Question 1

Bowel cancer screening, is it for me?

Question 2

Why do people develop polyps and cancers?

Question 3

I’m feeling bloated / pain - is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is common to feel tummy bloating or discomfort for 24-48 hours after an endoscopy / colonoscopy. It will typically settle with time and simple measures such as paracetamol and hot packs or warm showers. If pain is sharp and / or worsening seek medical advice or contact us.

Question 4

When can I return to my normal activities?

Accepted Answer

You should be back to normal and can return to usual exercise and other activities the day following your procedure.

Question 5

I have a sore throat post upper endo - is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is common to have a sore throat after an upper endoscopy due to passage of the camera through your throat. It should not feel worse than a severe cold and will settle quickly after a couple of days with simple measures such as paracetamol and throat lozenges. If pain is worsening seek medical advice or contact us.

Question 6

I’m having trouble swallowing / have chest pains after an upper endo – is this normal?

Accepted Answer

The doctor may have taken samples (biopsies) from your food pipe and this can cause chest pain or difficulty with food going down the oesophagus. This will typically settle after a couple of days with simple measures such as paracetamol and throat lozenges. If pain is worsening seek medical advice or contact us.

Question 7

I’m passing loose / runny stools or going to the toilet multiple times a day – is this normal?

Accepted Answer

It is common to have a disruption to your normal bowel habits for some weeks after a colonoscopy. If you are passing more than three watery stools a day and feeling dehydrated or light-headed, please seek medical advice or contact us.

Question 8

I’m seeing blood in my poo – is this normal?

Accepted Answer

After a colonoscopy it’s normal to pass a small amount of blood in your first few motions in the first couple of days. Particularly if a polyp has been removed from the rectum or low down in your bowel. If you are seeing frequent (more than once or twice) bloody stools seek medical advice or contact us.

Question 9

I haven’t opened my bowels since the colonoscopy. Is this normal?

Accepted Answer

It is common to have a disruption to your normal bowel habits for some weeks after a colonoscopy.

For Patients

HOW TO PREPARE

How to prepare for GASTROSCOPY

How to prepare for COLONOSCOPY

How to prepare for CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY (Pillcam)

How to prepare for FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY

What to bring to your CONSULTATION

What to bring to your PROCEDURE