Hello all
My consultant is considering a bronchoscopy as apparently I have gunk in the bottom of my lungs but my sputum samples come back clear so he want to go in and get a sample directly. Anyone had one and are they as awful as they sound on Dr Google? Thanks
Hi Knicho,
I don't think I had the procedure as I wasn't given a sedative, but I have had the tube up my nose and down the throat, that was pretty painless just had a sore throat afterward.
In your googling did you read any NHS information on it? If not this link may not be as frightening: papworthhospital.nhs.uk/con...
Hope it helps.
Also couple of links from BLF search: blf.org.uk/search/site/Bron...
Yes I had this done and didn't like it at all. The sedative didn't work and I panicked I thought I would choke. But it's not the same for everyone. X
Why don't you try the peri o pep or some such clearance device first? Dr Lung told me he was going to have to do that so I got the peri thing and a now I can produce the stuff for him to examine.
It just make make it easier to produce the stuff at the bottom
Is that like an acapella? I've got one of those but didn't have last time the samples were taken
I've just looked that up.... yes it is.... I also have a nebuliser with hypertonic saline.... both together seem to work well. Try again now you are using that.
Hi Knicho,
I had a bronchoscopy a few years ago for investigative purposes. There wasn't an intention of getting a sample but my doctor did sort of flush my lungs to try and break up a blockage. I expected it to be really bad but it was ok. It's not exactly pleasant but because they give you a sedative and a local anesthetic it doesn't hurt, maybe just a sort of standard sore throat for a short time after. I did gag a little but not the whole time it was down my throat just when it first got to the point where it was uncomfortable (not painful)
I have had this procedure and lung tissue extracted for a biopsy . I was put under anesthesia and it apparently went smoothly. You likely will have a sore throat for a few days. Regards, judg69
Had one a few months ago, team were excellent at Harlow in Essex. All I can remember is sitting on the small side room operating table then waking up in bed! I kept trying to open my eyes after it but fell into a deep sleep for an hour. Taken consultants advice on board and seem to be recovering ok, so don't fear the procedure - it's handy for diagnosis.
I've had a few and they're absolutely fine. In fact you get a great sleep after the sedation! I don't remember any of them. You'll have a sore throat and maybe cold like symptoms for a few days but honestly they are a doddle x
Thank you I'm feeling much better after hearing this was dreading the idea! X
I had one a few months ago, I was given a sedative but I was awake throughout the procedure. However, because of the sedative I don’t remember much about it. They did flush my lungs and take a sample. I was a bit groggy afterwards and had a bit of a reaction to something as my respiratory rate went quite high after but as far as I know I’m the only one I know that this has happened to. There were 2 other people that had a bronchoscopy the same day as me and they were both fine.
I've had so many I've lost count. Make sure you get a sedative injection and you won't remember a thing.
yes I have had it done and to be honest I don't think that the hype is anything to worry about going on my own experience
they spray your throat so that you don't feel anything and then put the tube down your throat and into your lungs to get the sample
It was over before I knew that they had done it as the doctor talks to you to put you at ease
the only downside is the taste of the stuff , its disgusting , but the doctor will forewarn you about it anyway
So don't be afraid
best wishes
pat
They usually go through your nose down, not your throat
Hi Knicho,
Just had one on Wednesday.
I was lucky that I was told I would have one in four weeks time, and without having time to worry, I was called two days later.
The hospital insisted on a mild sedative - I was "awake" but "out to lunch"!
I was able to hear and follow their instructions but didn't remember a thing afterwards.
Try to avoid Google, every crackpot on there has an opinion, usually stupid!
If you feel you need info on a medical condition, a trusted site is webmd.com
Bronchoscopy is not as bad as you fear. The worst part for me is that soreness
at the back of the nose. It's easing up now, but slowly!
I took some paracetomol, but only one dose after I came home.
When I need mild anti-inflammatory, I often use a thing called a biochemic tissue salt called "Ferrum Phos". You'll get it in some of the bigger health shops and doesn't interfere with mainstream medication.
Please be assured, you've nothing to fear.
Hope it works out well for you, very good luck and kind wishes,
Jim
Hi Jim,
Tell me more about the "Ferrum Phos". What exactly does it do to help the immune system? I have an auto immune condition. My immune system can go haywire and attack my body. Would this anti inflammatory help me do you think?
Hiya,
The Ferrum Phos is a general anti-inflam.
I've used it for headaches, rashes, any inflammatory condition.
As with any medicines, it has different effects on different people and different conditions.
I first discovered it when my wife had rheumatoid arthritis, the hospital more or less told her to take dangerous amount of Diclofenac and wait a few years until dying was the only option.
I was looking for a new career and studied complementary medicine
to try to help her, but my own health took a turn and I never qualified, but I got her to a point where she was out of danger and the hospital discharged her.
The answer was a combination of homeopathic and natural medication together with a very strict anti- inflammatory diet. She still has RA and always will, but she leads a normal life now.
Have a look on Google for "Biochemic Tissue Salts"
There's about 12 salts that cover all kinds of conditions, and don't react with normal medication.
I've found them quite effective. They're cheap and safe, so definitely worth a try!
Hope you'll get some healing from them if you decide to try them!
Very best of luck and kindest wishes
Jim
Thank you so much Jim for all the information. I certainly will look up "Biochemic Tissue Salts". Like you, I've found that helping myself in various ways, diet change, supplements etc has helped me get to where I am today. In remission and my condition under control.
Very best of luck to you and your wife (she's very lucky to have you on her side!)
All the best,
BB
One other question (I promise!). Where do you buy your Tissue Salts? 🤔
No problem, feel free, we're all here to help each other, so ask as much as you need!
This brand is very reliable and used by complementary medical practitioners:
Hi knicho I had one and it's not as bad as you imagine it to be,over in a jiffy if this helps,alan
I have a question, does anybody can tell me why usually they flush your lungs? What´s the point of this procedure, taking some tissue samples or washing your lungs? Do they wash lungs on quitting smokers? I believe I will need it as I have small atelectasis predominantly in the left lung
During a Bronchoscopy, they may take samples of lung tissue for a biopsy. The Bronchial lavage (wash) is done during a Bronchoscopy to recover the saline solution used after having taen the tissue sample. The solution contains cells and is used to grow cultures in the laboratory to check for the presence of viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Some cultures may take a couple of weeks to grow. I've had many Bronchoscopies especially since my transplant 19 months ago when I had a couple of rejection incidents. Don't know about washing out lungs of quitting smokers.
I've had one with a sedative and it was fine, felt nothing and remember nothing!
As I understand it the lung wash, or lavage as they call it, is to see what they can find from the liquid they use to wash out
I have had several, some with sedation some without. They are just a bit uncomfortable but they don't take very long. Good luck.
yes i have its pretty common for people with lung problems. Just try to calm ur nerves my doctor and nurses were amazing. it was me who was worrying not them. i was sedated but just felt a lil drunk. just do what they tell you and you will be fine.
Thank you all your stories have calmed my nerves as always 😊
Yes I have had one ! No it is not so terrible !
Over before you know it and really no big deal
I am always so afraid !
Do not worry Teally it will be ok
Thank you x
They don't always do a lavage, sometimes just a brochoscopy to take a sample. I had both at the same time. The lavage is the most unpleasant. Felt like I was going to choke. The sedative for me didn't work at all unfortunately but everyone is different. I then went on to have VATS lung biopsy.
How are you since your VATS? Xxx
Hello niamh
How are you, I haven't been on here much lately. I'm keeping ok, but have lost some lung function this year. I think it the loss continues at the same rate by my next opa with the nurse, I will be at the level to qualify for anti fibrosis medication. My fvc was 106 in January, 98 in May and 87 last Thursday so quite a drop this year.
Had one took out 1/2 cup phlegm felt so much better but only lasted 2 months then back again procedure is nothing to worry about easy
”Had good day dear?”
I had to post This ! 
Mucus Sample, best time? 
Antibiotic resistance
