Dealing with Crohns Disease and Flares

I’ve had 2 different types of contrast: barium (a thick white chalky substance) and another that I don’t know the name of (it’s clear, salty, sweet, and clearing-ish fluid). The barium seemed to move a little slower through my digestive tract than the clear fluid. I had mega-shits immediately after the scans each time. And I was so afraid I’d have an accident on the table that I warned the doctors so they put a potty pad on the table just in case. I would hate for anyone to have to clean up an accident after me. But I’ve been lucky to not have any accidents while at the doctor’s office. All in all, the drinks are nausea inducing but tolerable at the same time. The scans are usually done within 45-1hr depending on the type you’re having done. But if you don’t like tight spaces, let the doctor know and they may give you something to help you relax while in the machine.

Yes I got the MRE that showed I in fact needed my gallbladder out and that I was right about my suspicion. It’s not bad at all

Yeah overall you just have to lay there and hold still when they tell you to. If you’re lucky they’ll play music for you through headphones :) it’s only happened with one technician I had but it was the best

The dye contrast you have to drink is AWFUL but the rest of the experience is similar to a normal MRI. You have to drink the bottles in like a set time period and they make your stool kind of white but overall it’s an easy procedure.

It’s usually three bottles in a row and they usually give me a straw so it’s easier to drink quickly

You’ll have to drink it within an hour I think and to be honest it tastes bad haha. I have vomited once before and then I had to start all over again. 😩 so i try really hard to just get it down quickly and keep it down.

I guess how terrible is the contrast and how long does it take? Im awful with my own colonoscopy prep and such makes me gag and of vomit terribly lol.

Hey there! I have gotten a few MREs in the past, I get them regularly (about once every two years) just to make sure everything is good. What would you like to know? Ask me anything!