Gastrografin

[sue32]

Hi all. I'm having a CT scan next Tuesday, 15th, and I've been given Gastrografin oral to take for 3 days beforehand. I suffer with IBS-D and I'm sooo worried that this stuff will make it worse. I've been told that it's not a laxative, just a highlighter for the scan. Any advice please?

[Petrina_gmfc]

Hi had it done years ago you will be fine was fine when I had done .

[sue32 in reply to Petrina_gmfc]

Oh thank you so much for that...you've put my mind at rest....x

[Petrina_gmfc in reply to sue32]

Let me know how you get on

[binks]

I had it several years ago and as I remember, it is supposed to clear you out a bit. It wasn't terrible - not like the Moviprep! And the procedure was absolutely nothing to worry about. I wouldn't go out on the day you take the Gastro though.

"Gastrografin is a mild laxative which will remove most stool, but also helps us distinguish stool from polyps. "

[Merlinjardin]

I have IBS C and I Am bloated and have more wind after a bowel movement. Goes every day but not easy. Don’t no why

[drax83]

Just refuse it. It's bad. A website on preps list this as one of the worst preps going with many patients having to go to A&E with allergic reactions to it. I was given this 3 year ago for a scan colonoscopy. I waited in ct room before going in felling absolutely unwell. Plus I had slightly red ankles which were warm to the touch. I will never have it again😒😒you may be lucky and not have an aversion reaction to it, but many do, with some more than usual bad reactions. My advice is keep well away from Grafin😳

[edwangy in reply to drax83]

Not helpful

[drax83 in reply to edwangy]

I understand that, just be aware that's all. It's effects last longer than most. Just trying to give an honest review and experience, good luck anyway👍👍

[xjrs]

I had no issues with Gastrografin. For me, it was far more gentle than Moviprep.

[Superzob]

It varies between people, but it won’t actually make the IBS-D worse. Most importantly, in my opinion, is to take sports drinks or Dioralyte to keep up your electrolytes. I also took Imodium before I went for the scan as I was a bit worried about accidents, and it made no difference to the scan as I was already empty.

[sue32]

Oh crikey! I'm unsure now. The radiologist told me it won't empty my bowel, it's just to highlight certain areas for the CT scan. I also read about the laxative effect before I spoke to the radiologist....what do I do? Oh, I wish I was more assertive....

[Evangeline22 in reply to sue32]

Please don't worry, the scan was straightforward, and the laxative you take the night before is not pleasant, but it does the trick and at least it is soon over with. Just stay calm and chin up, good luck

[binks in reply to sue32]

I had no issues with it whatsoever - I wouldn't worry. All the best x

[FeistyGirl]

I’ve had Gastrografin 3 times for CT Colonograpghy. I’ve also had numerous colonoscopies where I’ve had to take Moviprep or Picolax prior to procedure.

Gastrografin is a “walk in the park” compared to the other two preps! From memory it’s a kind of contrast preparation which has a laxative effect but it’s not designed to clear you out like the colonoscopy preps. Yes it will likely have a laxative effect but it was in no way as aggressive or unpleasant as the other preps which are designed to clear you out.

It really was fine to take and I’d rather take it and have an accurate CT scan than not. I can sense how anxious you are but you’ve had more positive responses to your post so maybe be guided by those?

Fingers crossed it all goes well on Tuesday. Let us know.

x

[Sparrow58]

You are always going to get mixed opinions on medicines as everybody acts differently. I wish you all the best on Tuesday and I hope you can get some answers to your stomach issues.

[Linley]

I suffer with IBS d badly had Moviprep recently ready for a Colonoscopy, which as you know is a strong laxative to clear out the bowel. Gastrofrafin is milder. I gave myself a good talking too at the time and said " be brave if you want to find out what's wrong in your bowel take it and it forget it", so I did the procedure is now behind me. Good Luck for Tuesday and let us know how you get on🤞

[dogandbone]

Hello Sue I took Gastrogafin last year for a CT scan and the only problem I had was with my gait which lasted a few days. I could not walk in a straight line! Also I had to drink so much of it before the hospital visit and again when I arrived! It didn’t affect anything else. Hope you get on well. Best Wishes. E

[Molly100]

I had it a few weeks ago for a scan it was fine not as bad as moviprep as others have said. Even the scan was fine. I didn’t go out while taking it and did have to rush to loo but not horrific. You will be fine. All the best

[Ornx]

I took it before my Ct colonoscopy scan last Monday. It was ok not as bad as other preps. You will be ok.

[Booth29]

I had it for my last colonoscopy scan, like everyone says it does have a mild laxative effect, nothing like movicol etc. I had no adverse effects to it, and if it means they can get a better look at everything it’s worth it. Good luck, you’ll be fine