Most people put a lot of thought into colonoscopy prep and the procedure itself, but wonder what the rest of the day will look like afterward. The good news is that recovery is usually quick and easy. Knowing what to expect helps you plan and puts your mind at ease. Here is a simple guide to colonoscopy recovery.
Right After the Procedure
After your colonoscopy, you will rest in a recovery area for about 30 to 60 minutes while the sedation wears off. A nurse will monitor you until you are alert. Because the sedation stays in your system for the day, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home. You should not drive, work, or make important decisions for the rest of the day.
Common Aftereffects
These are normal and pass quickly:
- Bloating and gas from the air used to inflate the colon during the exam. Walking helps you pass it.
- Mild cramping that settles within a few hours
- Feeling a little groggy or tired from the sedation for the rest of the day
- A small amount of blood with the first bowel movement, especially if a polyp was removed
Eating and Drinking
Start with light foods and plenty of fluids once you are home, since you will be empty from the prep. Most people can return to a normal diet the same evening unless told otherwise. If a polyp was removed, you may be given brief instructions to avoid certain foods or activities for a day or two.
Getting Your Results
I will share what I saw during the exam before you leave, though you may not remember it clearly because of the sedation, so it helps to have someone with you. If tissue samples or polyps were removed, they go to a lab, and those results usually take one to two weeks. Our office will contact you with the findings and let you know when your next colonoscopy should be.
When to Call the Office
Recovery problems are rare, but call your doctor if you have any of these after a colonoscopy:
- Heavy or ongoing rectal bleeding, or passing blood clots
- Severe or worsening belly pain, or a firm, swollen belly
- Fever or chills
- Dizziness or feeling faint
Back to Normal
Nearly everyone feels back to normal by the next day and can return to their usual routine, work, and diet. A colonoscopy is one of the most valuable steps you can take for your health, and the easy recovery is a big part of why it is worth doing on schedule. If you are due, learn more about screening.
Talk to a Gastroenterologist in Mountainside, NJ
If your symptoms keep coming back or you are not sure what is causing them, Dr. Amber Khan can help. We see patients from across Union County and New Jersey.