Upper GI

[Guest]

Hello:

Due to persistent anemia my doctor had me scoped 'from both ends' -- those having come back clear has ordered a barium swallow with small bowel follow through. When I went to the hospital for it (a large hospital in D.C.) they informed me that since I weigh over 300 pounds I couldn't be examined, which means the test to r/o Crohn's or who knows what else :( can't be done, right? Or are there (likely to be) facilities in the metro area to perform this kind of test on me, or are other tests (CT?) equally useful in ruling out Croh's, or God knows what else?

It was a horribly embarrassing experience.

[Guest]

I apologize for what you went through. I have seen this happen too many times. The unfortunate fact is that imaging equipment is not designed for all sizes and shapes and there is great variation from hospital to hospital. At my place, for example, I could do an upper GI on you and scan you in one of my scanners, but not the other.
What should not vary is sensitivity in the way this issue is handled. But it does. To minimize this embarrassment, ask your physician to help you, or call the department beforehand and speak ask to speak to the chief technologist. These people are supposed to be there to help.
[quote] Hello:

Due to persistent anemia my doctor had me scoped 'from both ends' -- those having come back clear has ordered a barium swallow with small bowel follow through. When I went to the hospital for it (a large hospital in D... [/quote]