GENERAL ANAESTHETIC AND BRONCHIECTASIS - Lung Conditions C...

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GENERAL ANAESTHETIC AND BRONCHIECTASIS

RoadRunner44 profile image
34 Replies

Hello friends, I suffer with bronchiectasis and chronic rhinitis as well as other health conditions. I became deaf in one ear due to a build up of mucous behind the middle ear. It has been like this for 16 years. The consultant has finally agreed to fit grommetts in my ear to drain the mucous and hopefully to enable me to hear properly again. I am a little concerned as it will entail having a full anaesthetic. I would like to know how you have fared when going under an anaesthetic and what difficulties, if any did you encounter?

I am also keen to know if any of you have needed grommetts fitted and were they successful. I would be grateful for any information or advice you can give me.

Thank you.

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RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44
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34 Replies
Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Hello R.R. 👋

I don't know a thing about grometts but as for anaesthesia, it depends on how your lung function is. They will look at your numbers to decide. Your doctor and you will have to consult with an anaesthetist. They usually will tell you whether they think it is safe enough to put you under. I had to have a septoplasty to correct a deviated septum in my nose, which required shaving off some bone and drilling two holes , this was before transplant. They told there would be no way they would put me under general anesthesia , so I did it under sedation. My lungs were just too weak. So I'd suggest you talk to the anaesthetist. They'd be quite a hard judge on the situation because naturally they don't can't to lose patients due to anaesthesia. I hope it works out well. xx 🌿🥀🌱🌼🌱🌿

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toCaspiana

Hi Cas, After what you've gone through I should be braver I know. Yes they wouldn't want to lose a patient so I'll find out soon if they think I can go under!

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply toRoadRunner44

Oh R.R. nothing to do with being brave at all. It was a necessity and was part of the "deal" to be listed for the transplant as they didn't want and "issues" . You see I had rhinorrhea as well as sinusitis, where my nasal cavities filled with pus and mucus a very hazardous thing for people undergoing transplant. I don't know what your surgery entails but may be they can do it under local anaesthetic and some sedation. Do let us know how it goes. xx 😊👋

joyce74 profile image
joyce74 in reply toRoadRunner44

They will not put you under if it is not good to do so. I had a cancer op 2.5 years ago under local anaesthetic after being seen by an anaesthetic consultant who said I was not suitable for anything else. Hope it will be ok for you.

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply tojoyce74

My fears are becoming less now. Thanks for your reply.

joyce74 profile image
joyce74 in reply toRoadRunner44

You are welcome.

Guy_Incognito profile image
Guy_Incognito

Hello, as Caspiana says, it depends on your individual circumstances. I've been under with general anaesthetic several times, the most recent being last month, and have never had any problems. Be transparent with your anaesthetist and explain your situation so he/she can decide. Good luck!

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toGuy_Incognito

Yes, your right and I am having my pre assessment soon and will find out if I will be ok to go under. Thanks for replying

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toGuy_Incognito

Yes your right, I'm having my pre assessment soon so will find out if I can go under then. Thanks for replying.

I had a grommett fitted in 1992 under local anaesthetic. Wasn't painful and haven't had an ear infection since. I have lifelong bronch

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply to

Do you still have them in Little Pom? And did you get your hearing back?

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply to

Do you still have them in Littlepom and did you get your hearing back?

I only had one because it was my left ear that I had had lifelong infections in and falling over with dizziness plus very reduced hearing. It fell out after about 5 years ( didn't notice it) and as my hearing was so much better I did not need it replaced. My hearing has been fine since and no infections but I do get dizziness occasionally ( maybe once per year) which I solve by doing Hepleys manoevre.

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply to

Hi again, Gosh that's cheered me up a lot. They are supposed to drop out within the year of having them. Perhaps yours was a semi permanent one. One other question Littlepom. How old were you when you had it done? Oh and what is Hepleys Manoevre?

in reply toRoadRunner44

I was 42. Epleys manoevre is a series of head movements which put the little crystals in the ear back into place. It is them moving about and rattling the 3 little bones in your ear that make you dizzy. My ear doc taught me his version and nobody believed me. Now you can find it on You Tube and lots of people believe in it.

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply to

Thanks for information. I'm very grateful. Chrys

in reply toRoadRunner44

Do let us know how you get on.

TomTitTot profile image
TomTitTot

Hello, when first I saw this I wondered if you have ever had genetic testing?

(You may have what I have, primary ciliary dyskinesia)

Anyway, going under a general anesthesia is always pretty daunting when you don't breathe well, so it may be helpful to have some postural drainage treatment and a nebulizer right before surgery. Also they may give you an IV steroid while you're under. Also, ask them if they can put you on oxygen as you are in the recovery room.

As to the ear tubes, I've had them many times, nearly always under a general, only once in an office visit (😟very painful) The hospital procedures were always very successful (and not painful) Both ears always, the one thing to be aware of is how very loud the world can seem afterwards.

Wishing you all the best,

TomTitTot

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toTomTitTot

Thank you for such a confidence building reply. Will take your comments on-board.

inhaler1 profile image
inhaler1

Hi. Be assessed the ptocess will be checked for every detail of your health before surgery, each member of the surgical team will see you at pre op assessment and tell you all risk factors I have had two extensive sinus operations and no compications ( Bronchiecstasis for 12yrs) you will be well ooked after.

Hope it goes well.

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toinhaler1

My fears are dissolving rapidly. Thanks for replying.

R1100S1 profile image
R1100S1

A long term Bronciectasis sufferer myself I had a 6 hour Whipple operation in November 2019 with a 1 hour follow up operation due to complications

Had no noticeable symptoms or problems due to anaesthetic

Hope this helps

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toR1100S1

What is a Whipple opeation upif you dont mind me asking?

R1100S1 profile image
R1100S1 in reply toRoadRunner44

Removal of head of pancreas, bile ducts, duodenum, gallbladder, lymph nodes then connect up remaining parts. Was for precancerous cells which turned out to be malignant

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toR1100S1

Wow! That's a lot to deal with. How are you faring now after two months post op.?

R1100S1 profile image
R1100S1 in reply toRoadRunner44

Have been building up strength to start chemotherapy Monday 3rd February

Naturally a bit weak but managing up to a mile a day walking so fingers crossed for next stage 🙂

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toR1100S1

Marvelous, already walking a mile a day, well done. After a difficult time you have another hurdle to cross with the chemo ahead. Having a positive attitude will definitely help. There will be many people on the Forum , with similar problems who will probably post you to help you on the next step of your journey. My thoughts are with you, keep well in the cold, wet weather but keep the exercise up if you can. It's good for the body as well as the spirit. Chrys

Karenanne61 profile image
Karenanne61

Hi. I have had 2 major ops under general anaesthetic. I had to have an ITU bed on standby both times. Both ops were cancelled because of lack of ITU bed but they were not needed . I was absolutely fine, as far as ga was concerned. As others have said, at your preop assessment decisions should be made on how best to care for you. The anesthatist should also visit prior to the op.

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toKarenanne61

Things are much clearer now. Thanks for replying.

Mooka profile image
Mooka

I’ve had two sinus wash outs and a cyst removed under general anaesthetic. The last time I had an infection which was more of a concern to them than my Bronchiectasis. They decided to go ahead as at the time it would have been difficult to find a time when I was infection free. I didn’t have any problems with anaesthetic. Good luck I hope the grommets help.

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toMooka

Thank you for replying giving information on your particular experience. Good to know it went well.

Izb1 profile image
Izb1

Hi Roadrunner, I had two op's last year under g.a. and was fine after both. I should have had my sinus op done but was sent home on the day as my blood pressure was too high and my resting heart rate was also high, it took a while to get my meds right but havent been back yet.

Interestingly after reading Littlepoms post, I had quite a long problem with labrynthitis and did the epley manoeuver regularly, that problem affected the hearing in my left ear and they said it would never come back,it also affected my left eye which has never been the same since, so learned to live with it.

I am sure you will be fine, tell the anesthetist about your bronchiectasis as mine put me on some kind of oxygen mix overnight which helped me to breathe alot better.

Good luck x

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply toIzb1

Thank you for your reply and reassurance. I have high blood pressure too so, like you the op may or may not go ahead until all things are satisfactory,

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply toRoadRunner44

Fingers crossed x

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