Colonoscopy side effects

[Ziggy296]

Hi, had my first ever colonoscopy yesterday to rule out cancer. It was clear so it was agreed that IBS was likely to be the cause of my symptoms. It's been a long fight! The procedure was quite painful and the report said 'gross looping' so I'd have to have CT in future if required.

Looking for other people's experiences on the side effects of colonoscopy. I've googled and have the bloating, trapped wind, ect. I haven't had any bleeding but feel uncomfortable and have a yellow/brown discharge. Sorry for the detail but just wondered if some leakage is normal or should I be contacting my GP?

[xjrs]

Any concerns post colonoscopy should be discussed with your GP as soon as possible after the procedure. If you are in the UK and it's the weekend, you could call the 111 service. They will refer you to a GP if they deem it necessary.

[Superzob]

I agree with xjrs , but I would add that this is an invasive procedure and it will take time to recover completely. The bloating and trapped wind are from the air used to expand the bowel, and it's probably more pronounced in your case if you have a "loopy" bowel. The discharge is probably mucous from irritation caused by the prep (Movicol?), and probably gets "blown out" with the wind problem. As long as it doesn't bleed, I'd give yourself the weekend to recover, and perhaps get some advice next week if the problems persist. Remember to keep your electrolytes up (Dioralyte or Sports Drinks) if you don't feel like eating much at the moment, to avoid lowering blood pressure.

[Arpin]

I had a yellow sort of mucus discharge after colonoscopy the nurse told me that the clear out drink you take before the procedure does precisely that it gives you a thorough clear out so the discharge must of been hiding but that dreadful drink could of stripped off paint Mine stopped after around 2 days I do hope that your feeling a lot more comfortable now 🧡