small bowel Capsule test

[Buddybella]

Hi

I just wondering if there anyone who has done the test and able to share how they found it and if they were able to get a diagnosis? I have my test booked on the 8th April at the hospital.

many thanks Sonia

[Sunita77]

Hi, Buddybella, I've had bowel issues for quite a while and currently going through a diagnosis of either Crohn's or Bile Acid Malabsorption. I've had the capsule endoscopy twice (had the patency capsule twice and having the real one again next Friday). Depending on your hospital you might need to take a bowel prep before hand. I didn't I had to have a low residue diet for three days and then I had to stop eating at mid day the day before the test.

The capsule is quite large, so some people may have difficulty swallowing but I was okay. I had to take an anti-sickness tablet before swallowing it and the nurse put infacol into the water before I swallowed the actual capsule.

You have a small monitor strapped around your waist so I would wear something loose so that you can wear something over it like a cardigan.

You have to keep an eye on the little monitor to make sure the gadget is working as the battery may go flat. You can drink liquids a couple of hours swallowing the capsule and then have a light snack a couple of hours later (a very light snack).

You then have to go back to the hospital to hand back the equipment (depending if you have passed the capsule). When I went back to the hospital they said it hadn't passed so I had to go for a walk. I went to the toilet to pass a bowel movement and when I went back to the hospital they said I was okay. I didn't see it pass but I did go to the toilet a couple of times so it must have passed.

Hope your test goes well.

[Steve2357]

I am due one on Wednesday. Bowel prep Tuesday. I swallowed the patency capsule without any problem. So do not expect any problems.

[Steve2357]

Everything went well. I had no problem swallowing it. Just hope it shows up something they can actually deal with.