As you clear the air from your colon, you may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam. Any discomfort may be relieved by walking. As soon as you release the air, the feeling should subside. Within 30 minutes to an hour, you should feel back to normal in this regard. Your first bowel movement after the exam may also contain a small amount of blood. This is normally not a cause for concern; case of persistent abdominal pain or fever, or if you continue to pass blood or blood clots, talk to your doctor. This may happen within the first few days right after the procedure but could, however, take up to two weeks. To allow your intestines to heal after a biopsy or polyp removal, your doctor may recommend a special diet for a day or two. What you can and cannot eat and drink will be discussed with you by your doctor. It may take a couple of days for you to have a bowel movement after the procedure. You may notice a bit of blood during your first bowel movement. That isn't cause for concern. You should contact your doctor if you pass large clumps of blood, if the bleeding seems significant, or if it lasts more than a day. In addition, you should see your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or a fever over 100 degrees. A colonoscopy is usually painless and can save your life, and most people feel back to normal quickly. Talk to your doctor today about when you should schedule yours if you are older than 45 or have a family history of colorectal cancer.