I have no experience with this test, but I'll bump it to the top for you in the hopes that someone else will come along soon...

They've seen it all before - it's medical pooping, not social pooping (whatever that is). I wouldn't expect your period to have any effect, but you'd be better off with a tampon than a pad, and you might as well call them to ask.

Thanks for writing Scott, I'm aware they've seen it all before. Sometimes that doesn't make it any easier for some of us. And I was looking for someone who's had the test and could tell me about their experience...not someone to tell me that it's not going to be weird for the medical professionals involved.

Megals, I will be completely honest with you. I had the test done in January and I found it very embarrassing. I too was on my period and was told to take my tampon out so that's probably what you will have to do. There were two people in the room with me, the technician who was female, and the radiologist, who was male. They were both standing right next to me. They were very respectful and were looking at the x-ray screen, not me, and were trying to make me feel comfortable but it was still embarrassing. I'm sorry you have to go through this and wish I could tell you it wasn't embarrassing. I just tried to go into it prepared and told myself that I would never see these people again.

I was going to also say that the tampon would not likely be OK, since it would alter the normal functional view.

I have not had this particular procedure, but have had numerous embarassing things done to me (as I am sure all of us have). Being a nurse, I've been on both ends of it. Believe it or not, the staff get embarassed too, and they cover it by being very professional and matter-of-fact. These things are awkward for everyone.

It is OK to tell the staff that you feel nervous, self-conscious, or whatever. They will do their best to make you relax. I suppose the one saving grace is that you are in a darkened room.

Hope you get some answers at the end of the day to make it worth your trouble.

Jan

Thank you Daisy and Jan for writing

I guess my nerves are just getting the better of me. I normally get anxiety about going to the bathroom, especially in public places (which we obviously can't avoid), so this is kind of a nightmarish situation for me.

Daisy, was the test physically uncomfortable?

Kind of reminds me of how we (women) obsess and worry about having a BM while in labor. When the time comes, there are so many distractions that you wonder what you were freaked about. Still it is a real concern, and not to be dismissed.

Jan

Megals - Did you have your test? I am scheduled for the test on 5/15/2014. The only bonus so far on having the j-pouch is that I was told there was no prep.

Hi! I did have it done this past Friday at Jefferson (your profile says you're from Philly, so not sure if you're having it there) There is no prep, so that's definitely a plus! To be honest, it was quite embarrassing and uncomfortable (but I also went into it already anxious and uncomfortable). The radiologist initially said he was only going to inject the barium paste rectally, but I ended up having to both drink it and inject it vaginally. The radiologist was really nice and explained everything. After he injected it rectally I had to sit on a commode and defecate while they took x-rays (both the techs and radiologist were behind a wall with blinds covering the window) From what he saw during that portion that's when he decided to do the other parts of the test. He said he saw several prolapse(s) so I see my surgeon 5/15/14. If you have an specific questions, please feel free to message me!

Megals, sorry I didn't get back to you. I'm glad you are done with the test and you don't have to worry about that anymore. Now on to the next step :-)

Thank you Daisy it's quite alright, I really appreciated your initial comment!

I'll be going to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania tomorrow for my test. I am so looking forward to it since I hope they can find something so we will know how to proceed to get me better. I think it is my last hope before the doctor recommends I go back to having a stoma.

Good luck Dort! I understand completely that, as bad as the test is, it will at least (hopefully) provide some answers...that's the same boat I'm in. I find out my results tomorrow with my surgeon. I wish you the best!

Megals, good luck tomorrow. I have you in my thoughts and prayers.

Megals - how did your appointment go?

I had my Defecogram and it wasn't too bad. They put barium and air up my anus and it wasn't uncomfortable. After a couple of xrays they had me sit on a toilet on a platform and expel the barium. I think it took 10 minutes for the whole test. The results should be available for my GI doctor this evening.

I felt like Queen for a day sitting on platform toilet.

I'm so glad it went went Dort! I just got back from my surgeon and have surgery scheduled for June 6th. He'll go in and pull everything back up and tack it to my abdominal wall. Unfortunately he can't do it laparoscopically and he's hoping he won't have to redo my pouch. I'm glad I got an answer, but nervous about another surgery please keep me posted on what your prognosis is!! I hope you get an answer to your problem

Megals - I'm so sorry to hear that you will have more surgery. But if it solves your problem than it will be well worth it.

My test results came back and no abnormalities were found. Now my doctor thinks I may have bile salt diarrhea so I just took my first pill to address it. One of the side effects can be constipation. Wow, that would be a nice change.

Dort- I hope the pills help your situation! Keep me posted on how they work for you

I am nervous about the surgery, but am so glad there's a reason for me feeling this way. I really hope these next 3 weeks fly by (both for my anxiety's sake and how uncomfortable I am)

Wishing you the best!!

Megals
I haven't experienced this. But my close friend sara pass through this. There was twp peoples in the room and both were male. Although they were very respectful to her but she says it really embarrassing.