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Colonoscopy Home Care Instructions

What to Expect

 

It is common to have bloating and gas pain because air was put into your colon.  You will feel better when you expel the air.

 

You may not have a bowel movement for 1-2 days.

 

After a polypectomy, or if biopsies were taken, a small amount of rectal bleeding may be present.

 

At Home

 

Do not drink alcohol tonight,  Do not take tranquilizers or sleeping pills tonight.

 

You must have an adult to take you home.  You should not drive today.

 

Rest today. You may resume normal daily tasks tomorrow.

 

You may resume your routine medicines unless told otherwise. 

 

You may resume your normal diet.  Start out light to prevent nausea.

 

There may be some soreness or redness at the IV site for a day or two.  You can relieve this by placing a warm, moist washcloth over the site.  Please contact your primary doctor if this does not improve in a couple of days.

 

Do not make any important decisions today.

 

Call your doctor right away if you have:

  • chills
  • fever over 101° F
  • abdominal pain
  • large amount of rectal bleeding (greater than 1-2 tablespoons)
  • extreme abdominal bloating

Phone Numbers

 

If you have questions or concerns within 24 hours of your procedure, please call the Procedure Center at the number below.  After 24 hours, please contact your referring doctor.

 

Doctor ___________________________

 

Gastroenterology Procedure, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

(608) 263-8094.

 

After clinic hours, call the paging operator at (608) 262-0486 or toll free at

1-800-323-8942.  Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) Fellow on call.

 

The Spanish version of this HFFY is #6505.



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 07/08/2011

Copyright © 06/08/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4566

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