Anyone ever have an Upper GI Series done?

I've been having strange pains and tightness in my chest, so the Dr. is sending me to a Cardiologist and for all these different tests, one is an Upper GI Series. I've heard of it before and I know I have to drink something (disgusting I'm sure) just wanted to know what to expect from someone who has had it done.

TIA!

I have had 2 upper GI's. They are gross. they make you drink a lovely cocktail of Barium. It is chalky and thick. They then take pictures of your digestive tract. CHEERS!!!

---

Posted by Goldi1021

I have had 2 upper GI's. They are gross. they make you drink a lovely cocktail of Barium. It is chalky and thick. They then take pictures of your digestive tract. CHEERS!!!

---

Me too..

Then AFTER that they made me drink a liquid form and caught my digestive track action.. in the action of swallowing.. which I could actually watch happen (yeah, I thought that was cool)

For me the worst part was the fasting.. I got there with a REALLY empty tummy and was hungary.. they had warm Dunkin Donuts and flavored coffee fresh in the waiting room.. I wanted to KILL someone!!

The chalky.. standing up
The Milky .. laying on my side
Ultrasound .. laying on back

All in one day.. and when I left.. I wasn't hungary any more!

---

Posted by Goldi1021

I have had 2 upper GI's. They are gross. they make you drink a lovely cocktail of Barium. It is chalky and thick. They then take pictures of your digestive tract. CHEERS!!!

---

How much of it do they make you drink? I gagged down 3 tablespoons of liquid Mylanta the other night

First of all, I'm sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well

I have also been experiencing many of the same symptoms lately, but after a normal EKG and some other baseline tests my doctor thought I had a really severe case of acid reflux/GERD and prescribed me medication .. now just about a week has passed and I feel a bit better -- but its a wait and see game .

My next step (if this doesn't work) is to have the same tests run that you are having .. upper GI , etc. I know from my brother (who has had a bunch) that they are really unpleastant.. you drink the Barium and its pretty awful... but I dont want to make you worried from the start so I'll shut up!

Good Luck!! Hope you are feeling better soon!

Thanks girls for your honesty. Not looking forward to it but I want to feel better already. I'll let you know how it goes (it's next Wednesday).

Hope you feel better soon!

I've had three. The first two I had to drink the shake but the last one, a year ago, they knocked me out and put a scope down my throat. It was easy. I woke up, it was all over and I had a nice little buzz going.