You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam, as you clear the air from your colon. Walking may help relieve any discomfort. You may also notice a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement after the exam.
Unless you have had a polypectomy, you should be able to resume all normal activities the day after your colonoscopy.
Do not use any heavy or light machinery, such as lawnmowers or workshop tools and machinery (saw, drills, etc), for the remainder of the day after the colonoscopy. Absolutely no straining. You may go up and down stairs and carry on normal activities otherwise.
For your safety, do not drive, operate machinery, or power tools for at least 8 hours after getting sedation. Your doctor may tell you not to drive or operate machinery until the day after your test. Do not sign legal documents or make major decisions for at least 8 hours after getting sedation.
Take It Easy
It is recommended that patients stay home on the day of a colonoscopy. Avoid making important decisions on this day, since there can still be lingering effects from the sedative. In the first few days after a colonoscopy, you may feel slight discomfort and tiredness, so allow yourself to take it easy.
Some colonoscopies are done using gas and air as a patient preference, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded for a short period. After sedation, you may feel a little more tired for the rest of the day and will be advised to avoid driving for 24 hours, or operating any machinery and avoiding alcohol.
A balanced, vitamin-rich and fibre-rich diet is particularly suitable for this. Wholemeal products, fruit and vegetables, nuts, legumes and dairy products provide valuable nutrients and minerals that serve as a nutritional basis for beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Following your procedure
It is not unusual to experience some diarrhoea for a couple of days post procedure until the bowel returns to its normal function. Abdominal pain due to air introduced into your colon during your procedure can be alleviated by hot drinks, moving around and taking peppermints.
It is recommended that you abstain from heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after a colonoscopy.
Recently, several studies have shown that bowel preparation for colonoscopy could change the fecal microbial diversity and composition, and these effects could last up to 1 month [13-15]. Bowel preparation also affects the change of gut metabolome but this is recovered within 14 days [16].
Typically, your doctor will recommend you eat soft or low-residue foods that are gentle on your digestive system. Heavy foods can cause discomfort, such as bloating or gas. Some light food suggestions include eggs, white toast, applesauce, lean chicken (without skin), mashed potatoes, or softly cooked veggies.
Eat yogurt and kefir that is high in probiotics for several days after your colonoscopy. Make sure that the label says that there are billions of live cultures contained. Take a probiotic supplement in the morning on an empty stomach.
This includes foods like white bread, rice, and pasta. These foods are easy to digest and will not strain your system, which is essential during recovery. The reason for this is that during the colonoscopy procedure, the colon is cleaned out using a liquid solution, which can cause the colon to be sensitive and tender.
After Surgery
You may experience gas pains for about a day or so due to gas administered during the procedure. This may extend into your upper abdomen and shoulder. Walking will help relieve this pressure. This surgery has a quick recovery with most patients feeling much better within the first few days.
The First Week after a Colonoscopy
After polyps are removed it can take up to a week for the patient to fully recover. During this time, patients should avoid all strenuous activities, which includes lifting anything over five pounds.
No strenuous activities: Patients are strongly advised to refrain from driving for at least 24 hours following a colon polyp removal surgery and avoid any strenuous activities for a minimum of four weeks following the surgery.
The medicine you received during the procedure may stay in your body for up to 24 hours. You may feel tired or sleepy and have difficulty concentrating. Once you get home, relax for the rest of the day.
Colonoscopy Recovery: After the Procedure
After the procedure, you will stay in recovery until the sedation wears off enough for you to go home. You will probably feel a bit tired or groggy even then, so you cannot drive yourself home.
Pain after the procedure: Some people have stomach pain after a colonoscopy. A person may also experience mild irritation to their rectum, gas, or other digestive problems. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to go away in a few days.
After a colonoscopy, eat foods that are soft and easy to digest to ease side effects such as bloating or gas. This may include eggs, white toast, and applesauce for breakfast.
Studies have indicated that colonoscopies done during the morning hours have actually contributed to more accurate findings due to a number of varying factors. Although it might not be a thrill to wake up earlier than usual, it could just help your overall health.