Recovery Period After Colonoscopy: What You Can Expect?

Doctors suggest a colonoscopy for certain types of patients to detect cancerous and precancerous tissue in the colon area. Colon cancer can be treated if it is diagnosed in the early stage. In most cases, colonoscopy is considered a life-saving process.

Generally, you may need to take a maximum of one day to recover from the procedure. You should follow the post-procedure instructions to get a quick recovery. It can be anything from taking a rest, to drinking lots of water and not consuming alcohol within 24 hours.

In general, people don’t need to monitor their recovery at all. But you have to check the symptoms and consult with a health care provider if anything goes wrong. Read this article to know what you can expect during the recovery process in OKC and how you can take care of yourself.

Instructions You Must Follow

  • Start to follow your normal diet.

  • You can begin to start normal daily activities.

  • You should not take any type of anti-inflammatory medications if the doctors reduce any tissue during colonoscopy.

  • Don’t drive any cars or make complicated decisions within 24 hours.

  • You must not consume alcohol for 24 hours.

What are the Signs of Complications?

In a few cases, patients may experience complications though it is extremely rare. The following symptoms of complications are vomiting, fever, irregular heartbeat, bloody stool, excessive rectal bleeding, bloating and inability to have a bowel movement. If you notice any of these signs within 24 hours, contact your doctor rapidly.

What Types of Results May You See?

  • Sessile serrated adenoma - It is a type of pre-cancerous growth

  • Adenomatous polyp - It is a non-cancerous tumor

  • Hyperplastic polyp - A non cancerous tumor bigger than 10 millimeters.

  • Traditional serrated adenoma - It is a type of pre-cancerous growth.

  • Colorectal cancer - found cancer in the rectum or the large intestine.

What Should You Eat Right After Colonoscopy?

Generally, the patients can start a normal diet after the colonoscopy. But it would be best if you eat light meals because it is digested easily. For instance, you can eat toast, crackers, chicken and cooked vegetables. Try to avoid a few specific foods such as onions, beans, broccoli and cabbage.

Fight Like There’s No Tomorrow

In most cases, people don’t need to worry about this procedure much. You should take any of your family members to drive back home after the colonoscopy. If you want to do the test, then contact us at Digestive Disease Specialists, INC. in OKC.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.

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