My surgery is scheduled for this Tuesday the 19th. I just got home from my pre-op tests and I was so close to calling off my surgery because I had a really bad vomitting reaction to the baking soda crystals they made me take before the barium swallow. As a result, the barium swallow was pretty traumatic too, but I think that was because of the crystals, and not the actual barium.
Has anyone had a similar reaction? Do you know if they will try to make me take the crystals again after surgery, because I can't do it knowing what it does to me. I think I can do the barium without the crystals. They finally managed to get a few swallows in me after having me lay on my side and suck through a straw. I know straws aren't allowed after surgery but if I can't swallow it normally... The radiologist/doctor said I might've been really dehydrated because they mistakenly told me I couldn't drink water for 12 hours and it was really only 8.
I know this might be a small thing compared to the pain and nausea I MIGHT experience after surgery, but I feel like ignorance is bliss, I don't know what to expect with that, and I will cross that bridge if I come to it. This crystal/barium thing, however, I've crossed that bridge and I know I don't want to cross it again. I can't imagine that violence and trauma on my new itty bitty stomach along with all the other ugly details like panic and choking and not breathing.
So, help! Tips on taking barium? Anyone had to do this crystal thing? I'd never heard of it until today.
Bookmarks