What is recovery like after the colonoscopy?

1. If you have sedation with your procedure: After the procedure, you spend 30 to 60 minutes in the recovery room until you are more awake and alert. After recovery, you will be discharged from hospital. You should not drive for 24 hours and should have someone with you who will take you home, and stay with you until you have fully recovered. Your doctor may require that you arrange for someone to stay overnight with you.If you have no sedation with your procedure: You can go home or back to work immediately after the colonoscopy. You do not need anyone to stay with you and are able to drive yourself.
2. Your doctor will provide you with a note regarding the test outcome. The doctor or a nurse will also discuss the results with you and the person accompanying you. If you were given sedation during the colonoscopy, you may not remember the discussion. It is important that you bring someone with you who can listen to the results and pass them on to you later.
3. Any polyps or tissue samples (biopsies) that are removed will be sent for review by a pathologist. The results are generally available within a month. If there are any concerning or important findings, you will be called directly by your doctor’s office, or you may be asked to return to clinic to discuss the results. A letter will also be sent to your referring doctor or nurse to inform them of the results and outline further treatment plans if necessary.

How long will it take until I can think clearly after sedation?

It depends upon the type and amount of sedative medication given to you. Many doctors ask you not to drive and to take it easy for the first 24 hours. You may not be able to do activities requiring concentration during that time.

What if I feel bloated and I am passing gas after the colonoscopy?

Some people feel this way after the test because of the air put into the colon to help the doctor properly examine your colon. Walking may help with this feeling.

When can I eat solid foods?

Although in general there are no restrictions, you should start with fluids (juice, soup) and light food and then gradually increase to a more regular diet. Light foods are easy to chew and digest. Immediately after a colonoscopy, you may not be able to tolerate heavy foods such as steak and greasy foods.

What types of side effects are normal if no polyps were removed?

Bloating, passing gas, tinge of blood in stool, feeling tired, feeling forgetful.

If a polyp is removed what is a normal effect?

You may see small amounts of blood in the stool.

After a colonoscopy, what is abnormal and what should I do?

If you start having severe pain or more than a limited amount of blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention.

When should I feel back to normal?

You can expect to feel good enough to return to normal activities the day after colonoscopy.