Billye,
I'm sorry that I haven't kept up here as much as I should have so do not know the history behind the ordering of the Capsule Endoscopy [camera pill].

What I do know stems from having a CE in 2004 and from moderating a Crohn's forum where many of our members have this test. As was probably explained to you, the CE is one of the best tests to look at the intestinal mucosa of the small bowel. People being worked up for Crohn's disease that cannot be seen using a colonoscopy often have a CE.

The problem that some of these people run into is that the inflammation in their small bowel has caused strictures or partial obstructions and the pill becomes "stuck." Also some people with Crohn's do not have the typical Crohn's symptom of diarrhea but have constipation instead. Slow transit time and/or colonic enertia can cause the CE to not pass.

If it is suspected or known that the capsule is not passing because of stricture or obstruction, laxatives are not given. The capsule must be surgically removed. If no stricture is seen or suspected from other tests, then laxatives might be used.

If you did not sign a consent that specified the risk that the capsule might become lodged in the intestinal tract, then you might have a case. However, I have never heard of anyone that did not know this was the largest risk that the CE imposed. Then again, because we "Crohnies" deal with bowel issues all the time, greater emphasis might be placed on this possible risk.

I am sorry that you are having to deal with this along with all of your other problems. My CE was a BUST - it passed so quickly that the $1500 it cost was a total waste. Mouth to **** was 6 hours and 52 minutes so the desired number of small bowel photos was not reached. I saw the little lights on the capsule flashing away in the bottom of the toilet bowel...LOL.

BTW - the battery life on the capsule used to be 14 hours - I don't know if that is still true. No images are sent beyond that time or if the monitoring device is disconnected prior to that. Typically, the monitoring belt is only worn for about 8-9 hours.