Elderly Care: Helping You Deal With the Dying Process
Dos And Don'ts After A Colonoscopy
Julio Carr
A colonoscopy is a common procedure and a type of imaging test that looks for the presence of polyps and other abnormalities in the colon. It is an important procedure in the detection of certain types of cancers. There are several steps patients need to take to prepare for a colonoscopy. However, it is just as important for the patient to care for themselves properly after the procedure.
Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind if you are recovering from a colonoscopy.
Do Find a Ride Home for the Procedure
You will be given a sedative or you will be put on an anesthetic during the procedure. This will help you not only relax, but ensure that you remain completely still during the test. It is critical that you do not move at all during the test. This will ensure that the test results are accurate and that you do not become injured during the procedure.
After the colonoscopy, you will feel very tired and groggy, and because of this, you will stay in a recovery room for several minutes or hours. Once you are released, it is critical that you do not drive yourself home, especially if you are feeling the effects of the anesthesia or sedative.
Contact a friend or family member in the days before the procedure and ask them to give you a ride home and stay with you after the procedure, in the event you require help or need to visit your doctor again. If you experience extreme discomfort, run a fever, or have any swelling after the colonoscopy, contact your doctor right away.
Don't Worry If You Feel Bloated and Uncomfortable After the Test
Once you arrive home, you might feel a little gassy and bloated for several hours. There is a simple explanation for this experience and don't worry, you will feel much better very soon. During the colonoscopy, the doctor blows a small amount of air into your colon to help them receive better images.
Do Eat the Right Diet
Your doctor will provide you with a detailed list of foods and drinks you should consume after the procedure. Eat foods that are light and easy to digest, such as berries, bananas, or soup. Avoid foods that are hard on your stomach and digestive system, including fatty foods. Drink plenty of water and if you feel any discomfort, contact your doctor.
If you undergo a colonoscopy, there are several things you need to do to care for yourself afterward.
For more info, contact a local clinic like Gastro Health.
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As an elderly care worker, I have witnessed the deaths of many individuals. I have seen family members become angry, sad, and completely silent at the end. I have also seen individuals refuse to see family members out of denial. People deal with death in different ways, and the strong emotions are often unfamiliar and scary. If you have a parent or grandparent who is elderly, then I want to share with you what I know about end of life care and dying process. We are a society that does not talk about death, and this can cause great pain when a family member dies. Learn about the process and find out how to deal with your own emotions and how to love your family members at the end. If there is only a small amount of time left, then I want you to cherish the final moments.