Well, today was my 'small bowel follow~through'. And all I can say is that it left me longing for the day of my colonoscopy.
... Yeah, that good.
Granted, it doesn't seem as invasive. No needles. No probes.
...No problem... right?
Wrong.
In order for them to get a 'clear view' of your digestive system, you must chug down about 3 Dixie cups full of Barium.
"What is Barium", you might ask? ...
Let's just take a moment and ask Wikipedia, shall we? ...
*
What is barium?Barium is a silvery-white metal which exists in nature only in ores containing mixtures of elements. It combines with other chemicals such as sulfur or carbon and oxygen to form barium compounds.
Barium compounds are used by the oil and gas industries to make drilling muds. Drilling muds make it easier to drill through rock by keeping the drill bit lubricated. They are also used to make paint, bricks, ceramics, glass, and rubber.
Barium sulfate is sometimes used by doctors to perform medical tests and to take x-rays of the gastrointestinal tract.
*Barium compounds, such as barium sulfate and barium carbonate, which do not dissolve well in water, can last a "long time in the environment".
So, there you have it. The part that doesn't surprise me at all, is when they say that there's a connection with paint. Because if I had to describe what it is like to actually purposefully drink Barium, that would've been my desription right there: "It's like drinking a quart of paint". Same consistency and (I'm guessing) pretty much the same taste as a can of Dutch Boy. And I'm thinking, probably about the same nutritional value.
This was at 7:00 this morning.
And you may inquire: "So, how do you feel now?"
To which I'd have to respond: "Well... pretty much like I got up at 5:30 am and then drank a quart of paint."
Too bad they haven't found a 'medical' equivalent to paint thinner.
Of course, after this morning, I don't think I could choke it down.
So, I guess I'll just go back and lay down and have a few more popsicles.
And forget this day ever happened.
