help-upper GI tomorrow:((

 I was recently approved by CIGNA-two days after paperwork was submitted. I'm excited about that. However, I am frantic that I have to take the upper GI test tomorrow. I took one about 15 years ago and can only remember choking on the thick white paste and feeling like I was going to die after drinking a glass of something that felt like little pieces of glass. 

I've heard that it's not that bad now. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get through this without embarrassing myself and getting on the nurse's nerves.....and still surviving the experience?? If anyone has recently had to undergo this test, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Some of the things are different. I think now they add a flavor to it. My wife Cheryl was one tommorrow too at Baptist at 10am. I will say a prayer for you too

Hey liric2002, 

I had the UGI last month and it was a breeze.  I remember having one years ago and the contrast you have to drink now is almost pleasant.  It was not bad at all.  They had me take a small sip of something different at the end for the last pictures and  had a little of that chalky taste but all in all it was a so much easier and more pleasant than the last time.

Please try not to get scared and make the experience seem worse than it is.

I promise you will be pleasantly surprised.  Just keep in mind what you are doing this for and that should get you through most anything.

Good luck!!!

 Thanks for the encouragement. I know that-as with most things- most of the battle is in my mind. I'll have to just pray and try to remember that.....AND think about my goal.  Under the cir****tances, I am blessed. My insurance approved me before I even had a chance to remember that the paperwork had been submitted. That's a relief after all of the horror stories that I've heard.

You'll do fine.  The stuff you have to drink for the last pictures is Mylanta.  This will help pass the Barium thru your system.  Otherwise, your bowels will be like cement for 2 weeks.  I no longer have that kind of test.  I'm allergic to the sulfate in the Barium so they just put me to sleep and do the scope instead.  Like that better.  Just remember the reason you are having this test and you'll breeze right thru it. They've come a long way in the flavor of the Barium.

I don't know who your Dr. is, but I am from the Memphis area and had my tests at St. Francis Hospital.  The Staff was helpful and kind.   If that is where you will have youor tests, they will walk you through it with support and kindness.  I think you will be plesently surprised.  

I didn't LOVE it, but it was better than a sharp stick in the eye!  

It will be fine.  Just relax and enjoy the ride. 

 Well, I guess I'm more of a wuss than most of you. I did make it through the test.....barely.  The doctor got to the point where he said that he wasn't going to make me go through any more of the torture....AFTER they had to stand the XRAY table up because I was unable to make myself swallow the stuff lying down AND after the  gag reflex mad the stuff come back up through my nose. He said that I did get enough down to do whatever he needed to do. I have a "hyatial hernia". Has anyone ever heard of that? Will that prevent me from having surgery??