My Experience

I had a routine colonoscopy screening after I turned 50. The preparation included multiple bottles of the laxative magnesium citrate. Taking this was unpleasant and the only bad part of the entire process. There are other prep regimens available and I would recommend asking your doctor about the best options.

The entire process from entry to the GI suite at the hospital, through the procedure itself, to the recovery suite and the aftermath was entirely benign. An IV catheter was placed in the holding area, routine health related questions were asked and then I was taken into the colonoscopy suite. I asked for heavy sedation as I had no desire to know or feel anything about the procedure itself. The next thing I knew I as in recovery. They told me they found two polyps in me but both were benign. I was a bit groggy for an hour or two, however, I felt well enough to go the Red Sox game that evening.

Within a couple of hours I was fully recovered with the exception of passing a lot of gas over the next couple of days and having some occasional cramping.