The Ins and Outs of Colonoscopy

When the procedure begins the colonoscope is inserted into the anus and slowly extended through the length of your colon. The doctor is able to gently introduce air through the scope to slightly inflate the colon to provide the best view possible - this can cause slight bloating and discomfort and will most likely cause you to have some gas for a few hours after the procedure. The scope is then slowly retracted and the doctor continues to look at the colon stopping to inspect areas of inflammation or to take biopsies (small tissue samples that are later viewed under a microscope) of abnormal looking tissue or to remove polyps.

The procedure should take at least 20 minutes and could last up to one hour in duration. After the procedure you will recover for at least one hour in the surgical unit's recovery room where your family member or friend will be able to sit with you until you are given the a-okay to go home. Once you get home, you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day giving your body time for any effects from the sedative you may have been given during the procedure to wear off.

I find that for the first day or two after a colonoscopy I have to treat my stomach nicely - mainly because it's hard for me to introduce food back into a completely empty gut. I tend to revert back to my B.R.A.T. (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet for the first day, then the second day I add foods like baked chicken, naked pasta, yogurt, and scrambled or poached eggs. I tend to eat like this until I have at least one bowel movement post-procedure. With that first bowel movement you may notice a small amount of blood and it is usually not a reason for concern. Most likely your bottom is just a little sensitive. However, if you experience prolonged bleeding, blood clots, abdominal cramping, or a fever after the procedure you should contact your doctor's office to report your symptoms.

Your first colonoscopy is bound to produce some anxiety and that's normal with any procedure. But if you can look at it as something that will help your doctor provide you with the best medical care it makes the procedure a little easier.