If you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy or have just had one, you might be wondering what to expect for colonoscopy aftercare. Will you feel pain? When can you eat after a colonoscopy? How long does it take to get back to your routine?
Knowing what colonoscopy aftercare looks like can help you feel better heading into your procedure. It’s also important to understand what’s normal—and what’s not—so you can be more at ease as you recover.
Once your colonoscopy is complete, you’ll stay in the treatment center until you’re fully awake from sedation. This usually takes about an hour. Since the sedatives will linger in your system for several hours, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
Before you leave the clinic, your doctor will:
Your doctor will also give you detailed instructions regarding when you can eat and return to normal activities.
If polyps were removed or abnormalities were found, your doctor will send them to a pathologist for review. It may take several days or longer for your lab results to return. Be sure to follow up with your doctor to discuss the results and your future screening schedule.
It’s normal to experience some minor side effects after your procedure, including:
While each person’s recovery timeline is different, these symptoms generally go away within a day or two.
Fatigue is common due to sedation, so take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid driving. Don’t participate in strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or intense exercise until your doctor says it’s safe, usually after 24 hours.
Most people can resume their normal diet right away unless your doctor gives you specific instructions. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. You may have become a bit dehydrated from the bowel prep.
Starting with these gentle, easy-to-digest foods can help minimize discomfort:
High-fiber, greasy, fried, and spicy foods can be harsh on your digestive system. Avoid alcohol for at least 8 hours after the procedure, too, as it can interact with the sedation medication.
Complications from a colonoscopy are quite rare. However, it’s important to recognize signs that require immediate medical attention, including:
Most people recover from a colonoscopy quickly and can return to their regular routines by the next day.
Following your colonoscopy aftercare instructions can make the recovery process easier and safer. If you have questions or concerns before your colonoscopy, contact your doctor to have them addressed.
If you are 45 or older, it’s time to schedule an appointment for your colonoscopy!
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