A colonoscopy is a routine procedure that checks for colon cancer. When colon cancer is diagnosed early, it can be treated much easier. If you have scheduled a colonoscopy, you might wonder what the recovery will be like. It is an outpatient procedure, but you may experience mild side effects, like nausea, fatigue, and cramping.
Here are a few tips to recover from a colonoscopy procedure.
Drink Plenty of Water
After a colonoscopy procedure, you will definitely want to stay hydrated to reduce fatigue and discomfort. Try to drink at least eight cups of water every day. Stay away from alcoholic and caffeinated beverages because they can make you more dehydrated.
Make Sleep a Priority
While a colonoscopy does not seem like a major medical procedure, it is still important to get adequate rest afterward. Getting at least eight hours of sleep a night will help you recover from a colonoscopy faster and make you feel better.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
It is common to experience some tiredness and discomfort after a colonoscopy procedure. As such, you should take it easy for a few days. Avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities. If you need assistance with tasks, ask family and friends for help.
Eat Foods That Are Easy to Digest
After your colonoscopy procedure, it is important to pay attention to what you eat. Choose foods that are easy to digest, such as eggs, crackers, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and toast for the first few days. Stay away from foods that are difficult to digest, such as steak, legumes, and fried food.
Do not Be Alarmed If You See Blood
If you see blood in your stool after your colonoscopy, do not be scared. It is quite normal to see this after a colonoscopy. However, if your bleeding is very severe and ongoing, you should let your doctor know.
Remember to Take Your Medications
If your doctor prescribed you medication, you should take it as directed. For example, your doctor may have advised you to take stool softeners or pain medication. These medications will help you have a more comfortable recovery.
A colonoscopy may not be the most pleasant experience, but it is necessary. If you follow these helpful tips, you can have a successful recovery from the procedure. If you have additional questions or concerns about your colonoscopy, you should not hesitate to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Reach out to your doctor to learn more about colonoscopy procedures.