Home Care after Your Colonoscopy
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
Digestive Health Center, 8am to 5pm weekdays, (608) 890-5000.
After clinic hours, please call (608) 890-5000. Give your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live outside of the Madison area, please call 1-855-342-9900.
UW Health Digestive Health Center
750 University Row
Madison, WI
(608) 890-5000
(855) 342-9900
University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
GI Procedure Clinic
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI
(608) 263-8097
(800) 323-8942
Meriter Hospital Digestive Health Center
Lower Level
202 S. Park Street
Madison, WI
(608) 417-6389
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: 04/24/2013
Copyright © 04/08/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4566
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