Colonoscopy Outpatient Care
Freedom Home Care and Medical Staffing is available to assist any individual who is preparing for out-patient treatments and procedures, including colonoscopies. Colonoscopy prep and post-care can be a somewhat complicated process and often requires planning in both the prep and recovery stages. Luckily, they’re quite common and our caregivers are well-equipped to help you through the process.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon) by inserting a thin, flexible tube with a video camera attached into your rectum. Colonoscopies are standard procedures for people over the age of 50 and are commonly used to help locate ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and other abnormal growths. Colonoscopies are sometimes used as screening tests to check for cancer or precancerous growths.
Colonoscopy prep
You’ll spend 1-2 days before your procedure cleaning out your colon. Your doctor will recommend a prescription laxative tablet or laxative solution along with directions for dosage. Sometimes you’ll need to drink a laxative the evening before the test; sometimes you’ll be asked to drink half of the laxative the evening before and half the morning of the procedure; sometimes you’ll receive a meal kit or sodium phosphate tablets instead. Your Freedom Home Care and Medical Staffing caregiver will make sure you receive the correct prescription and ensure you’re taking it correctly and at the correct times.
During colonoscopy prep you’ll need to use the bathroom frequently, so plan on staying home. Your caregiver can assist you with getting to and from the bathroom as needed and will also monitor you to make sure you stay hydrated while adhering to your doctor’s ingestion restrictions.
Colonoscopy post-care
Since you’ll receive anesthesia during the colonoscopy procedure, you will need someone to drive you home afterward. Your Freedom Home Care and Medical Staffing caregiver will be on hand to provide safe, reliable transportation both to and from your appointment.
After arriving home it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to replace the ones lost during colonoscopy prep. You’ll be tired (and possibly nauseous) from the anesthesia, so your caregiver will make sure you’re comfortable and ensure you’re drinking enough to prevent dehydration.
The FHC caregiver will stay with you to continue helping with any bathroom needs you may have, prepare meals, and even tidy up your home (if needed) to put your mind at ease.
The specific plan of care and time frame is, of course, based on the patient’s needs and the physician’s orders. Your FHC caregiver will work with you to make sure comfort, safety and quality care are the top priorities throughout your prep, procedure, and recovery periods.
Call us today at 1-877-262-1223 to schedule care for upcoming colonoscopies and other outpatient procedures. Our expertly trained, passionate caregivers look forward to working with you!