My GI now wants to do a capsule endoscopy to rule out Crohns. I am struggling to go through with it because I just had a colonoscopy and endoscopy in the fall. I know there are areas that couldn't be reached but how is this test going to help? The medications for Crohns seem pretty much the same as for MC and everything I've taken has not worked or made my D and general well-being worse. If I don't do it, I think I am at the end of the road with my GI. If I do go through with it I get to add to my already heafty bill for the past year's diagnostics.
I really want to find something that works but at the same time I doubt there will be any answers.
I tried the FMT route and failed. There was no improvements after numerous attempts.
My GI wanted me to get my thyroid labs done and I explained why I had supressed TSH. I am curious about my RT3. When I asked if this could be part of the reason why I see no improvements I was told I should talk to an endo.
Am I correct in thinking the capsule endoscopy is a waste of time? I just called to verify cost and it will cost me $2,775 out of pocket since I have a high deductible insurance plan.
Capsule Endoscopy
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Capsule Endoscopy
Deb
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
Deb,
I've never had one, so this is speculation, but I really don't see how it's going to provide much information that you don't already have, unless it's something pretty major (like a blockage, or a large tumor). You've already had a barium x-ray, haven't you? That should have shown you what's going on in the small intestine. You won't be cleaned out prior to swallowing it, will you? That will make it kind of tough to get top quality images.
These are just some random thoughts, I really don't know much about it.
Tex
I've never had one, so this is speculation, but I really don't see how it's going to provide much information that you don't already have, unless it's something pretty major (like a blockage, or a large tumor). You've already had a barium x-ray, haven't you? That should have shown you what's going on in the small intestine. You won't be cleaned out prior to swallowing it, will you? That will make it kind of tough to get top quality images.
These are just some random thoughts, I really don't know much about it.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I haven't had a barium x-ray. I just had a CT scan with contrast and everything was normal just like the last time.
Yes, there will be prep. The nurse said it's only a partial prep but I'm still thinking it a whole lot of extra pooping that I could do without. It does make sense to have a clean colon if you are taking pictures of it but I still am not the same since my last prep that went along with my colonoscopy. It could very well be unrelated but it seemed like ever since that time I am now going to the bathroom around the clock. Previously it was the classic morning MC. I could do my 4-6 trips to the bathroom in the morning and I was pretty much good for the day. While taking the numerous medications during the past six months I've had night issues and "go" throughout the day. Now I typically have 3-4 trips in the morning, one mid afternoon, and twice before bedtime at nine. Throw in a few other random trips and that's my day.
I'd be more inclined to give up eating than fork out more money to be told everything looks normal.
I won't take prednisone again. The biologics scare the begeebers out of me as far as cancer is concerned, although my on-going ten years of inflammation can't be too healthy either. I really don't know what the next step would be with or without the capsule endoscopy.
I did chuckle a bit because the general transit time is about 8 hours but could be less with those who have rapid transit issues. Mine would probably make record time. haha
Yes, there will be prep. The nurse said it's only a partial prep but I'm still thinking it a whole lot of extra pooping that I could do without. It does make sense to have a clean colon if you are taking pictures of it but I still am not the same since my last prep that went along with my colonoscopy. It could very well be unrelated but it seemed like ever since that time I am now going to the bathroom around the clock. Previously it was the classic morning MC. I could do my 4-6 trips to the bathroom in the morning and I was pretty much good for the day. While taking the numerous medications during the past six months I've had night issues and "go" throughout the day. Now I typically have 3-4 trips in the morning, one mid afternoon, and twice before bedtime at nine. Throw in a few other random trips and that's my day.
I'd be more inclined to give up eating than fork out more money to be told everything looks normal.
I won't take prednisone again. The biologics scare the begeebers out of me as far as cancer is concerned, although my on-going ten years of inflammation can't be too healthy either. I really don't know what the next step would be with or without the capsule endoscopy.
I did chuckle a bit because the general transit time is about 8 hours but could be less with those who have rapid transit issues. Mine would probably make record time. haha
Deb
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease