Barium study post op

I swear the xray tech I had do my barium study/leak test after post op, was the dumbest person ever. She forced me to drink almost 10 oz of the liquid and then handed me another cup and told me to keep drinking.

I finally asked her if she knew what kind of surgery i had just had, and she said nope. Which pissed me off. Even after i told her that I had just had the gastric she still kept saying just drink it. Then when she set up the test she kept pulling the lead curtian thing right over my drain. I left that room crying, in pain, and my drain plug being tugged on and leaking all over me.

I know this is a rant, but damn it they should know how to handle the test while dealing with gastric. I had this test done the next morning. I am debating on reporting her to the hospital, because I dont think that is how the doctors expected that test to be done. What or how did others handle that test post op?

 Wow sorry about your experience!  I had to have it done twice post op.  The first time I drank a very thin lemon-lime liquid, apx 3 oz.  The second time, I went back into the hospital after being discharged, I had pancreatitis.  That time, which was about 5 days post-op, I had to drink more..it was actually for a contrast CT scan...That time I was pretty miserable, had to drink about 6 oz, perhaps a little more very fast.  The tech knew about my surgery and that was the typical protocol for that CT scan.  I was a little uncomfortable but it past fast.  Hope you are healing well!

Yes, you need to let the hospital know exactly what you told us here.  I am surprised you did not throw it all up all over her.  Very unprofessional.  The amount she gave you I cannot say because our surgeon doesn't do the barium study he has his own technique he does during the surgery.  How on earth can anyone be allowed to drink 10 ounces of barium after WLS???  I worked in Radiology many years ago not as a tech but front desk and yes, I would let them know.  Pissed??? you bet. Keep us posted.
Jane

I also had the thin liquid to drink and I only had to get about 3 ounces down. Aside from the horrible taste it wasnt too hard on my surgery sites. I would report them, maybe they have a history of abusive behavior. It happens more than we like to admit in all types of medical situations and I have no qualms about reporting it. A caregiver in any capacity is supposed to give care not abuse. I'm sorry it was so unpleasant for you. Good luck and hang in there.

It doesn't sound right. I would def. talk to someone about it.
Maybe the dept. manager/co-ordinator.

 I am an xray tech and I will say this...the tech should have known why you were there and getting the test and for sure should have been more sensitive to your pain and made accommodations to make it easier on you. Sorry you had a rough time of it (hugs)

YES YES YES you should definately report her!  i only had to drink about 3 oz, if that, the next morning.....10+ oz is way to much :(  sorry you had to go through that.  Reporting her may make you feel a little bit better.

I have no idea how much i had to drink but it was a pretty large cup of the stuff and I had to drink it in three different intervals as they did the test. If I had to guess I'd say it was 6-8 oz at least. I too thought there was no way it was going down but it did. I felt sick for a while afterwards, not fun at all.

I would of commented to her the minute she hit my drain and if she seemed not to care I would of asked for her supervisor right there. Since you are already done I'd call about that.

My surgeon tested for leaks while I was still on the operating table.  I don't understand why some surgeons prefer to do the barium swallow the next morning. Seems like it would be preferrable to do the test in the OR.

Mine does both.  He tests at the time, but then wants to make sure that nothing failed and does a second check the next day.