Medical Test = Anxiety Attack

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I was not expecting the medical test to be quite so triggering. I did not think it was going to be easy as it involved drinking barium and would last as long as 6 hours. The technician who came to get me explained an overview of the test. I was fine.

We did the first X-ray. I was fine. Then I had to stand on this platform thing with what I thought was a wall-type thing behind me. I had to start drinking the barium which was really hard for me to because of the texture. The radiologist told them to take the straw out so I would drink faster.

Then, they tipped the "wall" backwards. They told me first and I completely freaked out. My anxiety shot way up and I tried desperately to get off the platform. I don't even like to ride back in a dentist chair. I let them tilt it back and then I will tilt myself down. Eventually, they gave me a handle to hold on to and told me it would be okay. I ended up with my feet above my head. I do not know what purpose that served, but I was not okay after that. Someone should warn people before that happens!

I also had to lay on my stomach for several X-rays and that is a very triggering position for me. And in between each one I had to walk around an unfamiliar corridor and sit in an empty room where I at least got to read. I don't know how I made it through, but as soon as I got to my car afterwards, I was crying.

I will probably have to do other medical tests since it appeared that this one showed no abnormalities and abnormalities or clue to what's keeping me in pain are what I am trying to find. Maybe I should just give up on these test. Just live with the pain of things. Wish I has someone whose shoulder I could cry on and who would really understand that I need support right now (my husband would, but he needs to take care of the kids). So that leaves me alone...again.

 

[Powder]

That sounds horrible. I'm sure you are over the worst of the tests.

I don't have advice and it's your choice, of course.

In the past, I have told the people at the Imaging centers that I will refuse any IV dyes and any drinks because I am allergic to so many things that the risk of my having a severe allergic reaction is too high. While I am being totally honest about my concern, because I don't find out, like you, until I show up that I'm about to become the lab rat, I take offense that Dr.s are not more forthcoming when the order the test nor do they discuss this with the patient.

As if my magic, when I say I'm probably just leaving the appointment, since I won't undergo that, lo and behold, they offer to check on a higher cost (but much more comfortable (less invasive)) imaging option and check my insurance covers it and Dr approves, and they always did.

After going through this like three times, I have begun to fell like it's a game, and you have to know how to play it.

Long story short, I suggest not seeing it as Do or Not Do, but resist doing it their invasive way and say you won't do it, and make them offer something else.

I hope you find a way to comfort yourself. That sounds like a triggery day. Lots of self care.

Hugs if you want them,

Muse

 

[Neverthesame]

I want to preface this by saying that I am not taking the radiology staffs side. They should not have been so brisk with you.

Whether or not they understood why you were so anxious during the test, should not have mattered. They should have explained what they were doing better than they did. There is no reason why a patient should be walking away from a non invasive scan in tears, without an adequate explanation for why she was asked to do certain things during the exam.

From your description, I think I know what exam you were taking. I don't know what for, just what they were imaging. I might be able to explain a couple things for you. If for some reason you feel it's too much info, let me know. I'll edit and delete this portion of the post immediately. Also please let me know if I'm wrong.

It sounds like you had a CT scan of the upper GI?

The radiologist wanting you to drink the barium faster: If you were taking a really long time drinking it (which is understandable) it can begin to leave the stomach and enter the duodenum and small intestine. In order to sufficiently coat the lining of the stomach there needs to be a volume of it sitting in the stomach, while the fluoroscope is taking pictures.

This should have been explained to you. It is also possible the guy was just being impatient. Either way, it shouldn't have been something negative for you to come away with, aside from the barium itself. (Personally, I actually enjoyed it. But I can see why alot of people don't.)

The tilting wall: The purpose of this and why it's used is twofold. It is to both help the radiologist move you into a position that exposes your organs to the fluoroscope in the angles that give the image the best likelihood of diagnosing any problems. It also helps to spread the barium suspension (This is also why they had you lay down on your stomach.)

I hope some of that was useful to you. Don't forget to be kind to yourself for sticking through it despite the anxiety and lack of information from the staff.