Colonoscopy is a screening examination that is used for getting a clear view inside the rectum and colon region for detecting infection, ulcer or any other unusual growth. The interesting aspect of this examination is that if any form of abnormality is suspected in the body then the sample of the same is removed for further investigation. If doctors find a tumor or polyps growing inside the rectum or colon, then they carefully remove a small sample of the same, this helps in getting accurate results. Majority of experts suggest that patient who are of or more than 50 years of age should get the first colon screening done. This is because the possible of colon cancer is very high at this age.
Is it Safe to Exercise After a Colonoscopy?
People who are health conscious or follow regular exercise regime frequently ask a question that whether they can do exercise after the colonoscopy procedure? Patients can do exercise during the preparation phase i.e., when the patient is kept on a strict diet. However, as they are recommended to include more fluid and less fibrous food in their diet so indulging in heavy or regress exercise is not allowed. This is only because the body of the patient becomes slightly weak and performing heavy exercise can cause health problems.
After the procedure, the patients are not allowed to do exercise of any other heavy work because firstly the effect of anesthesia, given during the procedure last for almost 24 hours and secondly after the procedure they are suggested to eat food very carefully on empty colon. The diet pattern followed during the preparation phase and after the procedure makes the body weak and unsuitable for exercise. Still if patient try to perform light exercises then they can experience some side effects like nausea, dizziness or can even faint. Once the patient recovers completely they can resume their workout routine.
Procedure
Colonoscopy test lasts for around 40 minutes to an hour. While the procedure is on patient may feel slight pain or discomfort, in order to avoid this discomfort patients are given sedatives. This sedative helps patient to relax and feel comfortable during the screening test. After entering the examination room, doctor helps patients to lie on the examination table in a specific position so that the colon area is visible. The test is performed with the help of a fine flexible tube termed as colonoscope, this tool has a small camera places at the tip of the tube. Colonoscope is then moved around the large intestine and the rectum area; camera provides a clear view of the same.
During the procedure if doctors find any abnormal growth inside the body or polyps then they immediately remove a sample of the same for further examination. This process of removing a portion of affected tissue or cells is known as biopsy. Patient undergoing biopsy can experience abdominal cramps or pain after the test. After the procedure, the patient may also see some blood spots in the first bowel, but that is very normal and nothing to worry about unless it’s temporary and does not last long.
Recovery
After the procedure of colonoscopy is over patient is shifted to a recovery room where they are kept for around and hour or two. This is the time when the effect of anesthesia will also start to wear off, but this does not mean that patient can drink back home alone. They need someone who can accompany them back to home from the hospital. During the text air is blown inside the colon for getting a clear expanded view, so patient may feel bloated or suffer from abdominal cramps for some time. One should clearly understand and follow doctor’s instructions given at the time of discharge. After some rest, the patients can actually resume their daily activity and normal diet. Report of biopsy is provided to patient after one week and this report decides whether the polyp is cancerous or not.
Also Read:
