1) the homeopathic Mag Phos will help regarding cramping. Take it four times the day before you flush and the day of. (1M is the suggested potency, but anything you find is good.) If you do get cramps, take it every 15 minutes until you get relief.
2) Use castor oil packs to help open everything up prior to your flush. I used one the night before. I had it on for 90 minutes -- bliss to be able to lie there and just read!
I ordered the castor oil pack holder that Raymond discovered on line (see his message re packs; or search on "castor oil pack holder" on line). This way I'll be able to have the pack on longer. The longer the better, you want lots of oil penetration. You cannot over do it, the more times you do it, the longer you do it, the better.