| THE DAY BEFORE THE CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY: |
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After a regular lunch, drink only clear liquids (nothing red) throughout the evening and for dinner. DO NOT eat or drink anything except medications after 10 PM. |
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DO NOT take anything by mouth, including medications, mints, or gum within 2 hours of your scheduled study start time. |
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DO NOT smoke for 24 hours prior to the study. |
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Male patients should shave their stomachs 6 inches above and below the navel the day prior to the study. |
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| THE DAY OF THE CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY: |
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Report to the Endoscopy Unit in Kent General Hospital at your scheduled time. Please wear loose fitting two piece clothing (ie. sweat suit) |
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After arriving in Endoscopy, a short interview will be completed and your study will begin. |
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An Endoscopy staff member will apply conduction wires with adhesive pads to your chest/stomach area and attach them to a data recorder. The recorder will be attached to a waist belt to be carried with you for the next 8 hours. |
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Once the pads are applied, you will be asked to swallow the camera pill, which is the size of a large vitamin. |
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| ONCE THE CAPSULE IS SWALLOWED: |
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DO NOT drink anything, including taking any medications for at least 2 hours. |
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After 4 hours you may have some crackers and a drink, please DO NOT have a full meal until the study is complete. |
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The study lasts about 8 hours, during this time you may resume normal activities, but avoid doing things that cause sweating or require bending or stooping. |
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DO NOT remove any of the pads or equipment for any reason, please return to the Endoscopy department immediately with any problems. |
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During the study you will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and everything that you eat or drink. |
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Electromagnetic fields such as those emitted by HAM radio transmitters can cause interference with the capsule transmission, please refrain from coming in contact with these radios during the study. |
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MRIs can cause severe intestinal damage, DO NOT come in contact with MRI machines or have a scheduled MRI until you are certain the capsule has passed. |
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| AFTER THE STUDY: |
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Return to the Endoscopy Unit 8 hours after swallowing the capsule to return the equipment and conclude your study. |
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The camera pill should pass within a few days, try to notice when it does. But please DO NOT return the camera to the Endoscopy Unit. You can flush the camera down the toilet without harm. |
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If you did no actually see the capsule in the toilet, and you experience abdominal pain or nausea, please contact your physician for evaluation. |
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