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Capsule Endoscopy

bklyn

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bklyn Enthusiast
bklyn
Posted

I'm having a capsule endoscopy done on Monday and I wanted to know if anyone has any tips for me on this procedure. The dr.'s office told me I can't do any "heavy lifting" but can I really go about a normal day? Also, I have to do a "prep" the day before. Is this as bad as the prep for a colonoscopy? How long do I have to go without eating?

Any help is appreciated.

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jennyj Collaborator
jennyj
Posted
I'm having a capsule endoscopy done on Monday and I wanted to know if anyone has any tips for me on this procedure. The dr.'s office told me I can't do any "heavy lifting" but can I really go about a normal day? Also, I have to do a "prep" the day before. Is this as bad as the prep for a colonoscopy? How long do I have to go without eating?

Any help is appreciated.

I had one done about two years ago. I remember just going shopping. I do not remember a prep. I didn't even know when I passed it. I know they said I couldn't fly, go near X-ray machines, or high powered microwaves. The worry before hand was worse than the actual proceedure. You have to wear a battery pack around your waist which was a little awkward at first. Good luck.

mmaccartney Explorer
mmaccartney
Posted

I had one done last year. I don't recall any prep kit (like colonoscopy ugh!). I think they told me not to eat or drink after midnight the night before.

I swallowed the pill camera at about 8am, and they did tell me not to eat until lunchtime (I think).

There were no restrictions on my activities, though there were some things that were difficult due to the harness that you wear to hold the recording equipment.

It was a cool test. Watch for insurance coverage though. Diagnosis of Celiac is not considered a valid reason to have this test done (for most insurance companies). My doctor (at the time) was trying to check for Chrons disease which is a valid reason to have the test performed(for most insurance companies).

I do recall that my insurance company denied my coverage for the test, and I had to go get my records from the doctor that indicated he was looking for Chrons disease and then they would pay for it.

Guest greengirl
Guest greengirl
Posted

The test was very easy. I don't remember any prep either, except not to eat or drink after midnight. My doctor also wanted me to have clear liquids the day of the test for the best results, but he said if I got really hungry I could eat a light lunch.

The wires, belt and battery pack were rather bulky. I remember thinking that if I didn't have a coat on to cover it up, I would feel really weird going out in public. I looked like a suicide bomber! LOL!

The only other thing is to make sure that you see the capsule come out!! I didn't see mine for 5 days because it got stuck somehow. If you don't actually see it, then you'll have to go in for an x-ray. None of us needs any more dr. visits than are absolutely necessary!! And it's crucial that it comes out otherwise they have to surgically remove it.

Good luck! And don't worry, this is the easiest test I've had done. I'd prefer it to a barium swallow any day!!

Christine

cebarnes Newbie
cebarnes
Posted

Just so you know...If they actually see something they might want you to also do an endoscopy anyway...they don't always let you know that before hand. Happened to a friend of mine, he was trying to avoid the edoscopy but they saw damage in his esophogus so they did the edoscopy anyway... :(

Carl

evie Rookie
evie
Posted
I'm having a capsule endoscopy done on Monday and I wanted to know if anyone has any tips for me on this procedure. The dr.'s office told me I can't do any "heavy lifting" but can I really go about a normal day? Also, I have to do a "prep" the day before. Is this as bad as the prep for a colonoscopy? How long do I have to go without eating?

Any help is appreciated.

bklyn..I had the capsule camera test 2/20/06. Swallowed the capsule @ 6:30 am, ate a light lunch then visited an allergist. was rather bulky but no problem, was told not to go into certain store because of security equipment there. since I was having much D then i passed it the next morning. My insurance paid for it but next gastroenterologist did not accept it as showing true celiac disease. He likes the gold standard biopsy which I had earlier but did not show enough problems. the damage shown by camera is good enough for me to know the gluten free food is helping me recover. Good luck to you, it be fine!! evie

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