Double balloon enteroscopy after camera capsule endoscopy

I'm scheduled for this double balloon enteroscopy to do biopsies. A camera capsule endoscopy revealed some bleeding ulcers in my small intestine. I have been tested for h-pylori which was negative and I never take pain relievers like ibubupropin. I'm curious what would cause ulcers in this case. I should say that the testing comes after prolonged iron deficiency anemia and negative panendoscopy and colonoscopy. Pernicious anemia was also ruled out with blood work for intrinsic factor.

Also, does anyone have any experience with the bouble balloon scope procedure? The whole idea of it makes me very nervous. Thanks to anyone who can offer comments.

[boron]

The whole idea of double baloon enteroscopy in your case is to reach the small intestinal ulcers for biopsy AND to stop any bleeding if it will be found. I don't know, it may be due to Crohn's disease, this is the most often cause of small intestinal ulcers. They probably won't check the whole intestine, since you've already had the capsule endoscopy.

H. pylori and ibuprophen usually affect only stomach and duodenum, just for info.

Iron deficiency anemia may be caused by reduced absorption of iron in the duodenum (from inflammation there, since duodenum is the main site for iron absorption) or from continuous gastrointestinal bleeding.

What makes you nervous? Danger? The procedure is generally safe, but you can search for "double...." and speak to the doctor who will perform the procedure, if possible.

[KarenZ]

Thanks for your reply. I'm having it done Wednesday. I was told by someone else that several rounds of antibiotics that I had could cause ulcers as well. I hope that it's nothing more than simple ulcers. Being nervous...this procedure is new to the facility and the doctor so I'm hoping it goes off without a hitch.    

[boron]

It would be nice to hear your experience, if you find this appropriate of course.

[KarenZ]

I had the DB enteroscopy and had a difficult time. It lasted over 3 hours and I was awake for the last hour of it. I was told they gave me 3x's the sedation they normally give but I woke up and stayed awake anyway. It was very frightening for me because I felt like I was choking the entire time in addition to feeling the scope. It was not good and I would never have it again without general anesthesia. I thought they were giving me GA, but they said no one has had any problems with sedation and so that's what they use. I should have stood up for myself and just refused to go ahead with it at that point but I felt like I had no other choice.

Prior to the scoping they showed me the capsule photography of my small intestine and pointed out the ulcers and inflamation (inflammation) through out the intestine. When the doctor came in to see me after the procedure she said she didn't know how, but the results were normal! I find it hard to believe also after having just seen those photos. The capsule endoscopy was done 3 weeks prior to the DB. I did nothing different and had no medicines to heal the ulcer, but apparently it was no longer there. I will be getting copies of their report of both endoscopies for my records.

If you have any questions.....let me know.

Karen    

[boron]

You steel bleed? Ulcers may heal on its own.

[kayla_h]

Do you have any GI symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain? I am just wondering because I am in a similar situation. The capsule showed small ulcers and I am scheduled to have the double balloon enteroscopy next week.