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Due to some bouts on occassion of diverticulitis lately I had a barium enema this morning.
I've had these before but this time they withdrew some barium enema after initial pictures and then put in air. According to doctor giving test he advised me beforehand that he would be doing this and as he was aware that I had a barium enema 5 years ago not to be concerned that he was doing something different.
Last time I believe I just passed the barium out and then he took more pictures
I've gotten rid of most of the gas by now but still seems to be some left. I presume I just drink more liquids. Any advice in this area? Also given the heavy amount of laxitive taken yesterday for this test should I go back to using my daily dose of Metamucil right away?
Answer -
You had an air contrast barium enema that outlines the lining a little better. You can increase fluids and go back to metamucil right away. Barium tends to be constipating, so you should do whatever you do for fiber right away.-
=======================================================NEW QUESTION
Doctor advised that he got results today and I am showing as expected diverticulous but also two small polyps, a few mm in length. Therefore I will require a colonoscopy for a better look.
How big do polyps have to be to be considered a risk for cancer and are they always removed if found in a colonoscopy? Due to recent death of mother at 87 of colon cancer I presume risk of getting colon cancer is greater.
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I've had these before but this time they withdrew some barium enema after initial pictures and then put in air. According to doctor giving test he advised me beforehand that he would be doing this and as he was aware that I had a barium enema 5 years ago not to be concerned that he was doing something different.
Last time I believe I just passed the barium out and then he took more pictures
I've gotten rid of most of the gas by now but still seems to be some left. I presume I just drink more liquids. Any advice in this area? Also given the heavy amount of laxitive taken yesterday for this test should I go back to using my daily dose of Metamucil right away?
Answer -
You had an air contrast barium enema that outlines the lining a little better. You can increase fluids and go back to metamucil right away. Barium tends to be constipating, so you should do whatever you do for fiber right away.
AnswerPolyps need to be 10 mm (1 cm) before we really get worried about cancer. However, all polyps need to be biopsied and destroyed... the thing we look for is whether the polyp is adenomatous (has features of glandular tissue) and whether the polyp has precancerous tendencies. (Dysplasia). Those issues really determine the cancer potential.
Hope that that answered your questions.
