What is a Barium Enema?

A Barium Enema is a X-ray test of the large intestine (colon).  This test shows the lining of the colon and rectum.  If you are pregnant, or think you might be, tell the radiologist or technologist before the x-ray is taken.

How do I get ready for a Barium Enema?

If you have diabetes, call the doctor who treats your diabetes and ask if you will need to adjust your insulin dosage as you will not be eating your normal diet before this test.

If you have a colostomy, follow the same instructions, plus bring an extra bag and wafer with you when you come in for your test.

Your colon and rectum must be empty of all stool before this test.  To be sure that your colon and rectum are cleaned out, follow these instructions.

The day before your Barium Enema:

Instead of your normal diet, you must eat and drink only the following foods for 24 hours before the test.  This liquid diet may cause you to feel weak or dizzy.  You may want someone to drive you to and from the hospital.

• Coffee or tea (without cream, milk, or powdered whitener)
• Chicken or beef broth
• Apple juice
• Jello
• Water

Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., drink four 8 ounce glasses of water in addition to what you are drinking with your liquid diet.

At 1 p.m., drink the whole 10 oz. bottle of chilled Magnesium Citrate over ice and take two Biscodyl (Dulcolax) tablets.

This can be purchased at any drug store.At 5 p.m., drink one 8 oz. glass of water and take two more Biscodyl (Dulcolax) tablets.

You may eat or drink as much as you want of the above foods until midnight the night before your test.

The morning of your Barium Enema:

• Do not eat or drink anything, but you may take your medicines with a small sip of water.
• Take only your medicines that you do not have to take with food or milk.  You may bring your medicines with you so that you can take them after the enema.

How is a Barium Enema done?

You will be asked to lie on your side and a lubricated tube will be placed into your rectum.  A small balloon on the end of the tube will be inflated to help you hold the tube in your rectum.  A radiologist, a doctor who specializes in radiology, will watch as a barium mixture flows through the tube and into your colon.

You will be asked to turn in several different directions in order to coat the inside wall of your colon with the barium mixture.  Air will then slowly be introduced through the tube into your rectum to slightly expand the colon to better see the bowel wall.

After your colon is coated with barium mixture, a series of X-rays will be taken by a technologist.  You will then be taken to a restroom to empty the barium and air mixture from your colon.

The test takes about 1 hour.  The staff will try to make you as comfortable as possible, however, please let us know if you have any discomfort.

The radiologist will study your x-rays and send a report to your doctor.  You may contact your doctor in 3 days for the results.

What should I do after the Barium Enema?

If you have no other tests scheduled, you will be able to start your normal diet. Drink plenty of water, but avoid carbonated beverages.  Eat foods high in fiber, and/or take a mild laxative to help remove any remaining barium.  Do not be alarmed if your stool is white due to the barium for a day or so after the test.

If you have a colostomy (a bag surgically attached to the large intestine used to collect stools), irrigate it after the last x-ray is taken and again in the morning. The last x-ray may be taken as late as 6 hours after you first swallowed barium.

Contact your doctor if:

• You have not passed the barium in your stool in 2 to 3 days after the exam.
• You have a pencil-thin stool or notice a change in your usual bowel habits.
• You have pain in your lower abdomen (belly) or stomach.
• Your stools are not normal in 3 days.
• You have questions or concerns about your illness, medicine, or the barium swallow procedure.

Source: Ohio State University Medical Center

• tight calf muscles,
• poor stretching habits,
• running on hard surfaces and hills,
• overuse,
• over-pronation so you walk on the insides of your feet, or
• worn out shoes.

Achilles tendinitis develops slowly, and it is hard to overcome. It is most common in runners. Often, athletes try to “run through” the pain. This makes the problem worse and prolongs healing. Early symptoms include swelling and redness over the tendon as well as a creaking feeling. More serious symptoms begin when you ignore the early symptoms. You’ll start to feel pain, aching, and stiffness before, during, and after exercise, and the tendon may become tender to touch. The pain will be worse when you walk uphill or climb stairs.

Follow these steps to speed healing:

• Stop doing the activity that caused the condition. Do 20-minute ice massage sessions intermittently for 48 to 72 hours, after 72 hours begin moist heat treatments.
• Start a rehab program seven to ten days after you notice the first symptoms, to stretch and strengthen your calf muscles and ankle.
• Wear half-inch heel lifts in BOTH shoes to relieve tension. Wear running shoes with rigid heel counters. This will reduce ankle pronation and pressure on your heel.
• Cross-train, performing aerobic activities that don’t stress the Achilles tendon, such as cycling or swimming.
• Seek medical care if the problem doesn’t clear up within two weeks.
• When you start running again, warm up then stretch before exercise. Ice the tendon afterward if there is pain.

Ibuprofen or aspirin will relieve pain and inflammation. If you treat it early, Achilles tendinitis can clear up within a week or two. If you don’t, it may take up to six months to overcome.