Food and Drink
You will be advised on the day what time you will be able to eat - This is based on the time it should take for the anaesthetic throat spray or sedation to wear off.
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.
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 with someone to look after you and stay with you overnight.
Sedation lasts longer than you think so for 24 hours following sedation you should not:
- Drive a car
- Drink alcohol
- Operate machinery
- Sign any legally binding documents
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.
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 unit at which you attended for your procedure between 8:00 - 18:30.
If it is out of these working hours, please contact NHS 111 out of hours service for advice or if more urgent assistance is required, please attend one of the Urgent Care Centres/Emergency Department, at Burnley General Teaching Hospital or Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.
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.
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. If you have persistent pain that is not resolving with over-the-counter pain relief, please contact 111 service, for advice and guidance.
Following Entonox you must not drive until the endoscopist deems you fit enough, this is usually within 30 minutes.
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.