Nmas4:
Generally it's a question of, do I want to do a system cleanout or just a clear return.
If it's just a clear return, and not a full cleanout I just take 3-qt Soapsuds enemas. Always warm to my touch but not hot!!
When I'm doing a clear return(no more than 4 times a year, usually less!) I also start the day before, at lunch with half the usual amount of food. Same things as usual, just not as much. After 4 PM, no more caffeine, or alcohol. After 6PM no solids or dairy products; Day of cleanout: I take a personal day from work so that I don't have any schedule to meet
I take 6 bisacodyl (Generic Dulcolax) tablets at about 4-4:30 AM I then walk the dog, make sure computer and cell phone are off. I wear a wire free bra, and a knee-length nightgown or dorm shirt. Nothing that can get in the way!
I keep an old washcloth or hand towel that is too worn out to use within easy reach so I can use it as a bite rag or twist rag for difficult retentions.
I start off at around 6AM with a 3-qt Epsom salt and Soapsuds enema, from a closed-top bag, using a flared nozzle, in knee-chest position. I leave the nozzle in to help with retention. I retain 15 minutes, and allowed to come out at it's own pace, usually about 20-30 minutes. I give my tummy some time to settle down, and somewhere between 45 minutes, and 1 hr 20 minutes after the first enema, I refill the bag with soapsuds and warm water without rinsing, that way there is a weak Epsom Salt solution. The second enema of the series is the hardest to retain. Usually does not last 15 minutes. If I can get to 8 I'm OK with it.
The third enema, again soapsuds only, usually does retain 15 minutes. It occasionally does produce a clear return but usually not. That means a 4th enema!,! At a time when I really DON'T feel like taking another one!! That 4th one runs clear more often than not, but you never know till it happens! If it does not run clear, that means a 5th soapsuds enema!! Somewhere around the third or fourth enema though the bisacodyl usually kicks in. Don't kid yourself! It is a KICK IN!! Once it kicked in while I was retaining the third enema. The flared nozzle shot out pretty hard, but fortunately, I was able to keep enema and contents in!! So no mess!! Close call!
Once a clear return is achieved, I then do a magnesium Citrate, just to get the last of it out. Usually starts working in 45 minutes, and peaks quickly. I have learned to take it kneeling in front of the toilet, just in case the gag reflex becomes so strong I can't keep it. Staying away from the supposed cherry flavor also helps with the gag reflex. Even then, it's gotten me a time or two.