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Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
A colonoscopy can be daunting! People are often worried it will hurt and they will suffer from bleeding or post-procedure effects. Having anxiety around getting a colonoscopy done is perfectly normal. It should not, however, stop you from getting them done! They are an important part of monitoring conditions like ulcerative colitis and can help detect cancer in the colon. Here’s a guide from PatientsLikeMe on how to prepare for a colonoscopy, what to expect during the process, and tips for recovering afterward.
Why Colonoscopies are Important
A colonoscopy is an exam that lets doctors look at the lining of your colon. They can then assess any inflammation, ulcers, or precancerous cells. For those with UC, it helps monitor disease progression and check for colorectal cancer1. UC can lead to changes in the colon lining over time, so regular colonoscopies can track this progression. People with UC also have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, which makes colonoscopies important for early detection.
How to Prepare
The key to a successful colonoscopy is thorough preparation to make sure the colon is clean enough for the doctor to see clearly. Here’s how to approach it.
Start Preparing Early
About two weeks before your procedure, review any guidelines your doctor gives you and ask questions if something is unclear. Often, your doctor will ask you to eat a low-fiber diet2 a week before the procedure to get rid of residue in your colon. This means avoiding seeds, nuts, raw vegetables, and whole grains. Talk to your doctor about any medications, especially if you’re on UC-specific treatments like 5-ASA or steroids. They may adjust your dosage before the procedure.
Bowel Prep
Bowel prep3 means drinking a solution that helps clear out your colon. Your doctor will recommend one, but there are a few options. Talk about any concerns you have with the taste or quantity, as some UC patients may have options with smaller volumes or milder flavors. Bowel preps often come in a “split dose,” meaning you take half the night before and the other half a few hours before the procedure. Drinking bowel prep can be unpleasant, but chilling it or drinking it with a straw can help. You can also try small sips of something like ginger ale to ease the taste. Frequent bathroom trips are common, so make sure you are near one during the prep.
What to Expect During the Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is usually done under sedation, meaning you will be relaxed and won’t feel pain. The exam usually takes about 30-60 minutes, but plan on spending 2-3 hours at the office. A flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum to give the doctor a view of your colon’s lining. During the colonoscopy, your doctor may take tissue samples (called biopsies) to test for inflammation or other changes.
Recovery
Recovery from a colonoscopy is pretty brief but very important. If you have UC, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind.
Rest and Rehydrate
After the procedure, you might be drowsy from the sedation. Plan to rest for 24 hours. You may feel a bit dehydrated because of the bowel prep, so drink plenty of water. Electrolyte drinks can also help restore lost minerals4.
Resume a Gentle Diet
Immediately after a colonoscopy, your colon might be sensitive, so stick to bland, low-fiber foods. Try easily digestible5 foods like rice, plain pasta, applesauce, or yogurt. As your body adjusts, you can slowly add more variety to your diet. During this make sure you monitor for any UC symptoms like bloating or cramping.
Monitor for Flares
Some UC patients experience a symptom flare6 after a colonoscopy. If you notice signs like increased stool frequency, pain, or bleeding, contact your doctor. In some cases, doctors may temporarily increase UC medications if symptoms intensify. Make sure you have a plan with your doctor before the procedure to handle any flare-ups.
When to Call Your Doctor
While complications are rare, watch for these symptoms7 in the days after your colonoscopy:
- Rectal Bleeding: A small amount of bleeding can be normal, but if it’s more than a tablespoon, notify your doctor.
- Fever or Chills: These could mean an infection, which should be addressed quickly.
- Persistent Pain or Cramping: Mild discomfort is common, but intense or lasting pain could be an issue.
A colonoscopy is important for managing UC, helping detect cancer risks and monitor inflammation. Though preparation and recovery can be challenging, following these tips can make the process easier! By staying informed and connected with your doctor, you are taking important steps to protect your health.
Taking control of your health has never been easier with PatientsLikeMe, a platform that empowers you to manage your wellness journey proactively. By joining a community who share your experiences and insights, you gain access to invaluable support and information tailored to your unique health needs. PatientsLikeMe offers tools to track your symptoms, treatments, and outcomes, enabling you to make informed decisions and communicate better with your healthcare providers. Additionally, evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments through shared patient data, ensuring you choose the best options for your health.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6700690/
- https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/washington/get-care/additional-services/gastroenterology/colon-diet-low-fiber
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10080552/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9543544/
- https://www.mycrohnsandcolitisteam.com/resources/what-to-eat-after-a-colonoscopy
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17206634/
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/colonoscopy