I’ve been through a few colonoscopies now, and one thing I’ve learned the hard way is to skip coffee for at least the first 24 hours afterwards.
The first time, I thought a hot coffee would be the perfect pick-me-up after all that fasting. Nope. About an hour later I had strong cramps and had to make a dash to the bathroom again.
Next time around, I figured it might have been a fluke — so I tried coffee again. Same result. That’s when it clicked that maybe I shouldn’t drink coffee after colonoscopy.
After some digging around online, I think it’s a combo of factors: your gut’s squeaky clean and still irritated from the prep, and coffee is a strong stimulant that gets everything moving fast.
Anyone else had this experience, or know what’s happening?
I’ve seen that happen with a few folks I supported in aged care. The gut lining can still be sensitive from the prep and the procedure, and coffee’s a bit of a stimulant. I would suggest starting with something gentler like weak tea or just warm water.
Totally relate. I treated myself to a cappuccino after my first one because I was starving. Big mistake. Cramping and… let’s say it didn’t stay in my system very long 😬
