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jmjoseph · Nov 2, 2009, 06:17 PM

It's been quite an eventful afternoon. My 7 year old casually told us this afternoon that he swallowed a quarter. Not 25% of something, but an actual U.S. coin currency, 25 cents. We've been to the doctor, and he has been x-rayed. The doctor said it was in his stomach, and that's "good", but what is the estimated time of the "return of investment"?

He is a larger than average child, being in the 90% for height, and in the 60% for weight. Hopefully, this will help it pass through more easily.

We are very concerned, but also extremely grateful that he didn't choke on it.

I asked him how it happened, and he said he was just being silly with his brother...

We are going to monitor his deposits with a filter of some sort.

I am open for any, and all suggestions, within reason. Please be gentle, this is my firstborn child.

He is somewhat scared, so we are trying to lighten the mood with jokes. I told him the coach was going to have to move him to defense, so he can get the quarterback.

And I told him we were going to send a note to school tomorrow, and explain it to his teacher. And also tell her that he has his lunch money...

Has this happened to any one of you guys? I wouldn't be so worried if it was a dime.

Perito · Nov 2, 2009, 06:27 PM

I'll bet 3 days.

jmjoseph · Nov 2, 2009, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Perito

I'll bet 3 days.

Bet how much? Let me guess...

jmjoseph · Nov 3, 2009, 04:38 AM

I talked to him this morning and he told me that he was trying a David Blaine trick.

Still no luck.

J_9 · Nov 3, 2009, 06:59 AM

Not to worry... this too soon shall pass

Sorry, had to get it in there.

But there is really little need to be concerned at this point. If it's in the stomach, it will come out. When, is anyone's guess.

jenniepepsi · Nov 6, 2009, 09:46 AM

my dad had a saying when I was little and swallowed a quarter. My mom was super worried and my dad said 'it will pass... if she craps out 2 dimes and a nickel... then we can worry...

OK levity aside :P ehehe.

you won't really be able to miss something the size of a quarter in his stools. Nor would I think he would be able to miss passing it ;)

when my DD swallowed a rock, the doctor said (after x-ray to make sure it was small and not sharp) that if it doesn't pass within a week, to take her back in for another x-ray to see where it is. So maybe the same would apply for this?

good luck hon. I'm so glad I don't have any 'silly boys' hehe.

redhed35 · Nov 6, 2009, 09:59 AM

My second child put things in her ear,swallowed buttons money,all sorts of stuff,she was as quick as lightening,but do you think she would take a small vitamin tablet... not a hope!

She was always OK and always passed what was in there,we didn't look for it though.. she had no pain while the objects were in or coming out...

You'll have a good story for him when he's older... its still scary I know,give him lots of fluid to drink ( water or orange juice,keep him hydrated to help make the poo soft,maybe some brown bread to help the process..

jenniepepsi · Nov 15, 2009, 10:14 PM

Looking for an update. Have we seen the quarter? :)

I would frame it for him :P or at least put it in his baby book.

asking · Nov 15, 2009, 10:27 PM

I swallowed a coin when I was 5 or 6 (a nickel?) and nothing of any note occurred. I was trying to do a magic trick. I was not even taken to the doctor, just told not to do it anymore. I can't think of any reason to filter things or be concerned. It's not sharp. At worst, he might feel some discomfort, but I'd bet even that would not happen.

My mother accidentally swallowed a gold crown (dental).

jmjoseph · Nov 16, 2009, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by jenniepepsi

Looking for an update. Have we seen the quarter? :)

i would frame it for him :P or at least put it in his baby book.

Thanks, Jennie. No word yet. He's been x-rayed twice now, but no luck on the re-appearance. The doctor said that it should be fine, but we are still concerned. She said that it is in his intestines, so it progressing. Slowly.

He has promised no more magic tricks. I think he is tired of his friends making fun of him. I KNOW he is tired of his mother and I having to inspect his "deposits".

I KNOW that I am.

But we need to know if, and when, it comes out. We'll probably have to go for yet another x-ray.

Wondergirl · Nov 16, 2009, 04:54 PM

When I was a little girl, every Sunday morning my mom happily gave me a penny to put into my little purse for the church offering. Occasionally, the penny disappeared into my mouth while I waited for the offering basket to get to our pew, and a couple of times (when Mom wasn't looking -- filthy lucre in more ways than one) put the penny into my mouth and accidentally swallowed it.

I'm glad you are looking for a larger and more obvious quarter.

asking · Nov 16, 2009, 05:13 PM

Cute story, Wondergirl. :)

It's now been 2 weeks. I'm assuming the issue has come to an end.

jmjoseph · Nov 16, 2009, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by asking

Cute story, Wondergirl. :)

It's now been 2 weeks. I'm assuming the issue has come to an end.

I want it to come OUT the HIND END.

asking · Nov 16, 2009, 06:31 PM

It hasn't yet??

Or did you maybe miss it?

I used to study digestion; I wouldn't expect the transit time to be quite this long.

jenniepepsi · Nov 16, 2009, 09:06 PM

Oh dear that's not good if it hasn't come out. Even if you think its come out and you just haven't seen it I would go back for another looksie inside see if its still in there.

jmjoseph · Nov 17, 2009, 03:51 AM

Originally Posted by asking

It hasn't yet????

Or did you maybe miss it?

I used to study digestion; I wouldn't expect the transit time to be quite this long.

Since his second x-ray, we have done a very careful inspection of his "deposits". Still no treasure, yet.

The doctor said that heavier than normal objects, like coins, tend to linger.

asking · Nov 17, 2009, 12:34 PM

Not optimal, given the copper content of the quarter.

Maybe try some high fiber cereal such as Kashi Go Lean and lots of fruit if you can interest him in that.

Good luck!

jenniepepsi · Nov 17, 2009, 03:25 PM

And prunes will help in passing as well from what I understand. And many kids like prunes as they are yummy and sweet

jmjoseph · Nov 24, 2009, 12:40 PM

Good news folks. We just got back from the THIRD set of x-rays, and the quarter is gone.

He knows not to do any more magic tricks that require swallowing objects.

We will send a letter to Santa Clause asking for a magician's kit.

Thanks for all the help.

J_9 · Nov 24, 2009, 12:42 PM

YAY!! The deposit has been made!!

Party TIME!

Can you buy a bottle of sparkling cider with a quarter?