You have had sedation today. It is essential that someone accompanies you home and stays with you for the next 24 hours.
You should not drive a car, operate machinery, drink alcohol, sign any legally binding documents or look after small children or other dependents for 24 hours.
If you have inhaled Entonox during the procedure, you must not drive for 30 minutes after the last inhalation.
You may experience some bleeding from your bowel for the first 48 hours after insertion.
Your bowel may be overactive for a few days.
It is important to eat a low fibre diet and increase your fluid intake.
A daily dose of laxatives may be advised to keep the bowel motions soft.
There may be some slight soreness around the abdomen where the instrument has been but this will wear off in a day or so.
Some bloating may be experienced if air has remained in your gastro-intestinal tract (stomach and/or bowel). This is not something to worry about; it will resolve itself naturally over the next few hours. However, if it gripes you, having a hot drink, or taking some peppermint water and walking around, might help to provide some relief.
Women taking the oral contraceptive pill should be aware that taking bowel preparation might prevent the absorption of the pill. Additional contraceptive precautions should be taken until the next period begins.
Side Effects to look out for
Side effects are extremely rare but we need to make you aware of symptoms to look out for. Things to report to your doctor:
- Severe pain or vomiting
- Moderate blood via the rectum (an egg cupful)
- Slightly raised temperature
- Redness, tenderness and swelling around the IV cannula site (through which injections were given) that persists for more than 48 hours
Attend Accident and Emergency department if you feel really unwell and have the following symptoms:
- Severe pain, nausea or vomiting
- Persistent/continuous bleeding via the rectum
- Temperature greater than 102°F / 39 °C
- Weakness or dizziness
Please bring your Colonoscopy report with you to accident and Emergency department
Air Travel
If you have had a diagnostic procedure, you would be advised not to fly for 48 hours after your procedure.
If you have undergone a therapeutic procedure, you should not undertake any air travel for 2 weeks after your procedure.
You will be advised on discharge which procedure you have had.
Further Information and Advice
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for medical advice.
L & D Hospital Endoscopy Unit:
Monday – Saturday 08:00-18:00hrs
07815178199 (number available for non-emergency calls 24/7)
FOLLOWING THIS PROCEDURE YOU MUST NOT DONATE BLOOD FOR 4 – 6 MONTHS
The reason for this is that your ability to donate blood in the future is dependent upon your diagnosis and the possibility that you might need to undergo further investigations or complete treatments (British Society of Gastroenterology, 2019).