Gawz, the small bowel series is icky, but shouldn't take too long (although it really depends on how fast your system is). You'll drink 2-3 cups of chalky-tasting barium. They'll start taking x-rays about 15-30 minutes after you drink it, and every 15-30 minutes after that until the barium reaches your colon. For me, it only took the barium about 30 minutes to get into my colon, but that's almost crazy fast. For others it can take up to four hours! So bring a book to pass the time!
After the procedure, you will be crapping "ghost poo" for a few days afterwards. It's white. Creepy-looking. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of high-fiber foods to get that stuff out. Yuck!
As far as the breath test goes, I've never had one of those. From what I've heard, it's a simple test and quick to boot. Good luck with both tests!
I haven't had these tests but it sounds like your doctor is checking for something in your upper GI area. Has he told you what he suspects is the problem? I have done a barium swallow before so I can tell you about the barium. Its very chalky and thick and you have to drink it kind of fast but for me it wasn't too bad. I know they have different flavors but I had the option of no flavor which I think was best for me. I know Sarita has had many extensive tests which I'm sure that she has had at least one of these so I hope she comes along to share her experience. Let us know how it goes :)
Sarita - is this "ghost" poo like D? Or will it be normal. Should I take it on a friday to have a few recovery days? Thanks for your help.
Also what can this SBS rule out or diagnose?
Gawz, the consistency of the ghost poo will depend on what kind of day you're having. I found the barium to have a sort of constipating effect, which is a relief for me, since I have the big D between 5-10 times every day. I had formed ghost poos for about two days; for some people, it will take longer for the barium to come out. Drink and drink and drink as much as you can. You won't feel any discomfort after the procedure; I went straight back to work when I was finished. It's very easy.
The SBFT can illuminate abnormalities such as bowel wall thickening, strictures (narrowing), and other signs of inflammation. If it's negative, that's a good indication it's not inflammatory bowel disease. Unfortunately, there can be some false positive results. For instance, the radiologist who read mine said that I had thickened duodenal folds. Some GIs say that can be a presentation of Crohn's disease or other inflammatory process, while my GI up here told me that it was a non-specific finding that probably meant nothing. A little confusing. What other tests have you had?
Hope everything goes well for you.
Brett
Good luck, Gawz!
Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
I know how you guys feel...I'm halfway in the same boat. Abnormal test results but still no one can tell me what it is! Even when you have abnormal results, if it doesn't have a distinct name, people still think you're fine. I mean, the freakin' Mayo Clinic - after reviewing my abnormal barium study, as well as several abnormal stool studies, and even an abnormal upper endoscopy - were still like, "Uh. Well. We don't know. So...hope you get well soon, see you later!" It's so disheartening!
Hang in there, peeps.
I just wanted to check and see how you are doing? Haven't heard from you lately and I was just checking to see if you had your tests yet and if so, how did it go?
Take Care
So I need to reschedule my lactose breath test and my Small Bowell Series X-RAY
Sarita - here are the tests I haev had:
Colonoscopy, EGD, blood tests, stool tests