Colon Cancer Forum - colonoscopy with copd and asthma

TIPS FOR EASY COLONOSCOPY

Hi to all
Yesterday I had my first colonoscopy. I am 68, have copd and asthma and was scared. These are the things I figured out that helped me have a smooth (pun) esperience.
I searched blogs first, did not find any advice to make it easier, so I am sharing this in hopes yours will be smooth too.

Before:
I chose to make a pre-op appt with my Dr. to go over my medical situation and fears, so he sorta knew me.
I worked on my thoughts and attitude. I told my inner kid, "This is not being done "to" me....rather is being done "for" me, to keep me healthy, and I will loose a few pounds, and sleepy shot may even make me feel a rush."
I bought myself a soft loose fitting comfy outfit, you could buy self a balloon too.
I Cleared my slate of calls and to doos, and gave the time to myself to nurture myself, and do anything I wanted my way.
Told myself not to think of food or being hungry before or even after. All this takes away hunger anyway.
Prep:
I bought yummie clear liquids...TJ organic chicken broth (nourishment) I added lemon juice, popsicles real fruit lemon and lime, white grape juice, and fresh ginger to slice into hot water in case of nausea....tasted good anyway.
First prayed for Dr. and myself.
Then......I took 1 tranquelizer to calm my fear.
Had the nurse's phone # if I should need it.
First I chose Colyte unflavored, because cherry flavor may cause me nausea, and with half-lytely you take ducolax tabs which may cause cramps. Refrigerated, it did not taste bad, salty, but I love salt.
I started it at 4pm instead of 5pm...to give time to cleanse, so I could get nights sleep.
I chose a pretty glass, set timer for 20min, then drank it at my own speed and poured another at the bell.
Went down, no nausea, no problem with bloating either.
Burned insense in bathroom.....made me happy
In 45min. started potty runs (pun)
Go at first impulse.....because it becomes watery and you can guess.
I then added sanitary pads to panties, it worked.
Had washer filled with soap and water ready to add panties as necessary....and wash all later.
Best tip.......I used preparation H after each time, watery or not. Helped with no irritation and totally kept my external hemorrhoid from acting up. Also pat rather than wipe....tis water anyway.
Watery stools continued 4hrs. No cramps No sore bum
I followed all printed directions....mostly no asperin + for a week...it creates bleeding.
Morning..Home before leaving:
Took 1 tranquelizer (my choice) and 1 anti-biotic (my choice), in case flex tube not fully steralized, so not to get infection or worse, will continue these a few days.. Told Dr. in list of meds.
At Kaiser:
Stapled my pre-typed list of meds taken last night and morning..... so didn't have to re-write.
Wheeled to nice clean room. Got extra blankets for comfort.
Reminded Dr. to use very small needle for IV as asthma cortosteroid inhalers narrow my veins.....he did, and asked me to turn over......and I was out.
after:
Woke up in recovery room to my friends smiling face.
Nurse said procedure went well, found no polyps.....I lucked out...Mahalo God.
Was radically thirsty....probably had mouth open during procedure.
Nurse gave me a lollypop....(my reward) it helped, yet I needed 2 more to quench thirst.
Still a bit groggy and wobbly on feet, and thirsty.
Was told to eat easily digestable food, no fried ect.
Out to eat, still a bit "loopy" wanted to be home.....soon home alone, quiet and do, eat anything my way.
Finally home:
Gas bubble under rib. Took 2 rolaids, walked around house. Lotza "toots". Soon felt great. Still thirsty.
Next morning:
No discomfort, still a few "toots."
I hope my experience makes yours a bit smoother.
Aloha, Aina