Question regarding taking CPAP to medical procedure

I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy next week and the doctor wants me to bring my CPAP.

Will they just want me to have it handy in case I need it, or, because of the conscious sedation, will they want me to use it during the procedure?

Also, should I just leave the humidifier empty? It seems a nuisance to take along some distilled water.

Thanks for any help.

Cheers,
xena

I would take everything along...as if you were going to spend the night. I am sure they should have sterile water and I am sure they will charge you for it. So I would take a small squeeze bottle of water to fill your humidifier. Just incase you are slow to wake up and need to spend more time in recovery.

Thanks for your response, msradar - maybe I will just take a small bottle of water - I have to take the humidifier anyway.

Thanks LSAT - I know a lot of people have been told not to take their CPAP, but my gastroenterologist was quite adamant about bringing mine, so whether I take it or not is not the issue - just whether I really need to use the humidifier for that short time.

Actually when I had the previous procedure last May, I do remember everything and was telling my husband after - much to the amazement of all. I don't remember any pain or discomfort at all, just watching it all on TV lol, and the Dr. confirmed the things I mentioned remembering, so it wasn't dreamed.

Cheers,
xena

You won't need your PAP during the procedure. You may well need it in Recovery where you are not as closely monitored whilst the sedative wears off. I got a pdf of the Clinicians Manual for my VPAP Auto, printed it out and have it stored in my VPAP's traveling case. So even tho my VPAP would be properly set already from at-home use IF it ever were needed after a procedure AND a higher pressure needed the instructions would be available to do so.

Are you going to be staying in hospital overnight after your procedure?

If you are to be in hospital for a night or two, your doctor will likely advise the in-house respiratory therapy team that you are on CPAP therapy and they (the RT's) will come and assist with its set up once you are settled in your room... I know this for a fact, as not only do I work in a hospital and am privy to doctors' orders (and I see CPAP notes in admission orders), I was admitted for a few days last month and mentioned that I have CPAP and one night the on duty RT came to ask if I had my unit with me (I didn't, as I was on shift when admitted) and whether or not I could have it brought it.

WestCoastCdnGrl wrote:Are you going to be staying in hospital overnight after your procedure?

If you are to be in hospital for a night or two, your doctor will likely advise the in-house respiratory therapy team that you are on CPAP therapy and they (the RT's) will come and assist with its set up once you are settled in your room... I know this for a fact, as not only do I work in a hospital and am privy to doctors' orders (and I see CPAP notes in admission orders), I was admitted for a few days last month and mentioned that I have CPAP and one night the on duty RT came to ask if I had my unit with me (I didn't, as I was on shift when admitted) and whether or not I could have it brought it.

Nope, no overnight stay. It's approximately 1 hour procedure with conscious sedation. My gastroenterologist is particularly dedicated and thorough and all 3 times I've spoken with the nurse she has reminded me that the Dr. wants me to bring my CPAP.

I'm perfectly OK with taking it, but I figured if I was only going to use it (maybe) for an hour or so, then wasn't going to bother with water for the humidifier.

xena