By Mathew 
A colonoscopy is a procedure where the entire colon is examined with a colonoscope, a medical instrument with a small camera. This device helps your doctor detect any areas of concern, like polyps, and can provide a visual of any gastrointestinal conditions. Once it is done and you’ve had time to rest, your doctor will follow up with you about your results, usually a few weeks later. Here are some tips to help you recuperate after a colonoscopy:
What To Expect After Your Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is done under sedation, meaning you cannot drive yourself home after, and you will need plenty of rest. Report any symptoms, like a fever, vomiting, bleeding, or intense pain, to your doctor. Some common symptoms to have after a colonoscopy are:
- General Weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Mild Diarrhea
The doctor may remove polyps or other concerning growths during the procedure and biopsy them later. Those tissue samples are sent to be tested and studied for any health concerns. Removal of any tissue in the colon can lead to discomfort after the procedure. If there are any adverse symptoms, contact your doctor.
After sedation for this procedure, you may be groggy for the next several hours, so plan ahead for someone to get you home safely. While driving and working aren’t often possible on the same day as your colonoscopy, many people are able to return to work within a few days. Here are some tips to help you recover at home:
1. Rest
Taking time to recuperate is key to your recovery after a colonoscopy. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to help with any normal discomfort. If managing pain is proving difficult, don’t wait to notify your doctor. If you have the ability to be more active after your procedure, keep your physical activity to shorter walks and gentle stretching. More strenuous exercise can stress your body too much. Listen to your body and sleep when you are tired.
2. Diet
After a colonoscopy, you can usually return to your usual diet unless directed otherwise by your doctor. To get your gastrointestinal tract back to normal, eating lighter, mild, and high-fiber foods can help. High-fiber foods should help your bowel movements be consistent. Water, herbal teas, and electrolytes may help your body hydrate more effectively. Foods that are too rich or greasy are harder to digest, so you may want to avoid or reduce those foods until your GI tract is functioning normally again.
3. Monitor
After your procedure, you will have a follow-up appointment to address any concerns and your results with your doctor. Any additional treatments can be discussed at that time, depending on your results. While at home, monitor your symptoms and write them down so you can report them to your doctor.
Follow-Up After Your Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy can provide doctors with more information on your gut health. Recovering from a colonoscopy may be more manageable when you focus on rest, eating a mild high-fiber diet, and tracking how you are doing. Your follow-up appointment should be 2-3 weeks after your procedure, but contact your health team if you have any concerns in the meantime. Reach out to a GI clinic today to learn more about their colonoscopy procedures.
Read More: inspiresprout