Post Colonoscopy Care

If at all possible, do not drive for at least twenty-four (24) hours after the procedure. It takes at least that long for the medication to wear off completely. Sometimes it takes much longer. During this time, your judgment and reflexes will be poorer. Even though you may feel awake and alert, we suggest that you do not make important decisions during this time and remain off the job until the day following the procedure.

Since air was introduced into the colon through the colonscope during the procedure, you may experience a "gassy" feeling afterwards and some mild abdominal cramping. Do not try to hold this air in. If you are afraid of having an "accident" then go immediately to the bathroom to pass the gas. If your cramping does not subside, your abdomen remains bloated, or you develop a fever, please contact us immediately.

Whether or not a polyp was removed or a biopsy was taken, a slight amount of blood may be seen during the first 24-48 hours. Do not be alarmed. However, if the bleeding becomes more than "slight", then report this to us.

You may have a light meal following the examination and resume your regular diet later the same day or the following day.

Do not do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 48 hours. Avoid working in the squatting position during this time. Do not use heavy or light machinery, such as lawnmowers or workshop tools and machinery (saws, drills, etc.), for the remainder of the day after the examination. Absolutely no straining. You may go up and down stairs and carry on normal activities otherwise.

Drink plenty of fluids. You may tend to be constipated for a day or so following the examination. If you tend to be constipated normally you should begin taking a stool softening agent immediately . NO LAXATIVES.

Should you have some discomfort around the anal opening, we recommend Nupercainal® ointment ( not a prescription item ) and sitz baths, sitting in three (3) to six (6) inches of comfortably hot water four (4) to six (6) times a day.

The area of injection where you received the I.V. medication may become warm, tender, reddened or hard and if that happens, apply heat ( warm moist wash cloth or dry covered heating pad ) for 30 min. three (3) times a day. Take two (2) Tylenol® tablets every four (4) hours as needed for discomfort. If the injection area does not improve in 24 to 48 hours, or if the symptoms become worse, please contact us immediately. Should you experience any other difficulties, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If a biopsy was done or any tissue was removed, we will call you with the pathology report and with follow-up recommendations.

If you have any suggestions concerning the preparation or procedure, we would appreciate your sharing them with us.

Do not take any aspirin for two weeks following your colonoscopy. Also, no Motrin®, Advil®, or any Ibuprofen products.

 

PLEASE NOTIFY THE DOCTOR OR HIS NURSE IF ANY
OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS

If you think that your bowel prep did not completely clear the intestines for any reason, please come to the hospital early and speak to the Endoscopy nurse so the nurse may give you an enema to clear you.

If you have a history of mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic fever, heart murmur, artificial heart valve or joint replacements, please contact our office so that we can arrange for you to have the antibiotic coverage you need prior to the test.

If you are on any type of blood thinner such as: Persantine®, Coumadin®, Dipyridamole®, Warfarin®, Trental®, Aspirin or other aspirin compounds such as Ecotrin®, BC Powder®, Bufferin®, Ascription®, etc. please let us know because these will have to be stopped 7 days before the exam. Also, if any surgery was is done through the colonscope, you must remain off aspirin and other aspirin compounds for the 2 weeks after the exam.

If you are taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as: Indocin®, Tolectin®, Clinoril®, Motrin®, Advil®, Mediprin®, etc. please let us know.