I'm currently under the Royal Brompton Hospital for undiagnosed breathlessness and complex cough. I've had CT scans, CPET testing, and blood tests galore, but on Thursday I will have my first ever bronchoscopy with BAL and possible biopsy...and I am terrified. I really hated having the tube down my nose so I hope they'll do it by mouth this time, but does it hurt? Can I go back to work the next day? Has anyone here had this and can give me an account of what it really feels like afterwards? I'm a nervous wreck, though I know logically there is no reason to be. I ray that they find something as 2 years being told all the symptoms and results with no definitive diagnosis is beginning to wear thin...
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bubbles8761
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Hi, I had a bronchoscopy a couple of years ago. I had sedation, and can’t remember anything about it, apart from the unpleasant taste of the spray to numb my throat. I came to after they removed the tube, and went home on the bus after a couple of hours rest in bed. Hope this reassures you.
My friend has had several bronchoscopies and was very nervous about it, but found it a lot better than she had expected. The main thing was, however, they did finally diagnose what was wrong and after it was sorted out, she has been so much better, for years. She was very ill for years beforehand without any diagnosis and proper treatment.
I had a bronchoscapy. Before it I was terrified. I only agreed to it because my health was so bad. However, with enough sedation to make me float a bit, a reassuring medical team and using all my courage I went ahead and had it done.
The spray to numb nose and throat was horrible for a second or two it stung but of course as soon as it started to work I felt nothing.
My nose was too small for the tiny camera so the put in down my throat. No pain, over soon and now I'd have it done again if needed.
I had this done at the Brompton 2 weeks ago. (I'd had one several years ago and was quite scared this time.) They are really kind and reassuring in the unit. As others have said, the spray makes you cough but with the sedation I honestly don't remember much else apart from coughing up a lot of fluid at the end. You have plenty of time to recover and you have to be able to eat and drink before they will let you go home. They insist on someone going home with you because you may still feel a bit 'fuzzy' (although you think you are fine!).
They do warn you in the discharge letter that you may have flu type symptoms afterwards. I did - and was really poorly for three days. But I think that's because I was in the middle of an exacerbation and was pretty unwell already. They provided telephone support and I got better again. Other people have no problem at all and I know some people have had a sore throat.
But the great thing was that they established that I had a fungal infection in the lungs and were able to get me onto massive doses of the right antibiotic and I am so much better now. So it was definitely worth it.
Hope it goes well. Tell them you are nervous - they are used to that and will help.
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