I had a colonoscopy on Thursday.
I am not trying to overshare here, but I do want to write some things down, in case I ever have to do this again.
For the record, this colonoscopy went much better than the one I had before. I had a real nurse anesthetist, overseen by an anesthesiologist, for one thing, and they gave me propofol. So that was a vast improvement. Also, I was not on a hospital ward where inmates from the nearby prison were also having this screening test. All in all, a much better experience.
My prep was also much better, but it could have been improved, so I will write out what they said to do, and what I will do instead in the future.
Their instructions (for a 1 p.m. procedure):
Day before: only clear liquids all day
6:00 p.m. take 2 Dulcolax tablets and drink a bottle of Magnesium Citrate
7:00 a.m. take 2 more Dulcolax tablets and drink another bottle of Magnesium Citrate
Clear liquids until 9:00 a.m.
Nothing after 9:00 a.m.
For me, Dulcolax takes a good 6-8 hours to kick in, so the most obvious problem was the timing of the second dose, which basically kicked in right after the procedure was over. I don't know if there was some reason why they wanted that to happen. I guess I will ask if the occasion arises again. But if that is not what they are going for (and I know it is not what I am going for), I will make the following adjustments to my prep:
(1) The day before the day before (ie 2 days before) --load up on kale and watermelon, especially kale.
(2) Clear liquids the day before, as directed
(3) Take 2 Dulcolax tablets at 12 p.m. (earlier than directed)
(3) Drink a bottle of Magnesium Citrate at 6:00 p.m. (as directed)
(4) Take 2 Dulcolax tablets at 11:00 p.m. (or at bedtime--again, earlier than directed)
(5) Drink a bottle of Magnesium Citrate at 6:00-7:00 a.m. (as directed)
(basically, instead of taking the Dulcolax and the Magnesium Citrate at the same time, I would take the Magnesium Citrate around the time the Dulcolax was about to kick in)
I think this timing would result in a more thorough cleansing before leaving for the hospital.
It is very nice having the procedure at 1 p.m., as you are then able to enjoy a black coffee for breakfast before 9:00 a.m.
This is for my own personal reference only, and not to be taken as medical advice by anyone else. I have absolutely no medical credentials.
