All Symptoms Of Colon Cancer In Women

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, next to lung and breast cancer. Colon cancer poses some similarities to common gastrointestinal problems and some gynecologic issues, making it easy for women to pass off warning signs as random aches and pains. 

So, what are the most common symptoms of colon cancer in women patients? Change in bowel habits, unintentional weight loss, chronic fatigue, persistent abdominal pain, anemia, constipation, and bleeding are the main signs of colon cancer in women. 

The presence of one or two symptoms doesn’t automatically mean a colon polyp is present. If you experience two or more of the following, get in touch with a gastroenterologist to understand the nature of your symptoms. 

How Common is Colon Cancer in Women?

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States. It’s ranked as the third leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women. 1 in every 24 women will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. 

Cancer patients, both men and women, have a 90% 5-year survival rate when diagnosed early. After the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and other tissues, the 5-year survival rate drops to 71% and is reduced further to 14% once it reaches other parts of the body. 

Are Women More Likely to Develop Colon Cancer Than Men?

Colon cancer is usually called a man’s disease because of the difference in the number of colon cancer patients in men and women. In 2018, cancer organizations estimated 101,421 new cases of colon cancer that year, 51,690 of which are men and 49,730 for women.

Despite this, women shouldn’t feel complacent when it comes to colon cancer screening. The average risk of getting colon cancer is equal in men and women over the age of 50. 

Colon Cancer Facts Specific to Women

The progression and development of colon cancer differs between the sexes. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology discussed the gender-specific differences in colorectal cancer risk. They highlighted the following differences:

• Female patients over 65 years old have higher mortality rates and lower 5-year survival rates than male patients of the same age
• Female patients have a higher risk of developing right-sided colon cancer than men 
• Since women possess longer transverse colon that men, colonoscopies pose a lower detection rate because of this biological difference
• The risk of developing proximal large polyps increased with age, race (African-American) and sex (women)

What Increases Colon Cancer Risk In Women?

Patients who smoke are more likely to develop colon cancer than patients who don’t, especially in women. A study suggests that women who smoke have a 20% increased risk of developing colon cancer compared to those who don’t smoke. 

Patients suggest that women who consume 10 or fewer cigarettes a day are predisposed to higher risk of colon cancer. Additionally, women who have smoked for more than 40 years increase their cancer risk by up to 50%. The increased odds of smoking-related cancer is higher in women than men. 

Although the study illustrates the relationship between smoking and an increased risk in colon cancer, scientists are still figuring out the real reason behind it, and why women smokers are at a higher risk than male smokers. Men smokers only have a 5% increased risk of developing colon cancer compared to the 15% increased risk of women who smoke. 

Excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet are other factors that increase the risk of colon cancer in women. 

Colon Cancer Symptoms in Women

1. Change In Bowel Habits

Keeping track of your bowel consistency might not sound like the most appealing idea in the world, but it turns out it can actually save your life. Changes in bowel habits is one of the top symptoms of colon cancer, and most patients never pay attention to their bowels until it’s too late.

Changes could vary in size, shape, or color. What you’re looking for is a sudden difference in bowel habits. If you were on a regular bathroom schedule but notice yourself to be on the constipated side, you might want to get checked especially if you stay constipated for 3 or more months, even with various intervention efforts. 

Constipation is a sign of polyps growing on your colon, and may very well be the reason why you’re on an irregular bathroom schedule. 

2. Unintentional Weight Loss

Weight loss is often a welcome change for most women. It’s a sign that your new workout regimen or diet plan is working. On the other hand, experiencing unexplained weight loss could point to gastrointestinal problems you’re not yet aware of. 

Watch the scale and track the numbers. Losing a healthy amount of weight every month should be no big deal, especially if you’re actively working towards a new weight goal. 

But even on a diet plan, women tend to lose weight at a healthy rate of 0.5 to 1 kilos per week. If you start losing 4 or more kilos without any known reason, it could be because cancer cells in your colon are affecting your body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients. If you start experiencing unprecedented weight loss with chronic fatigue, it could be a telling sign that something is wrong with your health. 

3. Chronic Fatigue

Fatigue and weakness are usually passed off as stress or exhaustion from day to day living, but doctors say it’s one of the early warning signs of any cancer. When prolonged periods of fatigue and weakness remain over the course of months or get worse with time, even with medical intervention, it can be classified as chronic fatigue.

Regular fatigue is classified as chronic when it doesn’t get better with time. Patients with chronic fatigue may experience sleepiness during the day and have a hard time falling asleep at night due to insomnia. Chronic exhaustion coupled with other colon cancer symptoms could be a definite sign of colon cancer in women. 

Patients with colon cancer may also experience fatigue and weakness, even with healthy diets and exercise, because of how cancer cells activate using the body’s energy reserve. When you start feeling exhausted for longer periods of time, check in with a gastroenterologist to find the underlying cause of chronic fatigue. 

4. Consistent Abdominal Pain 

Cramps from gastrointestinal problems and menstrual cramps can be pretty similar, which makes women quick to dismiss warning signs as normal biological processes. It’s not uncommon for women patients to mistake gastrointestinal symptoms as menstrual-related symptoms. 

Because of this, a proactive attitude towards colon cancer screening is highly encouraged. Diagnosing colon cancer in women can be more challenging due to the presence of gynecologic organs that can obstruct the physician’s view during a colonoscopy. As such, we recommend women to get a full colonoscopy (colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy) to get the most out of these screening processes. 

5. Anemia

Anemia is characterized as the lack of healthy red blood cells in the bloodstream. As a result, a patient doesn’t have a healthy supply of oxygen, leading to fatigue. More often than not, chronic fatigue may be caused by anemia. 

Patients become anemic due to a variety of reasons. In the case of colon cancer patients, polyps can bleed, causing the body to lose red blood cells more rapidly than they can be replaced. On top of fatigue, anemic individuals also report headaches, chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, pale skin, and cold sensation in the hands and feet. Anemia is easily treated using supplements and dietary changes. 

On the other hand, anemia in post-menstrual patients could point to more serious issues. Women above the age of 50 have an increased risk of developing colon cancer due to old age. Anemia occurring after menopause is uncommon and should be subject to further medical investigation.

Anemic patients who experience rectal bleeding or observe blood in the stools should get in touch with a gastroenterologist immediately. 

6. Constipation

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal issue that usually doesn’t have adverse consequences. Chronic cases of constipation can be symptomatic of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is characterized by prolonged periods of diarrhea, constipation, or both. 

Because of the common symptoms shared by IBS and constipation, patients tend to dismiss their symptoms as IBS symptoms and neglect professional advice. When episodes of constipation don’t get better with an increase in fiber intake or digestive aid, it might be due to more serious gastrointestinal problems.

Constipation alone shouldn’t be worrisome. It’s a different story when it occurs with rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and chronic fatigue. In this case, you should get in touch with a physician to understand the underlying cause of your constipation. 

7. Bleeding

Rectal bleeding and the presence of blood in the stool are two more tell-tale signs of colon cancer. Both are hard to diagnose since the cause of the bleeding is often unclear. Rectal bleeding in women has been mistaken for regular menstrual bleeding, while the presence of blood in stool has been mistaken for hemorrhoids. 

Despite the superficial differences, there are some patterns to both rectal bleeding and blood in the stool that could help you determine whether it’s serious or not. Even women with irregular menstrual cycles can observe a pattern in their bleeding. Rectal bleeding is inconsistent and random. It is also typically accompanied by constipation.

Similarly, blood in the stool caused by colon cancer can be both dark or bright red in color. Most hemorrhoids can be felt around the anus. A simple physical inspection can confirm the presence of hemorrhoids. 

Other Symptoms to Watch Out For

• Thin, narrow stools
• Feeling that you have to empty your bowels but nothing passes
• Not being relieved after passing bowel 
• Feeling full after passing bowel 
• Abdominal bloating
• Vomiting
• Sudden loss of appetite
• Jaundice

Am I at Risk?

The standard age for colonoscopy in women is 50. However, there has been an increase in colon cancer incidence in individuals as young as 35. Early screening is recommended for patients who are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer due to the following reasons:

Personal or family history of colon cancer

If you or any of your family members had a history of colon cancer or noncancerous polyps, you could be recommended for early screening to monitor the possibility of polyp growth in your colon.

Poor lifestyle choices

Individuals who have a low-fiber, high-fat have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Similarly, individuals who are inactive are also more likely to develop colon cancer than healthier individuals. Excessive cigarette and alcohol consumption could also contribute to the increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Inherited syndromes

Although colon cancer is not hereditary, certain disorders that can increase a person’s chance of developing polyps can be passed genetically. These include familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch syndrome. Only a minority of diagnosed cases are linked to inherited syndromes.

Inflammatory diseases

The presence of chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have also been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. 

When to See a Doctor

These symptoms don’t automatically guarantee the presence of colon polyps. If you notice any of the following, get in touch with a doctor and ask about getting screened for colon cancer:

• Symptoms that continue even with previous intervention
• Symptoms that get worse during bowel movements
• Symptoms that get worse with time i.e. progressive abdominal cramping 
• Symptoms that are accompanied by one or two other colon cancer symptoms

Diagnosing Colon Cancer In Women

Proactive colon cancer screening is the key to defeating colon cancer. When caught early, polyps can be removed and colon cancer can be avoided altogether. At Gastro Center NJ, we believe the first step is understanding your body and its symptoms. If you want to understand the nature of your symptoms, our top New Jersey gastroenterologists are here to shed light on your issues. 

Are you ready to get a colonoscopy? Book a consultation today.

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Can Acid Reflux Cause Sinus and Ear Problems?

Chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can produce symptoms beyond the usual heartburn and sore throat. GERD manifests itself in different ways, with some patients experiencing less common but still normal signs of the condition.

Can acid reflux lead to ear and sinus complications? Yes, it can. Although the reason for this is still indefinite, acid reflux can lead to ear and sinus infections for some patients.

On the other hand, patients experiencing postnasal drip, sore throat, and a swollen larynx may have laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR, a similar stomach condition that is sometimes mistaken for GERD.

Ear and Sinus Problems: Common Or Worrisome?

GERD is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in the U.S. but its symptoms aren’t always straightforward. More and more physicians are accepting its association with ENT (ear, nose, throat) conditions.

Although it’s difficult to explain how GERD mechanisms affect the ear and sinus, doctors suggest that damages caused by GERD can change how the ear and nose behave.

Chronic Sinusitis in GERD Patients

A group of Taiwanese doctors tried to understand the relationship between GERD and chronic rhinosinusitis. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is caused by inflammation in the sinus. This interferes with a patient’s ability to breathe and perceive smell and even taste. 

Other symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Chronic congestion
• Postnasal drainage, or feeling mucus on the back of the throat
• Thick discharge from nose
• Nasal inflammation 
• Tenderness around eyes, nose, cheeks
• Ear pain

Although the direct cause of CRS remains unclear, doctors noticed that patients with GERD also tend to develop CRS. After observing the patients for around 2 years, scientists found that patients with GERD were at a higher risk of developing CRS than healthy patients. This same group was also more likely to develop a form of CRS that occurs without nasal polyps. 

Possible reasons for the increased risk include:

• Prolonged exposure to stomach contents in the esophagus may have reached the nasopharynx, which directly connects to the nasal cavity
• Constant exposure to reflux material could contribute to the development of CRS
• The acid, pepsin, trypsin, and bile being regurgitated can damage parts of the sinus that lead to sinus dysfunction and create an environment for invasive bacteria to grow

Ear Infections in GERD Patients

Chronic otitis media (OME) is a long-term ear problem resulting in the perforation in the eardrum. When left untreated, the middle ear can get infected with liquids. Ear problems are another known manifestation of GERD. A study was keen to understand the relationship between GERD and OME. 

The scientists tested out antireflux medication on a patient with GERD and OME to understand whether reflux medication would directly alleviate OME symptoms. Scientists found that antireflux therapy and other lifestyle modifications associated with GERD (avoiding meals and drinks at least 3 hours before bed time, more exercise) improved both GERD and OME symptoms. 

Publishers have two interesting suggestions regarding GERD-related OME:

1. That GERD has the potential to manifest into a different condition like nasopharyngitis, and lead to a specific ear condition
2. That chronic ear problems resistant to therapy may in fact be caused by GERD, and treated through GERD-specific therapy

Recent studies detected pepsin, a stomach enzyme apparent in reflux contents, in the fluid stuck in the middle ear. This reaffirms the suspicion that GERD may in fact be related to the development of OME. 

Another study followed patients between ages 1 to 17 with OME and used anti-reflux therapy to improve the signs of GERD. This study also confirmed that anti-reflux medication helps with patients with resistant-therapy OME, leading them to believe that OME may be directly related to GERD. 

What This Means for You

Although more research is required to reach a conclusive diagnosis, there is enough scientific proof from clinical trials and studies that show treating GERD directly may also improve ear and nose symptoms. 

As a GERD patient experiencing ear and sinus complications, we recommend visiting an ENT and informing him or her regarding your chronic reflux condition. With this information, you can have peace of mind knowing that there are medical therapies available to improve your discomfort. 

Ear and Sinus Complication: Just a Symptom Or Something Else?

Because the ear, sinus, and throat are connected to each other, it’s possible for doctors to misdiagnose similar conditions localized in this area. In some cases, what patients think of as GERD may actually be another gastrointestinal condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR. 

LPR: Silent Reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a condition that is caused by a malfunction in the “valves” of the stomach. These valves called sphincters prevent stomach contents from flowing back.

In some cases, the sphincter malfunctions, allowing stomach contents containing acid to travel back up the esophagus. 

Sounds familiar? It’s because LPR and GERD are caused by the same thing. While GERD is common across ages, laryngopharyngeal reflux is more commonly found in infants due to their undeveloped sphincter. Lying down all the time and a shorter esophagus also contribute to the development of LPR in infants. 

While the cause of LPR and GERD are the same, LPR doesn’t exhibit key symptoms that are found in GERD. Heartburn, a classic symptom, is typically absent in patients with LPR, which makes it difficult to diagnose the condition. Because of this, LPR is sometimes referred to as silent reflux. 

The main difference between GERD and LPR is the location of the reflux. When stomach contents reach the esophagus, a patient has GERD. When stomach contents reach further up the throat and affect the nasal airway, a patient has LPR.  

FAQ About LPR

Are LPR and GERD the same thing?

No. LPR and GERD are separate conditions. Although they are caused by the same faulty mechanism, the symptoms and location of the problem are different. 

Can a patient have GERD and LPR at the same time?

Yes. A patient can develop GERD and LPR simultaneously. Because GERD and LPR are conditions caused by the same problem, addressing concerns for one condition could also improve the symptoms for the other condition. 

Why is it hard to differentiate GERD from LPR?

Even though heartburn is a telling sign of GERD, not all GERD patients experience heartburn. Some symptoms also overlap, causing patients and doctors to misidentify GERD from LPR and vice-versa. 

Signs and Symptoms of LPR

Reflux going up the throat and reaching the nasal cavity can produce adverse effects. Common signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux include:

• Feeling of something stuck in the throat
• Postnasal drip, or the feeling of having mucus in the throat 
• Trouble swallowing 
• Respiratory problems
• Sore throat
• Itchy throat, constant throat clearing
• Chronic cough 
• Hoarseness or loss of voice

If you feel similar symptoms to GERD but are not experiencing heartburn, get in touch with a gastroenterologist to learn the underlying cause of your symptoms. 

Do You Have LPR: Reaching a Diagnosis 

If you think you have LPR, get in touch with an ENT doctor or an otolaryngologist to investigate the nature of your symptoms. You may be recommended to take the following tests:

• Upper endoscopy: Although this procedure is known to diagnose GERD, it can also be helpful in diagnosing LPR. Instead of investigating the esophagus, the examiner can view the upper part of the throat and use physical manifestations of the condition (damages to the throat from exposure to acid) along the throat. 
• pH test: Similar to an endoscopy, a pH monitoring test involves the insertion of a catheter down the nose to detect acid. This can help localize the damage from the reflux, which will determine if you have LPR or GERD. 

Get an Answer Today

Want to learn more about the nature of your ear and sinus complications? At Gastro Center NJ, our gastroenterologists keep an open mind when treating patients with GERD. Our professionals are trained to understand the extraesophageal manifestations of GERD, allowing us to give you the best medical treatment possible. 

Schedule an appointment with us today and get treated for problematic sinus and ear complications. 

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Can You Have a Colonoscopy If You Are Constipated?

A colonoscopy is a routine procedure performed to diagnose colorectal polyps. This screening method has been instrumental in diagnosing colon cancer in its early stages, as well as preventing growths from morphing into cancer altogether.

The first step to an accurate diagnosis is an effective bowel prep. However, some conditions may interfere with the bowel prep, most notable of which is chronic constipation. 

Can you still have a colonoscopy if you are constipated? Yes, you can but some adjustments have to be made to ensure that your chronic constipation doesn’t interfere with the rest of the procedure. 

In this article we discuss everything you need to know to have a successful colonoscopy, even if you’re constipated. Read on to learn about the science behind colonoscopy screenings and how to improve constipation before your colonoscopy. 

How Is Constipation Diagnosed?

Constipation comes and goes and is characterized by infrequent, if not difficult, passing of the stools. Signs of constipation include:

• Difficulty passing stools or not passing stools altogether
• Feeling blockage in the rectum, preventing easier bowel movements
• Feeling “dry” stools that are difficult to pass
• Bloating and gassiness
• Not being relieved after passing a bowel movement

Constipation is often a result of dietary and lifestyle choices. Eating foods high in fat can affect stool consistency. Similarly, eating a high-fiber diet and eating less processed foods can regulate and improve your bowel movements. Drinking lots of liquids and staying active is also key in regulating bowel movements. 

In some cases, constipation lasts more than a few weeks, even with dietary interventions. At this point, doctors will characterize your constipation as chronic and you’ll be subject to tests to understand the state of your gastrointestinal system.

Diagnosing constipation isn’t as straightforward as you think. According to the guidelines published by The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, diagnosing constipation shouldn’t just be based on frequency but also other factors such as:

• Discomfort during the passing of bowels
• Passage of hard stools
• Whether a patient is straining excessively during a bowel movement

Colonoscopy and Constipation

Can Colonoscopies Treat Constipation?

It’s possible to undergo a colonoscopy while constipated. In fact, some doctors recommend colonoscopies precisely because a patient is constipated. 

A colonoscopy is typically recommended if the patient is also experiencing the following symptoms:

• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Rectal prolapse
• Signs of intestinal obstruction 
• Severe abdominal pain 

Chronic constipation could be a sign of bowel obstruction caused by colorectal polyps. As such, further investigation is required to understand if physical blockages are causing constipation. As a diagnostic tool, a colonoscopy can visually confirm if constipation is being caused by a physical obstruction. 

However, the diagnostic benefits of undergoing colonoscopy because of constipation are limited. Researchers suggest that its diagnostic rates are similar to the case of an asymptomatic patient undergoing regular colon cancer screening. This means that constipation alone is not a good indicator that colorectal polyps are present in the colon.

For instance, a study involving 563 colonoscopies performed to evaluate constipation found the following results:

• Only 1.4% of the cases detected colon cancer
• 14.6% of the cases found adenomas or growths 
• 4.3% found advanced lesions on the intestinal wall

Colonoscopy: Beneficial or Excessive?

That’s not to say that colonoscopies aren’t instrumental in handling constipation. In fact, a colonoscopy can still be recommended to guide long-term treatment plans for constipated patients. Doctors may choose to perform a colonoscopy to see how a patient is responding to modifications in diet and medication, and use these insights to further improve the patient’s quality of life. 

Colon Cancer Screening with Constipation: Is It Possible?

In other instances, colonoscopy is performed to investigate symptoms other than constipation. In this case, patients might be experiencing temporary constipation and are worried about how this will affect the findings. 

As mentioned, colonoscopy with constipation is still possible but extra precaution is advised to ensure proper preparations, especially when it comes to the bowel prep. 

How Does Constipation Affect Bowel Preparation?

A study published in Frontline Gastroenterology illustrates how constipation can impact the effectivity of a bowel prep. While this may seem irrelevant now, keep in mind that a thorough bowel prep can actually be the difference between an effective colonoscopy and a failed one. 

According to the researchers, an inefficient bowel prep can reduce polyp detection rate and increase the overall cost of colon cancer prevention. When done poorly, a bowel prep can prevent gastroenterologists from viewing the lower intestine as clearly as possible, resulting in compromised results or additional tests. 

Recommended Colonoscopy Prep For Constipated Patients

Researchers found that different prep drinks can lead to varying prep results. Constipated patients that were asked to undergo colon cleansing using bisacodyl resulted in more satisfying rates of colon prep. 

Although bisacodyl is usually associated with abdominal pain, patients who are already experiencing constipation did not experience worse abdominal pain compared to non-constipated patients. The study suggests that the use of NaP or sodium phosphate with bisacodyl is the best way to undergo a successful colon prep for constipated patients. 

As a patient, you can ask your doctor to recommend stronger doses of bowel prep drinks, or find ones that have NaP and bisacodyl in the ingredients list. This will help ensure that your colon prep is thorough and successful. 

How To Improve Constipation Before Colonoscopy

So you’re due for a colonoscopy but you’re also constipated. You can try to alleviate constipation two weeks before your colonoscopy in order to improve the results of your bowel prep. These at-home remedies can help regulate your bowel movement and take care of constipation for good:

1. Drink More Liquids

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again. Dehydration can make bowel movements sluggish, accounting for dry and hard to pass stools. When you drink water, you’re increasing the water uptake in your bowels and can kickstart a more frequent bathroom schedule again. 

2. Take Laxatives

Senna, an all-natural laxative, is widely used to treat constipation. It comes in many forms, including one in tea bags that you can drink and take whenever you need. Senna is an herbal laxative that stimulates bowel movements with no help from chemicals, although it’s not recommended for pregnant people or individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. 

3. Drink Coffee

Coffee is a powerful diuretic but did you know it can make you go to the bathroom too? High amounts of caffeine can stimulate your gut muscles and improve your bowel movements. Just make sure you’re getting your caffeine supply from sources like tea or coffee instead of energy drinks. 

4. Eat High-Fiber Foods

High-fiber foods are associated with better bowel movements because they improve the consistency of stool, making it easier to pass through the colon. Various studies even support that high-fiber meals can improve chronic constipation if it’s added to the patient’s long-term diet. 

When you’re picking out fibers, make sure to stick with soluble fibers. These are often found in oat bran, beans, nuts, seeds, and lentils. Soluble fibers are primarily responsible for adding water to your stool, which improves its consistency. Unlike insoluble fibers, soluble fibers are easier to digest and won’t complicate other bowel problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. 

5. Eat Probiotic Foods

Sometimes all it takes to become regular again is to enlist the aid of some good bacteria. Various studies affirm the benefit of adding probiotics to your diet, which is especially useful for individuals with functional bowel diseases. 

Probiotics restore balance in the gut and help fight off bad bacteria from colonizing the colon. The presence of beneficial microbes can also aid in the digestion process, allowing for more frequent bowel movements and improved stool consistency. 

Yogurt isn’t the only source of probiotics. You can incorporate fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi to see a difference in your digestive system. You can also choose to take probiotic supplements, but these usually take a couple of weeks before showing significant improvements.

Post-Colonoscopy Constipation: What It Means & What to Do With It

A patient may experience constipation after a colonoscopy due to the extra air in the colon. Patients typically report feeling full, bloated, and having difficulty passing stools immediately after their colonoscopy. These symptoms are normal and should be no cause for worry. They typically disappear 3-4 days after the procedure. 

In the meantime, we suggest eating smaller meals the day after your procedure to help your colon relax. Feel free to resume your normal meals when you have a more regular bathroom schedule again.

If your constipation gets worse 4+ days after your colonoscopy, accompanied by bleeding, vomiting, or fever, get in touch with your doctor immediately. You might be asked to undergo another colonoscopy to evaluate what is happening in your colon.

Colon Cancer Screening Made Easy

At Gastro Center NJ, we want to give you a comfortable colonoscopy experience. From start to finish, we’re dedicated to making sure our patients are informed, compliant, and in only in the best hands.

If you’re concerned about your colonoscopy prep, get in touch with us today and let’s find a solution together. 

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Back Pain After Colonoscopy: Is It Serious?