What to Expect When Recovering From a Virtual Colonoscopy

Recovering from a virtual colonoscopy can cause unnecessary stress if you do not know what to expect afterward. Reduce recovery times drastically by following your strict aftercare plan word for word. Encourage those around you to thoroughly understand your care instructions as well.

When you go in for your virtual colonoscopy, the nurses will prep you in a similar way to surgery patients. You will go into the operating room and lay on the stretcher. Your nurse will insert an IV and begin administering the sedation medications. You will likely wake up in the recovery room after the procedure. In the recovery room, the nurses allow you to fully regain consciousness and deliver your aftercare instructions given by your doctor.

Follow the aftercare instructions carefully to avoid exacerbating the original problem. You will need to drink plenty of fluids to recover from the cleansing solution they required you drink prior to your colonoscopy. The cleansing solutions have a dehydrating effect on your body. Be sure to consume a small amount of sugar along with a source of potassium, like strawberries or bananas, to help balance your body’s nutrients.

Rest your body for a day or two after the procedure. You can expect to regain your strength and feel better by day three, though you will feel especially sore if your doctor took biopsies during the colonoscopy. Encourage your loved ones to pick your duties around the house while you are gone and continue to do so until you feel well again. If you observe a traditional workweek, schedule your procedure for a Friday to take advantage of the two-day weekend for rest.