have to drink barium for a CT scan

[adventuregurl]

As the title states I have to drink barium for a CT scan. Is it bad for you? Is there anything I should do afterwards to detox from it (and the CT scan)?

thanks!

[daliowa]

Originally Posted by adventuregurl

As the title states I have to drink barium for a CT scan. Is it bad for you? Is there anything I should do afterwards to detox from it (and the CT scan)?

thanks!

Recently had a contrast x-ray of the esophagus with barium. They said to drink more water than usual after the x-ray because the barium can make you constipated.

I had the opposite reaction - I had diarrhea that day. Leave it to me to have the opposite reaction. <g>

It doesn't taste great (to say the least), but it's over quickly & it's done.

Be sure to follow all the pre-procedure directions about eating / drinking prior to the procedure.

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by adventuregurl

As the title states I have to drink barium for a CT scan. Is it bad for you? Is there anything I should do afterwards to detox from it (and the CT scan)?

thanks!

Here you go; it's for a barium swallow, but the gist of it is applicable to your procedure:

Barium Swallow | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library

"After the procedure
You may resume your normal diet and activities after a barium swallow, unless your doctor advises you differently.

Barium may cause constipation or possible impaction after the procedure if it isn't completely eliminated from your body. You may be advised to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber to expel the barium from the body. You may also be given a cathartic or laxative to help expel the barium.

Since barium isn't absorbed into the body but passes through the entire intestinal tract, your bowel movements may be lighter in color until all of the barium has been excreted.

Notify your doctor to report any of the following:

Difficulty with bowel movements or inability to have a bowel movement

Pain and/or distention of the abdomen

Stools that are smaller in diameter than normal

Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation."

[adventuregurl]

Thanks, because this is an "alternative medicine" thread, I was hoping for some more holistic suggestions.

I have been drinking lots of fluids; the barium gave me bad pain, distension and gas in my lower gi tract . Hopefully it's gone by tomorrow!

[daliowa]

Originally Posted by adventuregurl

Thanks, because this is an "alternative medicine" thread, I was hoping for some more holistic suggestions.

I have been drinking lots of fluids; the barium gave me bad pain, distension and gas in my lower gi tract . Hopefully it's gone by tomorrow!

Sorry to hear that. I had no problems except for a little diarrhea which went away quickly. I had no pain at all.

If you have bad pain than perhaps you should phone your doctor?

[adventuregurl]

It passed by morning but I mentioned it to my doc anyhow, all is well now.

[rlrl]

nothing except feeling slightly bloated the first few minutes after drinking it.

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by adventuregurl

It passed by morning but I mentioned it to my doc anyhow, all is well now.

Good!

Hope your results are good, too!