steerpike
01-11-2005, 10:28 PM
Does anyone know how accurate a Barium Enema is for detecting IBD, or the beginnings of IBD? Is it possible to miss something small?
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janson
01-19-2005, 11:48 AM
Well,yes. Barrium reveals physical changes (ulcers, excessive, thickened mucosa) but not inflammation itself. Colonoscopy is much more accurate.
quincy
01-20-2005, 03:30 AM
I went through the vile procedure and it didn't detect my UC of severe inflammation and bleeding. Finally my doctor sent me to a GI and through the process of elimination and visual through sigmoidoscopy confirmed it. I had the colonoscopy a month later for biopsies and proper visual investigation.
My opinion.....it was definitely a waste of time. For Crohn's I would say it might detect in later stages, but not in early stages in the colon. It all seems pointless if IBD is suspected because a colonoscopy would have to be done anyway.
The cleanout can exacerbate inflammation and cause undue distress.....I'd take the colonoscopy anyday, and I've had 6 already.
As far as accuracy for IBD?......not even close!!
quincy
My opinion.....it was definitely a waste of time. For Crohn's I would say it might detect in later stages, but not in early stages in the colon. It all seems pointless if IBD is suspected because a colonoscopy would have to be done anyway.
The cleanout can exacerbate inflammation and cause undue distress.....I'd take the colonoscopy anyday, and I've had 6 already.
As far as accuracy for IBD?......not even close!!
quincy
twisten
01-20-2005, 08:33 PM
When I had a barium enema it didn't show I had crohns or anything wrong with my bowel. A colonoscopy is what finally found it. I agree with Quincy, it does seem pointless. I know if they ever suggest another one to me I will decline it.
FireWoman
01-21-2005, 12:08 AM
I agree with Quincy and Twisten. I had the Barium Enema and it showed nothing. At that point, my doctor said "well, I guess we should go ahead and do a colonoscopy because it will show what a barium enema would show and then some." I was thinking, well then why in the heck didn't I just get the colonoscopy in the first place. What a waste of time AND the procedure WAS vile. I hated it. Like Quincy, I would take a colonoscopy any day. At least with a colonoscopy, it's painless AND they give you great meds :)
quincy
01-21-2005, 04:32 AM
doesn't it seem like they just made too much of that stuff and are just so desperate to to use it up?
It's not that a barium enema doesn't have its place....but as a first invasive procedure dealing with the bowel, it's #1 as being the most undignified!!!
This is one time my misery loves company....100%!!
At least there are options...imagine if that was the only one??
quincy
It's not that a barium enema doesn't have its place....but as a first invasive procedure dealing with the bowel, it's #1 as being the most undignified!!!
This is one time my misery loves company....100%!!
At least there are options...imagine if that was the only one??
quincy
FireWoman
01-21-2005, 12:53 PM
Ya, it's bizarre. I mean, you would think they would perform a colonoscopy first, since it shows everything a barium would and then some. Makes no sense to me. And undignified...DEFINITELY!! I was so physically miserable because I was suffering from SEVERE IBS-like symptoms at that time, painful cramping, horrible diarrhea the works. And here I am feeling like crud, laying on a table with the tech doing god knows what in a place that was already feeling pretty, well, crappy. Not my finest hour :)