CT Scan - Barium Sulfate drink??

I'm supposed to have a abdominal/pelvic CT scan done on Friday. I picked up the 'prep kit' today and found out I have to drink two LARGE bottles of Barium Sulfate before I get to the hospital, then one more whole bottle when I arrive (to make it even worse, it is berry smoothie flavored).

Okay, I have had a CT scan done before in January '05 for a whole different reason (chest scan), but only had the IV contrast given to me. Is the liquid really really bad?? I'm so scared I'm gonna throw it all up. It just looks so gross. I have to drink it on Thursday night.

Thanks for any information you can share with me

If it is the stuff I think you are talking about, get it at one of the large chain drugsrores as they will have a better variety of flavors. Also, if you still can't take the taste and are afraid it will make you sick, hold your nose while you drink it. Don't sip, just turn it up and drink til it's gone. If you hold your nose, you can't smell, therefore it interferes with your ability to taste. I've had cancer and have had to drink all kinds of yucky stuff. Holding your nose and drinking it down without stopping really works. I promise. Just tune out and don't think about it. IT WILL WORK! Also, the others that said drink it COLD know what they are talking about. It's not as 'flavorable' when it's really cold as opposed to room temp.

Try refridgerating it so that it isn't warm when u drink it.

I have done enough CT scans, especially for the area you are having it done. They have done enough to make the contrast taste a lot better than what it tasted like 6-8 years ago.
My last one tasted like Crystal Light tea and lemonade(I chose one of each) and it wasn't that bad at all.
I expect to have another one in a couple weeks to show if my treatment is working.
Don't be scared. Make sure it is cold as well when you drink it.

Definitely better colder than warm; also gulp it as quickly as you're able. And BREATHE. It is very important to stop and breathe when you feel the urge to regurgitate. Its going to be rough, but it is manageable. I think they give you so much because they expect you to lose a certain amount - its just to make sure the barium makes it all the way through your digestive system. Good luck.

Been where you are. I worried for days that I would throw up. It doesn't look any different than a smoothie and goes down fairly easy. I surprised myself. It does have a berry flavor to it though, so you'll have to work through that. If you really don't tolerate the taste of berry, call ahead and see if there is something they can do to disguise the flavor.