Capsule Endoscopy Surprise: 8 Years Later
A 25-year-old woman underwent a capsule endoscopy back in 2018. To her astonishment, the imaging results showed that the capsule still appeared on X-rays conducted in 2019 and 2021, and it remains visible in 2026. She had previously presumed that the device had naturally passed through her system since 2021. However, she recently discovered its lingering presence while preparing for an MRI that necessitated an X-ray. Due to this situation, a CT scan has now been scheduled instead of the MRI she originally intended to have. After gathering information, she learned that medical professionals are hesitant to remove the capsule, citing that it has not caused any complications. Still, she is determined to have it extracted. Has anyone else experienced a similar situation?
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 7:20:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned and surprised upon discovering that a capsule endoscope has remained in your system for so long without being addressed. In general, capsule endoscopes are designed to pass through the digestive tract and can sometimes be retained, although this is uncommon.
Explanation:
Capsule endoscopes are small, ingestible cameras that help doctors view the intestinal tract. In most cases, they pass naturally through the digestive system within a few days. Your situation, having the capsule seen on X-rays years later, raises questions because, while it might not currently be causing any issues, it’s perfectly valid to seek its removal for peace of mind.
Medical professionals may hesitate to remove it if there are no signs of obstruction or complications. However, your desire for extraction is significant and valid, especially if you're feeling anxious about its presence.
Next Steps:
-
Communicate Your Concerns: Clearly express your worries to your healthcare team. They need to understand how you feel about the capsule's presence and your reasons for wanting it removed.
-
Request Further Evaluation: Ask for a thorough evaluation of the capsule's position. This may include additional imaging studies or assessments to ensure that removal is safe and necessary.
-
Research Removal Options: Inquire about the procedures to remove the capsule. Discuss potential risks and benefits, and ensure they explain why they believe it's safer to leave it in place.
-
Consider a Second Opinion: If you're unsatisfied with the response from your current healthcare provider, seeking a second opinion from a specialist in gastroenterology might be beneficial.
-
Stay Informed About Symptoms: Monitor any symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or any unusual experiences that may arise. If anything unusual occurs, document these events for further discussion with your healthcare providers.
Remember, it’s essential to advocate for your health and make choices that align with your comfort level and concerns. Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like more information on!
Related Questions
Urgent Help Needed
I've been battling a persistent cold for the last two months. I know, I know – you're probably wondering why I didn't seek treatment sooner or just stay home. The truth is, my father didn't allow me to. I voiced my discomfort for weeks, but ultimately, I just felt defeated and stopped trying to convince him of my struggle. As fate would have it, just when I was beginning to recover, I ended up developing an ear infection. I received antibiotics for that issue, but now I've found myself grappling with nearly all the symptoms of a yeast infection. As a 13-year-old, I can’t drive myself to seek medical assistance, and to make matters worse, I feel incredibly self-conscious about my body. Being a not transitioned trans guy adds another layer of insecurity, especially when it comes to being examined in a medical setting. On top of everything else, I've been experiencing dual sensations of lightheadedness and pressure in my head, constant dizziness, and a profound lack of balance—I’ve tripped and fallen ten times just today! My mind feels clouded and chaotic, making it difficult to articulate clear thoughts. Additionally, my parents are cautious about me going out alone; they have strict limits on how far I can venture—only about a third of a mile from home. This confinement means I can't take public transport, and financially, I’m unable to afford a hospital visit. To top it all off, I lack trusted adults to turn to for help. If anyone has advice or suggestions, I would really appreciate it.
Frequent Coughing Episodes in a Short Span
I'm a 22-year-old male, not currently on any prescription medications, but I do take vitamin D regularly and occasionally vitamin C as well. Around four weeks ago, I began experiencing symptoms akin to a cold—sore throat, runny nose, and a mild cough. This bout lasted longer and felt more severe than what I usually encounter. Although I improved initially, I noticed on February 14th that I developed a persistent wet cough accompanied by greenish-yellow sputum, and occasionally even orange. Alongside this, I’ve been feeling tightness in my chest that becomes painful when I cough, with some wheezing present as well. I also have the sensations of a cold returning, featuring nasal congestion and sneezing. My main worry is that I've fallen ill twice within a mere four weeks, each time with symptoms that seem more intense than normal, leaving me uncertain about what steps to take next. In my last episode, I reached out to my general practitioner, but now I’m hesitant about whether I should do so again.
Lump on the Roof of My Mouth
I’m an 18-year-old. About seven years back, I had braces and ended up chipping half of a tooth in my front left teeth, but I opted out of getting a root canal. Greetings! Sometime around November or December last year, I noticed a lump forming on the roof of my mouth. When I touch it, I can feel a connection to my left front tooth. It's been present for a few months now, and I think it may have increased in size, possibly swelling a bit more than before. Whenever I press on it or when food comes into contact with it while eating, I experience some sensations radiating through my front teeth. Initially, I assumed it would resolve itself within a few weeks, yet it remains. When I apply some pressure, it feels as if I’m shifting my teeth! Unfortunately, I don’t have the time or funds to visit a healthcare professional right now. Is there anyone who might have an idea of what could be going on or how serious it might be? I appreciate any insights! As for the location, I believe it’s situated in the hard palate of my mouth, close to the ridge. Just to mention, a couple of years back, I did chip my left front teeth, but I did not pursue a root canal, which may be relevant. I could really use some assistance, but my parents aren’t convinced it’s pressing enough to warrant a doctor’s appointment. Thank you!
Concerns After Accidental Exposure to Cleaning Products
I’m a 22-year-old woman, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds. I don’t smoke and I have a history of eczema and TMD (temporomandibular disorders). I accidentally exposed myself to bleach and cleaning chemicals while taking a shower. Here’s what happened: Earlier, my roommate had been cleaning some mats in the shower with bleach and possibly other cleaners like Lysol or Fabuloso – I'm not entirely sure what she used. Unfortunately, she got some of that on my shower loofah, which I didn’t realize since I’m currently unwell and couldn’t detect the odor before applying soap to it. Now I’m feeling quite anxious about it. My skin has a bleach scent, but I don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Everything seems normal, yet I can’t help but worry. Am I in the clear?
Special Offer: Purchase 5 Venous Procedures, Receive 2 Arterial Pre-Op Free
Approximately a month ago, I underwent a minor foot surgery, but the experience was quite challenging due to multiple intravenous (IV) catheter placements that took a staggering seven attempts. It was an exhausting day, and I’m trying to sort through it all in retrospect. Usually, I’m not the hardest person to stick, and I typically manage failed attempts well; my previous record was just three tries. Initially, the medical staff attempted to insert the IV on the back of my left hand, followed by my inner forearm, but without success. Despite the frustrations, we shared some laughter and I admitted my lack of hydration might have contributed. Eventually, another nurse tried accessing my wrist, which also didn’t work out. We then shifted our focus to the right hand, where the experience was significantly more painful. I noticed bright blood and could even see my heartbeat in the tube, so we decided to move up my arm. After five attempts, one catheter finally pierced through, but after a slight retreat, it seemed to wiggle painfully inside, causing me to squirm in discomfort. The nurse managed to administer medication quickly but mentioned she encountered "a lot of resistance." Concerned, she asked the first nurse if it was something serious. They later returned with a more experienced nurse who confirmed, “yes, that’s bleeding,” and began to massage a significant ball of blood in my upper inner arm, reducing it from the size of a lemon to that of a walnut while applying pressure below. I felt faint and experienced involuntary spasms during this ordeal. The anesthesia team eventually decided to place the IV in the operating room under nitrous oxide. Once the nitrous oxide was administered, I experienced a sensation akin to breathlessness but settled into a relaxed state, after which everything went dark. In that brief moment, I perceived a repetitive voice and felt the familiar sensation of alcohol wipes followed by two more IV attempts. It was quite a surreal experience! The surgical procedure itself was successful, as per the notes, it took two attempts to place the IV using an ultrasound in the OR. Now, I’m concerned about the lingering pain in my arm. It’s not unbearable, but I find myself wincing occasionally and struggling to roll onto that side while sleeping at night. Should I endure this for another month before inquiring about potential remedies? Additionally, I’m experiencing ongoing mental fog and headaches. I’ve never faced issues with general anesthesia before, yet this recovery has been rather unusual for me. Any advice would be appreciated!