Bronchoscopy

[Treed12]

Hi. I've had an appointment for a bronchoscopy. I think because im having trouble getting rid of a chest infection. But also wonder if its got anything to do with a ct i had a couple of weeks ago. My appointment is in a week. All seems a bit quick for the nhs. Can anyone who has had one share your experience please. Reading about it sounds horrid! Thanks

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Before you undergo a ny procedure, especially one as invasive as a bronchoscopy you need to know exactly what they are looking for and the justification for it. Then you decide whether you consent to it. Get in touch with the sec of the consultant who ordered it and ask questions.

[Yatzy]

I know how you must be feeling Treed12.

Same happened to my OH three years ago, but he did get an explanation between the two events, and a peek at the ct scan record.

He survived the bronchoscopy very well, after feeling very anxious at first. The anaesthetic spray works well, he said, made him drowsy too. Had a second bronch under GA and a third with just the spray. Became quite an old hand!

The ct scan had revealed a nodule which turned out to be benign, quite common, I understand. Only remove it if in an awkward spot for breathing. His was, and breathing better than in years after removal. GP said he’d been wrongly treated till then, so good news all round.

Like you, he was only referred for X-ray then ct scan by a young n keen GP after a prolonged chest infection, AGAIN! In the end, best thing that happened to him.

Good luck, and let us know how things go for you.

[Janzo54 in reply to Yatzy]

Hello Yatzy

May I ask more about the nodules?

I was diagnosed with multiple nodules after a CT scan 10 yrs ago-the doctor at the time said he thought they were benign and to re scan in 6mnths they did monitor me for a year but then discharged me saying they hadnt grown so all ok.

No-one has done anything since but reading this makes me wonder if i should go back for a CT?

My COPD is mild to mod but my breathing is bad and pains in lungs-doctors dont seem to care/worry much!

Should I push to go back to hospital? They dont seem keen to spend money and im not well looked after with my chest anyway-everything’s a fight!

Thanks

Janzo

[Yatzy in reply to Janzo54]

If your breathing is bad and you have lung pains, a GP or consultant should be able to explain why, if not cure it. Might be time to push for another consultant appointment, as long as you’re taking all your meds.

[Janzo54 in reply to Yatzy]

Yes thanks that was my thoughts too.

Im getting dizzy episodes too and unsure if its related COPD or something new. Im no longer under a consultant but perhaps i can be sent to one.

Janzo

[Ribbon2079]

I have had one but I live in the states. Here, I was put under general anesthesia so it was very easy. Like just going to sleep and then waking up again. I did not have any feeling that I had any thing done other than I felt like breathing was easier as they removed a lot of fluid from my lungs as with an infection. I hope it is the same wherever you live. I had mine done while in the hospital for a nine day stay so I did not go home directly after the procedure but was taken back to my room. I still got up and walked etc. like I had been before the procedure. They asked me if I wanted it done because I was having such a hard time getting mucus to leave (for lack of a nicer phrase). I quickly volunteered!!!

[Meg52]

Hi Treed

I had a bronchoscopy last year as they didn’t know what was causing my lung condition. I was very nervous about it, but the medical staff were good and did everything they could to relax me. As well as the nurses and doctor who do the procedure my consultant was there which I found reassuring as she is very approachable.

They used a local anaesthetic spray and I was also given a light sedative in my hand, it didn’t put me to sleep but meant that I didn’t remember much about it.

Don’t worry about asking questions, you will feel better about it if you understand why.

You will be fine. Good luck.

Meg xx

[Hacienda]

I've had Two, My First was when they Inserted "Valves" last June, I was heavily Sedated and didn't feel a thing. This June had another as My Valves had stopped working, so I was hoping to have another Valve Done. Alas my Lungs are now too Borderline so they couldn't give me a Valve. I would have another Bronchoscopy Today if They could give me any chance to Breathe Better. So, Go For it, Insist you have Sedation. Good Luck Hun, you will feel better afterwards. xxxxx

[Dedalus in reply to Hacienda]

Don't want to hijack this post, but is there no chance of any further valve insertion(s), as I know you were hoping for same? Also, is your breathing still better now than before you had the valves inserted last year? (I have just been put forward for possible assessment for the valves (possible is the operative word, as I was originally turned down by the Brompton). Thank you Hacienda

[Hacienda in reply to Dedalus]

Hi Hun, Yes they did work, at that time I was told I was border line, and this June, I was told the same. If they Research and find a way of Giving me Valves I would Have them in a Heart Beat. I did feel the difference when They stopped working. Very SOB. During the 9 months of them working, I could have a Shower without my Oxygen on, Always Shower Mornings(best time to Breathe), after taking Meds & my precious Inhalers, giving me a better Lung expansion. I am back on my Oxygen 16/7, so Can't really complain as it isn't 24/7. Do my 6 Minute Walk next week, See were it all goes from There. Good Luck, Go for it. xxxx

[Dedalus in reply to Hacienda]

Thank you for your in-depth reply; its so helpful and just what I need. All best of luck for your 6 minute walk test and, fingers crossed, there'll be more valves/something else in the near future. You're such a positive person, even in the face of disappointment/adversity, I know you'll named the best of any situation. Best wishes xxx

[Treed12]

Thank you for your replies. Apparently they're doing a wash out?? To test for infection. If it helps clear my lungs out too i cant wait! Feel like I've been breathing slime for weeks.

[Mooka]

Hi Treed 3

You have to sign a consent form beforehand and your doctor should go through everything then. Plenty of chance to ask questions. I’ve had three and would have to say when I had the second one the wash out was brilliant. Went in couldn’t stop coughing came out not coughing at all. They will take samples to analyse what the infection is that’s causing you so many problems. The light sedative knocks me out and I don’t remember anything after its been administered. You may have a sore through afterwards and feel a bit rough. Good luck I hope it goes well for you but if you aren’t sure it’s your decision whether to have it done or not.

[Treed12]

Thank you. Something i forgot to ask. My work have agreed to give me the day off. Would i feel well enough to work the following day? I've arranged a lift to work as they said no driving for 24hrs after sedative. But im a teacher and need my voice and oomph! I don't want to push my luck as ive had loads of time off this year.

[Hacienda in reply to Treed12]

I don't work, But as we all react to different procedures, I would take the day off work. The Sedation can leave you a little more tired than usual, Best to see what your Consultant says. xxxx

[Treed12]

Just an update. It was to have a proper look and do a wash to see what infection is going on. It was such an awful experience. Never again! But hopefully worth it to get some answers. I dont know if anyone has asthma? But i had an asthma attack in recovery, the nurses pretty much ignored it till my sats dropped to 84% then went into panic mode. Gave me oxygen and my ventolin then sent me home a few hours later. Still felt awful, even the next day. Had another asthma attack last night. Could it just be from aggravation to my lungs? They didnt give me any advice at the hospital. My gp just gave the green light for another course of steroids and my asthma nurse is calling me tonight. Just feel like maybe they should have been a bit more proactive about my asthma?

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Treed12]

It seems the different departments Don't communicate between themselves and are amazed when a condition or medication impacts on the procedure you're due to have or had. I'm sorry to know you had problems in recovery. I hope things start to improve soon. Hopefully your asthma nurse will be of help later 💐