A colonoscopy is a kind of test that allows doctors to take a look at the inner linings of the large intestine. The doctor who performs the procedure uses a thin and flexible tube called a colonoscope to see the colon more clearly. During the procedure, a biopsy can also be performed which involves collecting tissue samples. Abnormal growths can also be removed.
Purpose of Colonoscopy
The procedure helps find colon polyps, tumors, ulcers, bleeding or inflammation. It can also be used as one of the screening tests to check for cancer or precancerous growths (polyps) in the colon and rectum.
The procedure helps find colon polyps, tumors, ulcers, bleeding or inflammation. It can also be used as one of the screening tests to check for cancer or precancerous growths (polyps) in the colon and rectum.
The Steps to Recovery
Recovering from the procedure depends whether you are admitted to a medical facility or you’re an outpatient. If you are admitted to a medical facility, you will be monitored closely for potential complications. If you’re an outpatient, you can usually go home after about an hour if everything goes well.
Recovering from the procedure depends whether you are admitted to a medical facility or you’re an outpatient. If you are admitted to a medical facility, you will be monitored closely for potential complications. If you’re an outpatient, you can usually go home after about an hour if everything goes well.
Stomach Discomfort
People who undergo a colonoscopy usually experience stomach distress once the procedure is done. Stomach cramping, bloating and soreness may also occur. Cramping and bloating is usually relieved once you pass gas. However, the symptoms can last up to 24 hours after the procedure. If you experience unbearable pain, you need to consult your doctor immediately.
People who undergo a colonoscopy usually experience stomach distress once the procedure is done. Stomach cramping, bloating and soreness may also occur. Cramping and bloating is usually relieved once you pass gas. However, the symptoms can last up to 24 hours after the procedure. If you experience unbearable pain, you need to consult your doctor immediately.
Take It Easy
You can be released even if you are experiencing some discomfort. You can even experience some grogginess due to the sedative. Driving a car is not recommended and it is best if somebody accompanies you and drives you home. It would be best to take it easy and rest at home. Physical activities should be avoided in order to shorten the recovery period.
You can be released even if you are experiencing some discomfort. You can even experience some grogginess due to the sedative. Driving a car is not recommended and it is best if somebody accompanies you and drives you home. It would be best to take it easy and rest at home. Physical activities should be avoided in order to shorten the recovery period.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Obviously, there are reasons why your doctor gave you instructions as far as activity limitations, medication and diet is concerned after a colonoscopy. The doctor also usually tells the patient certain symptoms to watch out for like unbearable pain which may indicate a complication. Bleeding which is manifested through a small amount of blood in the stool is usually normal. However, it should be temporary and not in large amounts.
Recovery Period
Generally, you should be able to return to your normal routine after one or two days following the colonoscopy. By this time, you can return to your normal daily activities and your diet. Just remember to watch out for signs of complication like heavy bleeding and unbearable pain.
Conclusion
Having a colonoscopy recovery is not really a big deal. Although it is embarrassing and involves some amount of pain, it is a necessary procedure that can help screen serious health problems like cancer. Fortunately, the recovery period is normally just a day or two then you can go back to your life.
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