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Bronchoscopie advice

Wibble28 profile image
34 Replies

Hello everyone I was recently due to have a bronchoscopie but cancelled at the last minute.

I was told that I would have a local anesthetic in my nose and that they would be working on my lungs for 15 minutes.

The idea of someone playing around in my lungs for 15 minutes whilst I was awake was very stressful and quite scary, which is why I cancelled.

If you have had a bronchoscopie I would love to hear how it went, if you had a general anesthetic or local, was it painful, what were the after effects?

Many thanks

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Wibble28 profile image
Wibble28
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34 Replies
helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7

I had a bronchoscopy earlier this year, while I was in hospital. I was given a light anaesthetic while they put the tube in. I didn’t feel any pain at all, and the doctor asked if I wanted to seen the screen showing my lungs while they ‘explored’ them. I said yet, and found it fascinating. They took 2 biopsies and removed some fluid for testing. I didn’t feel any pain at all.

Wibble28 profile image
Wibble28 in reply tohelenlw7

Thank you for the information.Were you released straight away and how was it at home after?

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7 in reply toWibble28

I was already an inpatient with pneumonia when I had the bronchoscopy. I had 2 ct scans showing pneumonia then a third showing I was clear. At this point my infection markers were still high so I had the bronchoscopy, 2 MRSs, an ultra sound, and a PET scan. They couldn’t find any other sauce of infection and came to the conclusion, with a bit of a hint from me, that perhaps my infection markers were still high because I have rheumatoid arthritis and was taken off all my medication when I was admitted to hospital. I was fine after my bronchoscopy, my throat was a bit scratchy but nothing serious.

Wibble28 profile image
Wibble28 in reply tohelenlw7

Thank you so much for the information and your help.I would be just a quick in and out if I decide to have it done.

I think for me it's psychological, just the idea stresses me out. And I'm also scared.

I'm also worried about climbing the four flights of stairs when I get home and the fact I live alone.

My lung specialist seems more concerned about me doing the test than about my wellbeing.

Thanks again

Ern007 profile image
Ern007 in reply tohelenlw7

Nothing to do with bronchoscopy- One thing I have not had. Your post reminds me about a flexy cystoscopy I had to determine if I had a tumour in my bladder or not . i did not fancy a tube into my bladder at all but. they used some local and I could see the tube going into my bladder, I noticed something, anyway when he had finished he went to a dark spot which I had seem, he said "do you know what that is"? yes! a tumor and it was. Thing is everying was so relaxed , was surreal even - Like watcking TV. - The procedure took 15 minutes then with conditions I was able to go home.

Wibble28 profile image
Wibble28 in reply toErn007

I had one of those for my gallbladder with the camera going through my dohdah, I just closed my eyes.

Ern007 profile image
Ern007 in reply toWibble28

They found a tumour and it was all worth it, hey I am alive today. I also have had a Barium Enema. how embarrassing was that. I know you live alone and scared, can you not take someone with you for support? - I wish you well.

Wibble28 profile image
Wibble28 in reply toErn007

I'm glad you found the problem and got the help you need.Unfortunately I don't have anyone I can take. I live outside of the UK so have no family here and don't want to put on my friends.

I think I just want to enjoy my life as best as I can without being prodded and pocked and being feed full of drugs.

Thanks for your well wishes.

Ern007 profile image
Ern007 in reply toWibble28

Fair enough, good luck to you whatever you choose.

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply toWibble28

Where do you live Wibble28, perhaps the hospital have some suggestions for people that live alone x

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7 in reply toErn007

I had two endoscopys and was able to see inside my intestines. It was fascinating.

Wibble28 profile image
Wibble28 in reply tohelenlw7

I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy but under general anesthetic so I didn't know what was happening.I can watch things like it on documentaries but I can't get my head around doing it myself whilst I'm awake. I think it was easier to do certain exams when I was younger. Now I have a mental block

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7 in reply toWibble28

I was offered a general for the first endoscopy but turned it down because I would have had to stay in the hospital longer and wouldn’t have been able to drive myself home. It was easier the second time because I knew what to expect. The swallowing the tube was the worst bit!

Wibble28 profile image
Wibble28 in reply tohelenlw7

When I had the endoscopy only I was in and out in the morning with a general anesthetic, because I couldn't swallow the tube when I was awake.

Ern007 profile image
Ern007 in reply tohelenlw7

Tell you what helen, that would strech my willpower,I have had the humiliating Barium Enima, but rather have than than an endoscopy - Anne has had one no problem.

I would have that if might be suffereing a life threatening condition. :-)

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7 in reply toErn007

I would rather the endoscopy than a barium enema!

Ern007 profile image
Ern007 in reply tohelenlw7

I have had Lots oof probes but endoscopy I have not and am glad. Anne has had one and she was fine - But I have read the side effects and warnings Anne got, in Particular the worst side effects would be later that night. That's creepy helen.. A rigid cystoscopy is pretty invasive and requires a spinal or GA - But serious side effects are few and far between,Barium Enima was just embassassing, no pain and no side effects.

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7 in reply toErn007

I try not to read too deeply into the side effects - I wouldn’t have any procedure or take any of my rheumatoid arthritis meds! I had my first baby in 1982 when you were routinely given an enema while you were having the compulsory pre birth bath! I’ve never forgotten the embarrassment or disgustedness of it. Fortunately, by the time baby number 2 came along 4 years later, everything enemas were history!

Ern007 profile image
Ern007 in reply tohelenlw7

I take you point, I take max strength Riveroxiban and side effect can be bad, no antidote either, but does not bother me.

I remember the days you are on about and more, there was no need for that, a crazy hospital routine. Thank god those days have gone. My BCG treatment is pretty embarrassing at first but, it's a life prolonger/saver.

Patk1 profile image
Patk1

I've had a few.pls don't worry.they do sedate u and it includes a memory blocker so u don't recall it

Wibble28 profile image
Wibble28 in reply toPatk1

Hi, thanks for the information and advice.I've decided not to have it done.

I would have preferred a general anesthetic but understand that can't be done.

BEaChbe4cH profile image
BEaChbe4cH in reply toWibble28

I had a bronchoscopy to check for aspergillosis

Told dr afraid. Had heavy sedation and couldn’t remember a thing

Bevvy profile image
Bevvy

I’ve had a few and on each occasion was given a light sedation. It really is nothing to worry about. I also live alone but had no issues following it. I was released later in the day. It usually IS a day or morning procedure.

Wibble28 profile image
Wibble28

Hello everyone I just wanted to thank everyone for the advice, reassurance and kind words.

I've decided not to do it, although that may change in the future depending on how bad things get.

It seems to be a psychological block on my part and also the fact I've had enough of the prodding and pocking.

Once again thank you all and good luck.

Badbessie profile image
Badbessie

I had one under light sedation a few years back. Yes it did feel a little bit strange but not painful. My throat was mildly sore following procedure. Obviously you are anxious and each of us have differing degrees of anxiety but I think you will find that you will ask yourself why was I so worried. From memory I but on my headphones and listened to a book.

organiclady profile image
organiclady

I had a bronchoscopy last year. I had a light anaesthetic which knocked me out completely so I have no knowledge of what happened. I now realise that I had worried unnecessarily. I was monitored in hospital for about an hour during recovery and taken home by a friend and looked after at home by my son for 24 hours (bronchoscopy requirements) who promptly asked “what’s for dinner”. I felt tired so went to bed and slept till the morning.

Hope this helps allay your fears. Did your consultant say that you had to have someone take you home and stay with you for 24 hours as this was what I was told and it was very reassuring to have them with me.

Ryan1724 profile image
Ryan1724

I have had two of these, and found the experience extremely interesting. I did not feel any pain during the process and everyone involved was very helpful in keeping me comfortable. The second time I even took written questions to give to a nurse during the procedure as it was difficult to speak with the tube in. Both times I was able to watch on a screen what was going on. I was allowed home with my adult son after the procedure, and it took a few hours to feel like I was back to normal , and there were no uncomfortable feelings afterwards. It was actually easier to breathe than I normally live with.

Hope this helps.

Biker88 profile image
Biker88

a broncoscopy is very often a vital tool in the diagnosis process, I had them to find out it I had cancer or something else, it turned out to be something else. The procedure is under sedation and not painful just uncomfortable. You have to be accompanied for at least 4 hours after the process, so if you haven’t got someone with you, you remain with the nurses till they are sure you are ok.

Lee_Scoresby profile image
Lee_Scoresby

Goid morning wobble! It’s just like biker88 and others have said. Momentary discomfort at the start (which you’ll get through without problem) and then the sedation means that you’re quite unaware of the procedure itself. It’s like a general anaesthetic except, with sedation, you recover much faster. They look after you very well. Don’t worry; they’ve done this procedure many many times, and it gives the medics quick access to exactly the information they need in order to treat you and your condition. From your point of view it’s entirely what you need at this stage, so take their advice and say Yea! Mine was a few months ago and I’m very glad I had it.

Good luck, and tell us how you get on (although you won’t be able to remember the bronchoscopy itself!) Best wishes from all of us who have had it done before. 👍

Banjostrap profile image
Banjostrap

Hi. Nothing to worry about. I had one about fifteen years ago. You don't really feel anything. The stuff they gave me just mildly numbed everything. No problem, relax and go for it

TurinHorse profile image
TurinHorse

after double lung transplant I had several, local anaesthetic watched on monitor, slight sore throat compulsory ice cream!

welshie1234 profile image
welshie1234

Hi, I have had 4 broncoscopy's. Each time I have been given conscious sedation which is normal way of doing things in the UK.. I actually Sleep through the whole procedure and have never had any bad side effects or issues after or even felt anything while the procedure is going on. I was nervous like yourself but it's just a 20 minute procedure and home very quickly after.

Teralea profile image
Teralea

I had a bronchoscopy, when the doctor came before the procedure and explained what would be done it freaked me out and pushed my BP up to over 200 and they gave me diazipan intravenously but it still didn't go down, so they abandoned the procedure. I was told by to ask my doctor for diazipan to be taken the morning of the procedure which I did. At the appointment I asked that they didn't discuss the procedure before it. I went down and they gave me diazipan intravenously and I just closed my eye. I never felt a thing and no after affects. If I had to have it done again I wouldn't worry at all. Hope this helps.

Popsicle57 profile image
Popsicle57

I had 2 bronchoscopies, both times the back of my throat was sprayed with a numbing agent and I was given light ( twilight) sedation. I don’t remember much about it at all. Biopsies were taken and my lungs were lavaged and samples taken.

I was released straight away and apart from a slight sore throat was absolutely fine when I got home.

Hope this helps alleviate your anxiety .

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