Gastric Emptying Study

bhilyer

H is scheduled to have a gastric emptying study done tomorrow morning.  With the change to Elecare, he's been doing much better with feeds, but I feel like he's still uncomfortable at times.  

Anyone's LO have this test done?  Anything I should know beforehand? 

lemen99

We haven't done the test - but Andrew was on meds for DGE for almost 3 years.  Thinking of you!

kck329

lemen99:

We haven't done the test - but Andrew was on meds for DGE for almost 3 years.  Thinking of you!

Yep all this (well 7 months not 3 years). Good luck!

ETA: I think  rachel06 's DS had the study done but I'm not sure

ppants

I'm a nuclear medicine technologist and perform gastric emptying studies.  I haven't done a baby though.  We would give a patient two eggs to eat mixed with a radioactive tracer and some water to drink.  We take pictures upright for 45 min.  After the 45 min, the images are processed to see if the emptying time is normal.  If the emptying is delayed, we give reglan IV and take images for another 30 min to see if the medication helps the stomach to empty.  I'm sure they'll mix the isotope with formula or BM (I would bring whatever you use).  He'll drink and then be imaged.  Imaging can vary by institution.  I'd call and ask.  Also, the pt has to be NPO (no have anything to eat or drink) for at least 4 - 6 hrs prior to the test.

AlwaysSunny925

No clue B, but I'm thinking of you!!!  Let us know how it goes.

bhilyer

mrs_sexy:

We would give a patient two eggs to eat mixed with a radioactive tracer and some water to drink.  

Funny you mention this...I called this morning to confirm where to go and what time to be there.  The lady I spoke to said "I hope he likes eggs because he has to eat an egg sandwich."  I said "Ummmm, he doesn't eat."  She said "Well, he's gonna have to."  I said " He doesn't have teeth!  He's not even 10 months old."

Turns out they had the wrong birth date down for him.  We've got it all straightened out now, and I'll be taking his formula.

Do y'all strap LOs down to take the films? 

ppants

Ha!  That's funny.  Like I said, I haven't done one on such a little guy, but IF I were to, I'd probably let you hold him on your lap for the imaging.  The trick is that he has to hold still though.  I think strapping him down would just upset him and make it harder.  I assume you're not pg.  If you are, then you couldn't hold babe for the imaging.

bhilyer

mrs_sexy:

I assume you're not pg.

Not NO, but He!l NO! 

lwmooney87

I have no advice but I hope it goes well!

afwifestrecker7706

Little late but my D S had this done. He drank some apple juice with radaioactive stuff in it then had to be tapped to a table and havexrays taken every so many minutes for like an hour or more. We the went back next day for another scan. Think he may had 2 test done can't remember. 

We found out he does have delayed emptying either that is what causes his reflux or it was caused by the reflux. He has been on low dose antibiotics for a year now. Hope your test was not to bad