HomeWHENWhen Can I Drink Alcohol After Colonoscopy

When Can I Drink Alcohol After Colonoscopy

What are the risks of a colonoscopy?

As with any invasive procedure, complications may occur. Complications related to colonoscopy include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Continued bleeding after biopsy (tissue sample) or polyp removal
  • Nausea, vomiting, bloating or rectal irritation caused by the procedure or by the preparatory bowel cleansing
  • A bad reaction to the pain medicine or the sedative (medicine used to provide a relaxing, calming effect)
  • A perforation (hole) in the intestinal wall, which is a rare complication

You may have other risks related to your condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your provider before the procedure.

How do I get ready for a colonoscopy?

Your health care provider will fully explain the procedure and answer your questions. You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to the test. Read the form carefully and ask any questions you may have.

Dietary Instructions

You must not eat or drink for a specified amount of time before the procedure. This often means no food or drink after midnight or a restricted schedule with the laxative and water sips allowed until a couple hours before the colonoscopy. You may be given additional instructions about a special diet to follow for one or two days before the procedure. It is absolutely mandatory to follow your particular instructions carefully to avoid cancellation and to ensure a safe, effective test.

Refer to more articles:  Why Do My Ears Hurt When I Run

Notifications for Your Doctor

Before your colonoscopy, tell your provider:

  • If you are sensitive or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape oranesthesia medicines (local and general)
  • About all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medicines, vitamins, herbs and other supplements
  • If you have a history of bleeding disorders
  • If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant

Bowel Preparation

Your health care provider will give you instructions on how to prepare your bowel for the test. You may be asked to take a laxative, an enema or a rectal laxative suppository. Or you may have to drink a special fluid that helps clean out your colon.

Medications Before and After the Procedure

If you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen or other medicines that affect blood clotting, they may need to be stopped before the procedure. If you have a heart valve disease, you may be given disease-fighting antibiotics before the procedure.

Prior to the procedure, you will be given pain medicine and a sedative. After the procedure, someone must drive you home.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular

Recent Comments