Pain

Is it normal to have a pain in my stomach?

Yes, this is from the air used during the procedure; it will give you a bloated feeling and can last several hours.

For patients who have had a gastroscopy - I have a sore throat from swallowing the tube, when will it feel better?

Your throat will feel better as soon as you can drink, however the soreness can last a day or two.

Should my hand hurt where the needle in my hand has been?

You can experience swelling; redness and soreness at the needle site for up to 48 hours, if it lasts longer inform your doctor

Tablets

When should I take my usual tablets?

You can return to your normal medication as soon as you can eat and drink, unless you have been told otherwise by the hospital doctor or nurse.

Feeling unwell?

What should I do if I feel unwell when I get home?

If you are experiencing severe pain, a temperature above 37.5 C (101 F) vomiting, vomiting blood or passing blood from your bottom, please contact the endoscopy units using the information below or if more urgent assistance is required, please attend one of the urgent care centres at Burnley General Teaching Hospital or Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital

Food and drink

When can I eat and drink?

 The staff on the Endoscopy Unit should have advised you on this before leaving the unit.

Blood

I have noticed blood spots on my tissue paper when I go to the toilet, is this normal after a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy?

Yes, this can happen if you have had biopsies or received treatment during the procedure. If it lasts longer than a couple of days, inform your own GP.

Going home

If you have had throat spray you may make your own way home. You will be advised at what time you may have a drink and eat as normal. If you have had sedation it is essential that someone with transport comes to pick you up from the unit. You will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult and it is recommended that they stay with you at home for 12 hours after the procedure if sedation was used. When you get home, it is important to rest quietly for the remainder of the day. Sedation lasts longer than you think. 

For twenty-four hours following sedation you should not: 

  • Drive a car
  • Operate machinery
  • Drink alcohol
  • Sign any legally binding documents.

Following Entonox you must not drive until the endoscopist deems you fit enough, this is usually within 30 minutes.

If you feel unwell and do not have any of the above contact the ENDOSCOPY UNIT.

Burnley General Teaching  Hospital  (Monday-Sunday)

8.00 am to 6.30 pm 01282 805117

6.30 pm - 8.00 am - 01254  263555 and ask for BLEEP 087

Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital (Monday-Sunday)

8.00 am to 6.30 pm 01254 733191

6.30 pm to 8.00 am 01254 263555 and ask for BLEEP 087 

Rossendale Primary Health Care Centre (Monday-Friday)

8.00 am to 6.30 pm- 01706 235360

6.30 pm - 8.00 am - 01254  263555 and ask for BLEEP 087

Saturday and Sunday - (24 hours) 01254 263555 and ask for BLEEP 087

FURTHER INFORMATION

When will I get the results of the biopsies?

If you have been referred by your GP - you will need to make an appointment to see your GP three weeks after the date of the procedure to obtain your results and details of any further treatment which may be indicated.

If you have been referred by a Consultant - you will receive a letter from the hospital to inform you of any biopsy results. If further investigations are needed you will be informed by letter or asked to attend an outpatient’s appointment.