I have had my tongue pierced for upwards of 7 years and have never had a problem with swallowing jewelry, until the other day.

I was eating my lunch and I guess the top ball of the barbell came loose, and at the same time I swallowed my food, I also swallowed the jewelry (the bar and one ball). At the time I swallowed it, I had no problems (it didn't lodge, I was breathing perfectly fine). In fact, I didn't even feel it go down and didn't know I had swallowed it until I noticed it was missing. This was on Tuesday, and its now Friday.

I haven't had any problems: no abdominal pain, still able to use the restroom, etc.

I guess my question is, should it be able to pass on its own, or should I maybe see my doctor? The jewelry is relatively small, and I have heard of people swallowing much bigger and weirder things and being okay, but I am still a little nervous as I haven't seen it pass yet (it could have already passed; I haven't seen it in my bowels, but then again I don't dig into it to look).

Thanks in advance for any advice you all can give me!

It should pass out and you won't notice it. There are pouches in the intestines that can get objects caught but if you are young and healthy your insides should be scoured out OK. Eating roughage like celery might scour some more. I suppose the bar could perforate the wall but it's so small it probably won't. If you get any pain it will show on X-ray.

Trust me when I say it will pass!. I can't count the number of times I have swallowed mine.And you won't see it either because its so small.You have nothing to worry about... go get a new tongue stud and make sure the new one is screwed on tight ;)