You made it through your colonoscopy – maybe you were a little nervous going in, but it’s done. You followed all the instructions, survived the prep – yes, we know, definitely the worst part – and now you’re wondering what tomorrow holds. Will you bounce back right away? Or is the day after a colonoscopy Los Angeles going to feel rough? The good news is that most people feel totally fine – maybe a little tired or gassy, but nothing too dramatic.
Will I be groggy from the sedation?
Most clinicians have a relatively sedated patient so that when you wake up soon thereafter, you may still remain groggy for the remainder of the day.” But by the following morning, the sedative ought to be completely out of your system. You may still feel a bit foggy, but hell, relax this morning — some coffee can get you through the fog. If you received general anesthesia — which less people do — your body may require a touch more time to recover.
After colonoscopy, will I feel pain, or cramping?
It is generally normal to experience some mild bloating, cramping or gas after having a colonoscopy – particularly on the day after the exam. The doctor needs to pump air into your colon to distend it to see inside better, and this makes it possible to visualize the inside of your colon. It is not like all of that air comes out right away – and it could take some time and awkward moments, before your body gets rid of all that air. Sharp pain you should not feel, though. If it is, or the cramping is bad or getting worse instead of improving, then you most certainly need to get in touch with your doctor.
The Day After, Can I Eat As Usual?
Absolutely. In truth, many people are ravenous the day after colonoscopies Los Angeles when they’ve had to follow a clear liquid diet or fast the day before. The next morning, generally, you can return to your normal diet. With that being said, you might want to start with something easy on the stomach — like toast, eggs, oatmeal or soup. If your doctor came across polyps or did biopsies, she might advise you to steer clear of spicy foods, alcohol or very fibrous food for a day or two. Otherwise, eat up.
Will I Be Able To Drive Or Return To Work?
Typically, the day after a colonoscopy near me you can resume most normal activities. You weren’t supposed to drive yourself home from the procedure, thanks to the sedative, but 24 hours later, that is no longer an issue. If your sleep was interrupted by the prep, you might still feel a little low-energy or the need to take it easy, but everyone feels okay going back to work, for the most part. If you have a physical job, you may want to wait a day or two, particularly if your doctor has removed polyps.

Is It Normal Not To Have A Bowel Movement The Day After?
Yep. You literally rinsed out your entire colon the day before, so it makes sense that you don’t need to go again the next day. “Your digestive system can get out of whack for a day or two.” If you have not gone poop for four days, and your bowels are tightening and hurting tingling in your legs, that can mean constipation in itself unless something is done soon. To get your bowels motoring again, you want high-fibre stuffs and drinks without added sugar in spades at each meal; ditch alcohol which can have a calming effect, damping down probiotic production in the gut just a little bit.
Are there side effects I should watch out for?
For the most part, the side effects from a Los Angeles colonoscopy are fairly minor and can be to blame for only bloating and light cramping. Afterwards you might feel rather tired but that be an early rather than definite sign of inflammation in the colon or another infection beginning to develop anywhere else. Of course, even worse are rare, serious side effects. And these symptoms are uncommon but can indicate a complication such as a perforation or infection. If you had a polyp removed, you may experience some slight bleeding — but it should be very mild and should stop quickly.
What if I don’t feel like myself emotionally?
More of us than you’d think. It may be, but many people feel emotionally off the day after the procedure. Sedation, fasting, dehydration, irregular sleep — all that can make you feel a bit out of sorts, or a bit pent up. And waiting for biopsy results — if tissue is taken — can kick in anxiety. Sounds like anointing daylights, and you need to make enough room so that when you do go to bed, you have some time to rest and hydrate and do something grounding. And if you’re really feeling unsettled or worried, call your doctor for reassurance.
Is It Safe to Exercise the Next Day?
Light activity is usually OK the same day as your colonoscopy. It would also help release any gas, relieving you and allowing your gut to return to normal. But if you had any real procedures, like getting polyps removed, you might be told to refrain from heaving exercise for a day or two in an attempt to cut down on the chances of bleeding, too. If you exercise through power-lifting, high-intensity cardio or high-impact sports, wait until your doctor has given you the all-clear. Your body did something to itself, that may not have seemed like such a big deal.
So What If I’m Awaiting Results?
If polyps were removed or samples were taken for biopsy, you may not have an answer right away. Typically, test results upload in two to three days, but occasionally may be delayed for a week. It’s human to tumble down all kinds of worst-case scenarios at that time, but try not to jump to conclusions. Most polyps are benign and all that, and if it was something suspicious, it’s good to find that out early rather than late. If you don’t hear back within a week, call your provider.

Conclusion
The day after a colonoscopy tends to be smooth sailing, with small lumps here and there — bloating and fatigue. You will be feeling at least on the mend, ready to eat real food, work and do your usual routine. Complications are rare, but in general, most people bounce back fast from the procedure and are just glad the test is over. And if this was your first colonoscopy — congratulations! You took an enormous step toward caring for your long-term health.


