Bronchoscopy

[Annieosb]

I am having a bronchoscopy in a few weeks to allow samples to be taken from my lungs. Consultant wants to see if there is underlying infection. I am terrified of the proceedure and wondered if anyone had any advice and indeed if there is any other way infection can be detected?

[Sundance115]

You'll be OK.

I didn't remember anything after they administered the sedation.

[heatt]

Hiya I have had many and never remember a thing about them, sometimes the waiting is the worst and the procedure fine so try not to worry. Good luck

[Caspiana]

I think you will be sedated Annieosb . Totally understandable to be worried. It always helps when I explain that I am very nervous. They usually try to be as thoughtful as possible. xx🌹

[CDPO16]

I had what is called waking sedation which had no effect at all and I was fully aware of everything during the procedure. That said it wasn't at all uncomfortable. The local anaesthetic spray to the back of my throat was very effective and I didn't feel the bronchoscope being passed. The nursing staff assisting the doctor were great. I too had been very nervous about having the procedure but the thought was worse than the actual event. I'm sure that the team understand someone being apprehensive and I think you will be fine. As others have said, the sedative may work well for you but if not I hope this helps to reassure you.

[tmjourney in reply to CDPO16]

Hey CDPO16,

I posted recently because I am having a bronch on Friday and I’m terrified of being sedated for it. I am trying to figure out if getting it with just the throat spray will be okay? I have read mixed responses of how it is with just that! Could you breathe okay when you had it? Were you feeling your sedation at all? So nervous. I don’t want to go for no sedation and then not be able to finish it. Thanks and God bless

[CDPO16 in reply to tmjourney]

No, as I said above, I did not feel any sedative effect but there was no discomfort after the local anaesthetic spray to the back of my throat and I could breathe normally. I understand your nerves but you will be very closely monitored throughout the procedure.

[tmjourney in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you so much. Some people have been saying it’s horrid and that you can’t breathe and from what I gather in the USA doctors want you to be sedated. That’s why I’m trying to figure out what it’s like before going into it tomorrow. What would you say it felt like or could compare it to?

[CDPO16 in reply to tmjourney]

I can't tell you more than I have, there is nothing to compair to un my experience.

Are you in UK or USA? If you are in USA I have no knowledge of their system.

[Annieosb]

Thank you all for the most helpful and reassuring responses. I will try very hard to take on board what you have said, and stop fretting.

Thank you all

Annie

[Patty24 in reply to Annieosb]

Hi Annie, I was so nervous and wanted to run off the morning of the procedure but I was in a room with a lovely lady who had to have a Bronchoscopy every 3 months.She was my rock and said the worst part was the taste of the spray.She was correct.If I can do it anyone can.Be positive and if this little tests gets you some answers, isnt that what you need to do.Good luck.

[sibkev]

ive had three they give drugs so you dont remenber it so not that bad

[24cc]

I was nervous before I had mine, but it turned out absolutely fine. I don't remember a thing about the procedure, and the cup of tea afterwards was the best cup of tea ever! My throat was very sore for a short while afterwards but that was bearable. I'd rather have a bronchoscopy than a CT scan any day (I get claustrophobic, even with CTs).

[Annieosb in reply to 24cc]

Thank you for that information and encouragement, look forward to the cup of tea!1

Thanks again

Ax

[Ade29 in reply to Annieosb]

Honestly it’s so much less stressful. The sedation only lasts a short time about 15 mins afterwards cup tea and making sure yi7 feel ok after about 1 hr you go home.👍

[Ade29]

If you opp for the anthastic you will feel nothing.

The spray is 2 nd option and you feel everything

I had both and would opp for anthastic everytime 30 mins n it’s all over you are awake

[Annieosb in reply to Ade29]

Thanks for that, I am feeling more confident now.

Ax

[tmjourney in reply to Ade29]

Hey Ade!

I’m supposed to be getting a bronch Friday and I’m terrified of getting it with sedation. I’d rather get it with just the spray. I’m wondering what I could expect? Will I be able to breathe? Does it take a long time? Does it hurt? Thanks and God bless

[Ade29 in reply to tmjourney]

All I can say is it’s a terryfeeling as if choking. The injection is great you feel nothing fully awake and and was the best solution

[Beth1949]

I have had numerous bronchoscopies. I have always been put completely under, so other than a slight sore throat, you will be fine.

I have had to have them due to excessive mucus in my lungs that I can't cough up. They go in my lungs with suction tubes and clean my lungs out. I always felt better afterward.

Beth

[Annieosb in reply to Beth1949]

Hi Beth, thank you for that but when you say you are put completely under, do you mean general anesthetic?

Thanks

Annie

[Beth1949 in reply to Annieosb]

Yes, when I wake up I don't remember a thing that happened during the procedure.

I have heard that sometimes it done with a local anesthetic and a relaxing med, but the patient is aware and uncomfortable during the procedure. I would not like that.

[Hidden]

Might have a sore throat

[skischool]

Annieosb,You can opt for a mild sedation,but anesthesia will be determined by the state of your lungs.Dependant on the location of the samples to be taken i shouldn't imagine the procedure will take more than 15 mins and with a mild anesthesia you may remember nothing or the procedure will feel mildly uncomfortable and intrusive,and the cup of tea and toast after recovery will seem like the best you ever had.

best wishes Ski's and Scruff's x