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Posted 4/1/2010 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
This is for anyone that has done the pillcam before.  I wanted to know, is there any prep needing to be done for it like a colonoscopy or do you just take it?  Also, how big is the cam?  Is it hugh or small?  I am thinking of asking my dr about doing the cam but it scares me a little.
Posted 4/1/2010 1:11 PM (GMT 0)
Been a few years but if I recall, only prep was no solid food for so many hours before the test. The pill was not that large, maybe a little larger than the largest pill you have ever taken. Also there is a pill that desolves that you can take to see if there is a restriction where the pill would stick, thus keeping you from trouble with the real thing. Dont forget to smile , it starts taking pics as soon as you take it out of its little box...
Posted 4/1/2010 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
Some folks have to do preps and others don't. I guess it depends on the doctor. My doctor requires a c-scope like prep beforehand. Hence, the reason I haven't done one yet:)
Posted 4/1/2010 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
I did it about 4 years ago and no prep except no food after midnight the night before. Like Sniper said, it's a little larger than a big vitamin, but it's smooth plastic and really easy to swallow. I was worried about that and made them bring me a huge glass of water. Thankfully, it slid right down, no problem. Mine did get stuck and they removed it when I had my resection about a month later, so I'd take the advice saying do the dissolving pill first, if you have that option.

Posted 4/1/2010 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
I really appreciate all the data they got from the pill camera for me. Was very easy to do, and only had to walk around with the moniters harness on for a couple of hours.

I agree on the patency capsule to make sure you have enough space to pass it.
Posted 4/1/2010 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for the input.  I am not worried about it getting stuck as I don't have any stricture problems and I don't have any constipation issues....but you never know so if I decide to do this I will inquire first about the dissolvable pill.
Posted 4/1/2010 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi JavaJay :)

I just did the pill cam about a month ago.. It was the easiest test I've ever done! All I had to do was quit eating solid food at noon the day before, and stay on a liquid diet until 2 hours after swallowing the pill the next morning. I could have jello which was nice and anything clear, like broth, juice etc. It's about the size of a large multi-vitamin, but I'd say i'ts about twice the diameter. I was suprised how easy it went down and I poo'd it out less than 12 hours later. What's weird is that it's already taking pictures and blinking as you put it in your mouth... lol... You wear this big belt thing that has a little computer in it, and the pill transmits the signal to the computer which stores the pictures for your doctor to look at.. I had to wear it for 8 hours. I took the pill at 8am and pooped it out 11 hours later.. lol.. I must have a fast motility rate.. lol..

The only bummer about the pill cam was that I had to do a small bowel follow through test first to rule out any blockages... That test wasn't fun, but once I got down that pancake batter awful tasting barium stuff.. all I had to do was get X-rays every 15 minutes until it reached my Colon... I just held my nose and took a big swig every few minutes until it was all down.. No Nausea, nothing... it just tasted icky.. lol..

If it turns out you don't have any strictures or blockages, I'd definately do this test.. it's EASY PEASY... :)
Posted 4/1/2010 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
I've done it a few times, with different doctors who are all part of the same group. One made me do a C-scope prep, one didn't. Weird. The first time I didn't were anything for the apparatus to attach to (leather belt) and the velco ruined my brand new shirt, so be prepared. I went out and bought a very cheap belt afterwards for future tests.
Posted 4/1/2010 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor told me to practice swalling whole grapes before I did the test. I did maybe one because I have no problem swalling alot o pills or large ones. But it would be a great way to practice before you get to the real thing =)
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