The enema/X-ray test
January 7, 2009For those looking at having an ileostomy takedown surgery in the future, this is the sort of test you’ll undergo before the surgeon will operate on you. It doesn’t last very long but it’s very intense.
Keep fighting,
~Dennis
Question: How well do you tolerate enemas and other procedures?
Wow I’m glad I know about it now; I had no idea what the test entailed. Do you consider it may be worth to take a tranquilizer and painkiller before the procedure? I’m not a med junky, quite the opposite, but over the last year I’ve had enough pain! I did have a really hard time with colonoscopies because everytime they did perform these, I was in an acute flare up of UC. Plus I’m a little chicken for big discomforts. Let me know.
Thanks,
Marianne
I had this procedure one week ago. It was exactly as you described for me. While very uncomfortable and the insertion of the tube was painful for me due to a healing fissure I knew it was necessary. The whole thing wouldnt have been that bad except that I flinched as the liquid was filling up the pouch and the doctor said to me “Oh you must have a low pain threshold”. I promptly told him that it is impossible for someone who has lived with UC to have a low pain threshold.In hindsight I Wish I’d said some other things could have swapped places to give him a little insight :)
The only thing I would add is I continued to pass the contrast liquid for the next 48 hours. Sometimes it ocurred without much warning. If there are any girls (or boys if they dont mind) having it done I would take an overnight pad with you and wear one for the next 2 days.
Hey Dennis…just had my X-ray yesterday. But it was a little different from how you described it. Instead of shooting the solution into my bum, they shot it into my stoma. I hardly felt a thing and had no real urgency afterward. I waited until I got home to use the bathroom. Don’t know if this is a new technique, or just a different one.
Hi Adam,
I haven’t heard of the procedure done the way it was for you. I’m surprised, though, that you didn’t feel much. Most people I talk to confirm that they try to fill the pouch as much as possible, to the point of bursting, it seems. I’m glad you made it through alright!
okay, not looking forward to this test