Question:
What do they do when they do an Upper GI and is it painful?

   — K T. (posted on February 17, 2001)

February 17, 2001
No, it's not painful at all! You drink a few swallows of this barium stuff and they take some pictures standing up and then lying down. That's all there is to it. Very painless. Good luck.
   — Sharon R.

February 17, 2001
I just had my ugi, its the 2nd one I have had in the last few yrs...No pain at all, I also work in radiology so I see them done everyday..the barium taste like pepto in away,,then you will lay doown and roll over while they loke at your esophagus on the moniter to make sure your digesting is ok.. Its actually a neat test... good luck.. sheryl
   — Sheryl K.

February 17, 2001
This is not a difficult test. The Barium swallow is much better now than several years ago. I was even asked if I wanted a Chocolate flavor added to it. One reason they do this, at least after surgery is to see if there are any leaks. They will take pictures of the esophagus as you are swallowing so they can see if there are any leaks anywhere. The barium shows up really well contrasted to the black backround of the machine. I've also had this done due to acid reflux and to check my prior surgery on that to make sure no leaks. You'll do fine. I used to gag on the "old" barium and I did okay this last time around. Good luck
   — Linda M.