If you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy, it’s normal to feel nervous about what comes next. Many people worry about pain, side effects, or how long it will take to feel normal again.
The good news is that most people recover quickly and without problems. Understanding what happens after a colonoscopy can help ease your concerns and make the experience feel less stressful. Knowing what’s normal helps you feel more prepared and confident about your recovery.
A colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look inside your colon and rectum. During the procedure, a small camera is placed on the end of a long, flexible tube. This camera sends live images to a screen, so the doctor can carefully check the lining of your large intestine.
A colonoscopy helps find problems such as polyps, inflammation, or other changes inside the colon. If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the same visit. Removing polyps helps lower the risk of colon cancer before it starts.
Because most people feel fine after a colonoscopy, this test is one of the best ways to check for colon cancer and stop problems early.
When the exam ends, you will be taken to the recovery area while the sedating medication, which makes you drowsy and relaxed, wears off. During this time, your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored. You may be offered something to drink or a light snack, and your doctor will talk to you about the test.
You will need transportation home because the sedative can slow down your driving reaction time and judgment. Postpone any work or decision-making until the following day.
After a colonoscopy, symptoms are usually mild and temporary.
Most people notice bloating, cramping, or gas from the air the doctor uses to expand the colon and clearly see the lining. Movement and walking can help this air move from your system and relieve the discomfort.
Eating lightly and sipping fluids can help relieve post-procedural queasiness. Drinking water, juice, or sports electrolyte drinks is a good way to replace fluids lost during bowel prep. Spicy or greasy foods may irritate your stomach, so start with simple food like:
A small amount of blood can appear on toilet tissue if the doctor has removed a polyp or has taken a biopsy. It is usually very minor and stops quickly. However, any heavy bleeding should be reported to your doctor right away.
Your first bowel movement may take a day or two. The bowel prep empties your colon, so it needs time to fill again. Some people have loose stool on the first day. Others feel constipated. Regular eating and drinking restore your routine. If you had biopsies, mild diarrhea can occur for a short period, but it should settle as the lining heals.
You’ll receive directions before discharge explaining what to eat, which activities to avoid, and which warning signs to watch for. The goal is to let any removal sites heal without irritation.
Your doctor will let you know when prescription medications can be restarted. Some, like blood thinners, require special timing.
Regarding activities, you can expect to return to a normal routine the following day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you had polyps removed, you may be advised to take an additional day of rest.
Your results help guide what happens next, whether that means routine follow-up or additional care.
If your exam was normal, that means your doctor saw no evidence of disease at the time of the test, and routine screening can be done in 10 years.
It usually takes about 10 business days for biopsy results to come back.
If the doctor found polyps, the type and size will help determine the follow-up plan.
If your doctor finds a condition like colitis or diverticulosis, they may recommend medicine or changes to your diet to help manage it. In many cases, these changes help symptoms improve.
For most people, recovery is simple and short. Mild gas, bloating, or changes in bowel movements are common and usually go away within a day or two. Knowing what happens after a colonoscopy can help you feel calm, prepared, and reassured as your body returns to normal.
If you’re 45 or older, don’t put off getting your colonoscopy. Schedule an appointment today. It might just save your life.
If you have not registered for the new gPortal please select the Register/Learn More button for instructions on registering.
The Patient Portal messages are only monitored during regular business hours. Please allow 24-72 hours to be contacted by a staff member.
To pay your bill online, please choose the correct option below: select the “Clinic Locations” button if you’re paying your Physician or Clinic Statement, or select the “ASC Locations” button if you’re paying your Procedure Statement at one of our Ambulatory Surgical Centers.
Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio (GCSA) is a Professional Association owned by the physicians that practice within it. GCSA’s physicians are directly involved in the management of patient services. GCSA physicians have indirect ownership interest in our Histology/Pathology, Anesthesia, Infusion and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC).
