind if nothing else.

Dont worry

Tracy

[Anonymous]

I used to be a rad tech. It has been a while since I have done a BE on a pedi. Be prepared that they will tape the enema tip, once inserted, to her bum. The anus naturally pushes things out so we have to oppose that. In adults they blow a balloon tip on the enema (ask any adult who has had this exam, not fun 😉 They fill the colon while watching on tv screen (you should be in the room for the whole thing). Baby willl most likely be on a board so they can quickly and easily turn into different positions. For some docs that is enough. Others will want want other pictures from the over head camera. After that they drain barium out and take one more pic (to see how much is left in there). There will still be some barium but nothing like an ugi where ALL of it is in there(and why you get so constipated after one). The barium doesn’t cause any discomfort during the exam. The enema tip in the rectum does but it is more of a “I have to go to the bathroom” discomfort. with adults they will some times but air in and THAT does not feel good. I don’t think they do that with kids though.

Be sure everyone is on the same page with exam prep. the colon should be empty for this or the barium can’t go through. Most adults are up all night with diarrhea from the prep kit the night before. I can’t recall what a kids prep is. they will usually do a scout film before the exam to ensure the colon is empty. If there is feces or too much gas, they reschedule. They might be a little gentler with babies but I would check and double check so you dont’ waste your time. I have had some enraged patients when they find out the prep didn’t work enough and they have to start all over

Good luck

[Anonymous]

Thanks Donna, this is very helpful. I will double check re exam prep –
so far they only told me no Miralax after today and no food for 3 hours
before test.

Tracy – I understand your husband’s concerns but I guess it comes down
to pros and cons – I’d rather know nothing is wrong hopefully or be
able to address it if something is – rather than keep Marisa in
discomfort and keep guessing. My husband agrees – he is just scared and
feels badly.

[Anonymous]

Karen, good luck. It can only help to have answers. If it helps at all, you know how constipated Hailey can get, and the barium didn’t make things any worse for her when she had her UGI. Also, the amount of barium is so minute that the radioactivity is not an issue. I think it’s natural to feel scared when getting these tests done, but it will be so much better to know what’s going on. Please keep us posted.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Lori. I agree – we need some answers. She’s just so uncomfortable and it’s only increasing so I want to know now…

[Anonymous]

I am glad you are going for the test… hopefully it will give you some answers!! Let us know what they find!

[Anonymous]

Just so others are clear, barium is not radioactive. Barium is used because it has a high atomic number (unlike soft tissue in the body) so the xrays can’t penetrate it thus, it shows the structure it fills. The higher the atomic number, the harder for rads to get through. This is why bones show up on xrays but something like a stomach would not.

[Anonymous]

Hey karen! Ryann had that test done when she was hospitalized at 8 weeks old. I had to leave the room and let my hubby handle that one. It was scary because they strap them to a board that rotates. The babies really don’t like that, and with Marissa’s age she will probably not like being strapped down unable to move. But it does give answers. The barium seems scary but beleive me… it really gets things moving..sometimes too well. She will be pooping on friday even after they clean her out! Lots of hugs to you and marissa!

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys. I imagine she’ll scream bloody murder being strapped down
like that but really do need to know what’s going on. She just so
uncomfortable and unhappy lately… Only wish it were tomorrow – but
they needed her off the Miralax for 3 days first.

[Anonymous]

karen- i hope that you get some answers for marisa on friday. i know how hard it is to stand by and watch your baby cry during a procedure, but sometimes the testing is the only way to find out what’s going on. i hope everything goes well for you guys!

[Author]

Posts