Exact Answer: 2 to 3 Days
Colonoscopy is a well-known method to detect colon related cancer and other colon related diseases. It also helps in finding colon polyps. Colon polyps can be a cause of cancer. Hence, colonoscopy helps in detecting the condition of a person’s colon and finds if there is any colon related cancer there.
The cancer of the colon is also known as bowel cancer. But, after a Colonoscopy, a person may not have bowel movements for a couple of days. In such a case, a person may wonder how long it will take for them to have bowel movements after a colonoscopy.
How Long For BM After Colonoscopy?
After Colonoscopy, a person may not have Bowel movements for a few days. Bowel movements means the last step in the process of digestion in the body. In this process, the movements happen in the bowel, leading to the removal of faeces from the body.
After Colonoscopy, a person may face problems in the removal of faeces or the last step of digestion. Although, it only occurs for two to three days. After that, the bowel starts to recover and bowel movement also happens much easier. Hence the faeces are removed from the body easily again.
In Colonoscopy, the examination of colon polyps is done, which can cause colon-related cancer. In the process, a tube is entered inside the rectum of the person going through the colonoscopy. A tiny video camera is attached at the tip of the tube. The camera presents the inside condition of the patient’s colon condition on a screen. Then the doctor tries to identify the colon polyps and other problems.
However, after this process, a person’s bowel might take some damage. This stops the bowel movement till its recovery. It takes a few days for a bowel to recover. Till then the patient may face problems in the removal of faeces from their body. Usually, the bowel shows major recovery in 2 to 3 days. Within 2 to 3 days, the bowel movement or the last step of the digestion process continues again.
| Category | Duration |
| Initial movement | 2 to 3 Days |
| Complete recovery | Up to 3 weeks |
Why BM Takes That Long To Happen After Colonoscopy?
As said before, in the process of Colonoscopy, a tube with a video camera at the top, is inserted inside the patient’s rectum. The camera shows the video of the condition of the patient’s colon from the inside. This way, by analysing the video on the screen, the doctor can identify whether or not a patient has colon polyps or other problems in their colon. If they have colon polyps inside their colon, it means the patient is at risk of cancer of colon or bowel cancer.
However, in the process, the bowel of the patient takes a little damage. It happens because the tube with the camera goes through it. So due to the damage, Bowel movement stops. It starts to recover and the movement starts to happen within 2 to 3 days.
Although it may take time for the Bowel to fully recover. The full recovery depends on the hygiene of the bowel and preparation done by the doctor. If the Bowel is not very hygienic and is also ignored by the doctor, the bowel may take up to 3 weeks to recover completely. On the other hand, if the bowel is comparatively hygienic and the doctor takes corrective measures to prevent damage and maintain hygiene, the bowel can recover much faster.
In some cases, the patient may also face bleeding during a bowel movement in the initial days after Colonoscopy. However, if the bleeding is frequent, the patient should contact their doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Colonoscopy is a well-known and helpful way to detect colon related cancer or bowel cancer in the body. In the process, a tube with a camera is inserted inside the patient’s rectum, and a video is presented outside on a screen to the doctor.
In the process, the bowel gets a little damage which stops bowel movement. Although Bowel Movement starts again in 3 days the bowel may not recover completely for up to 3 weeks.
In the initial days, the patient may face problems in removing faeces from the body and may face bleeding. However, eventually, the bowel movement becomes normal depending on the hygiene of the rectum of the patient.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5521884/
- https://www.giejournal.org/article/S0016-5107(14)02051-3/abstract
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Recovery may take up to 3 weeks in some cases? That seems like a long time. I expected a quicker recovery.
Yes, I was surprised by that information as well. Seems like a long time for recovery.
It’s better to be prepared for a longer recovery time than to be caught off guard. Good to know.
While the recovery process seems uncomfortable, it’s reassuring to know that complete recovery is expected.
Absolutely, knowing that full recovery is anticipated helps in managing recovery expectations.
It’s encouraging to understand the expected recovery timeline after a colonoscopy.
The detailed information about the recovery process is very insightful. Thanks for sharing.
I agree, having a clear understanding of what to expect makes the process easier to handle.
The explanation of why bowel movements are delayed after colonoscopy is very helpful. It makes sense.
Absolutely, understanding the reason behind delayed bowel movements is important for recovery.
The explanation about reasons for delayed bowel movement is intellectually stimulating.
Absolutely, it provides a thorough understanding of the recovery process.
The detailed explanation provides a clear understanding of the recovery process. Thank you for sharing.
Agreed, having detailed information about recovery makes the process less daunting.
Absolutely, clear information about the recovery process is invaluable. Thank you for sharing.
The detailed explanation offers clarity on what to expect after a colonoscopy. Very useful.
Yes, having clear information about recovery helps in managing expectations after the procedure.
Absolutely, understanding the recovery process is important for anyone undergoing a colonoscopy.
This post offers a detailed explanation about the procedure and recovery after a colonoscopy. Very informative and helpful.
I definitely agree. This is a helpful explanation for anyone considering a colonoscopy.
The recovery time and process seem rather inconvenient, but understanding it helps in managing expectations.
Yes, being aware of the recovery process is essential for anyone undergoing a colonoscopy.
Knowing what to expect is key in preparing for recovery after a colonoscopy.
The recovery process after a colonoscopy sounds uncomfortable and quite a hassle.
Yes, it’s definitely not the most pleasant experience, but it’s important for health.
The discomfort is temporary and outweighed by the benefits of detecting and preventing cancer.