What You Need to Know

If you’ve been advised to have a colonoscopy, you may wonder what to expect and what recovery from a colonoscopy will be like. Your gastroenterologist has the answers you need. Dr. Ian Martinez at Gastroenterology Services in Oviedo, FL, provides a wide range of gastrointestinal treatments and services, including colonoscopies.

What You Need To Know About a Colonoscopy

Your doctor may order a colonoscopy as part of routine healthcare to check for colorectal cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths. A first colonoscopy is recommended by the time you are 45 years old.

A colonoscopy may also be recommended to identify the cause of GI symptoms, including rectal and GI bleeding, stomach or abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and chronic constipation.

To prepare for a colonoscopy, you must consume a liquid diet and take prepared laxatives the days before your procedure. You must also discontinue taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, until after your procedure.

You will be sedated before your colonoscopy, so you will need to bring someone with you who can drive you home after your appointment. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into your rectum and guided up into your colon. The tube has a camera attached to one end, allowing your gastroenterologist to view your colon. If any growths or suspicious tissue areas are identified, they can be removed for a biopsy.

The colonoscopy procedure takes about 45 minutes, but due to sedation, you will remain in the recovery room for 2 to 3 hours. Side effects such as dizziness and fatigue may be experienced, but these are typically due to sedation. Other side effects are minimal, and you should be able to resume normal activities and consume a normal diet the next day.

Contact your gastroenterologist if you experience a fever, headaches, chills, nausea, or vomiting after the colonoscopy.

Want To Know More About a Colonoscopy?

Talk with an expert to learn more about recovery after a colonoscopy and what to expect. Call Dr. Ian Martinez at Gastroenterology Services in Oviedo, FL. You can reach him in the office by calling (407) 478-0882, so call today.