A colonoscopy isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a fun day out. But after getting through the preparation and the procedure itself, there’s one detail that sometimes catches people off guard: you may need a responsible adult to take you home.
If you’re receiving sedation for your colonoscopy, your hospital or clinic may require you to have someone available to accompany you when you’re discharged.
Need a Ride Home After Your Colonoscopy?
No one available to pick you up? Miss Happy Helper provides colonoscopy pickup and medical escort services in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Langley, Coquitlam, and Delta.
Contact Trina to request a quote and reserve your colonoscopy date.
What Exactly Happens During a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of your large intestine, including your colon and rectum.
The doctor uses a long, thin and flexible instrument called a colonoscope. A tiny camera on the end provides a view of the lining of the colon so the doctor can look for abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or other changes.
Colonoscopies are commonly performed as part of colorectal cancer screening, but they can also be used to investigate symptoms or follow up on other medical findings. For example, if the doctor finds a polyp during your colonoscopy, it can often be removed during the procedure. Tissue samples may also be taken for further testing when necessary.
The Colonoscopy Prep Comes First
Before the doctor can get a clear look at the inside of your colon, it needs to be empty. That’s why you’ll receive bowel preparation instructions before your appointment. This usually involves dietary restrictions, clear liquids and a bowel-cleansing preparation that causes frequent bowel movements. Follow the instructions provided by your own medical team carefully, since preparation instructions can vary.
Are You Sedated for a Colonoscopy?
Sedation is commonly used during colonoscopy to help keep patients comfortable and relaxed. The exact medication and level of sedation can vary depending on the facility and your individual circumstances. After the procedure, you’ll usually spend some time in a recovery area while the effects of the sedation begin to wear off.
And that’s where the transportation issue comes in.
Why Do You Need Someone to Accompany You Home After a Colonoscopy?
Even though you may feel awake after your colonoscopy, sedation can temporarily affect things such as your alertness, coordination and judgment. That’s why patients who receive sedation are not allowed to drive themselves home after the procedure.
But there’s another important distinction: it’t not just “transportation.” You need a responsible adult by your side.
Can You Take an Uber Home After a Colonoscopy?
An Uber driver cannot act as your “pickup person.” You need someone who you can provide the contact information of, someone who will meet you at the Unit, someone who will be flexible due to shifts in start and discharge times.
You can read more about why you may not be able to take an Uber home alone after a sedated medical procedure.
What Happens After a Colonoscopy?
Once your colonoscopy is finished, you’ll be monitored in recovery until the medical team determines that you’re ready to leave.
Some people experience temporary bloating, gas or mild cramping after the procedure. Your medical team will provide your specific discharge instructions, including information about eating, activities, medications and anything you should watch for once you’re home.
Because procedures and recovery don’t always run precisely according to schedule, your actual discharge time may also be different from the original estimate.
How Does a Colonoscopy Pickup Service Work?
With Miss Happy Helper, you’re arranging the person you need.
Trina plans around your approximate discharge time and arrives at the hospital or clinic to meet you when you’re being released. She then accompanies you home and ensures you get inside safely.
There’s no driver circling outside while you’re still in recovery, no trying to coordinate everything while you’re groggy from sedation, and no last-minute panic because the person who originally promised to pick you up can’t make it.
Does Someone Need to Stay With You After a Colonoscopy?
That depends on the instructions from your particular hospital or clinic and the sedation you’ve received. Some facilities may require an adult to accompany you home, while you may also receive instructions about having someone available for a period of time afterward.
Always follow the discharge instructions provided by your own healthcare team. If you’re arranging a professional medical escort, find out exactly what your facility requires so those arrangements can be made in advance.
Get Home After Colonoscopy – Reserve Your Date Now!
If you’ve already been told that you need a responsible adult to take you home after your colonoscopy, don’t leave that part until the last minute.
Contact Trina to request a quote today.
Get your ride home arranged ahead of time. You’ve already got the colonoscopy prep to deal with – that’s enough excitement for one appointment 😉