Need advice regarding a bronchoscopy

[Chloe2704]

Hi,

I was wondering if someone could help me. In the last 12 months I have been recently diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. I have been okay for the three months or so , but the doctors still don't know why I have bronchiectasis and now have recommended that I have a bronchoscopy next month. 14th of Feb (I know happy valentines day to me) and i just wanted to know what the procedure is like.

So if anyone has had a bronchoscopy or knows someone who has had one. Please just give me an insight into .

Thank You

[kenta]

Hi Chloe.. Yes I have bronchiectasis and asthma and had a bronchoscopy 18 months ago. I have to admit it was not the most pleasant experience of my life, but managed to tolerate with a bit of sedation. The hospital staff were brilliant and that helped a lot. Others I have spoken with seemed to be happier than me. But, obviously we all survived. Good luck, I am sure you will be fine!

[Chloe2704 in reply to kenta]

Thank you for your response, it's okay talking to doctors but its nice to speak to someone who has actually been through the procedure.

[Hidden]

Before you let them go agead with this procedure there are a couple of things that you need to know. It is never known how one third of people get bronchiectasis. I am one of these. I was diagnosed in 1953 and am now 68. I have lived a full life with it. The reason that you have bronch does not matter unless they are looking for a genetic or immune system problem which can be found by blood tests

. It is the management of it that matters. You need to make sure that you have a bronchiectasis specialist and not a general respiratory consultant looking after you. Bronch specialists are experienced in its complex nature, know how to decide which kind of antibiotic treatment to give you, inform your GP of this and their physio can teach you lung clearance techniques.

I have never had a bronchoscopy, I would never let them near me with one and it has not made any difference to my treatment and self management.

[Hacienda]

Hi Chloe, I had a Bronchoscopy last year for inserting Valves.(COPD)same procedure. I was Heavily Sedated so never felt a thing, it took only 33 minutes and My lung Consultant was allowed to do it under the Guidance of Professor Thomson. I only had a Little pain and was given Morphine for only one day. I recovered very Quickly and although I still have a Lung Problem, I can actually Breathe Better. Good Luck and Please be Brave, They know what they are Doing. xxx

[judg69]

Hi Chloe, you will be heavily sedated and will not feel anything. As Hacienda said, they know what they are doing. All Best Wishes, judg69

[Alexann]

Hi,

Just to say my son has had three of these in past four years they are not pleasant but not that bad. They do help to diagnose what's going on in there and sometimes flush out the lungs which he has had.

Good luck with this no one looks forward to these procedures but generally never as bad as we imagine.

Best wishes.

[Bella395]

I agree with littlepom in that there needs to be a jolly good reason for doing a bronchoscopy, not least because of the risk of infection. Finding the cause might not affect the outcome - it is the treatment that matters.

I can’t remember why but some years ago they tried to do one on OH and had to stop because his airways were too inflamed and twitchy. However, he does have severe asthma as well as bronchiectasis. Most people probably have no problems with the procedure.

[Hacienda]

We all have different Lung Problems, Whatever is said, you must Listen to the Experts who will explain everything to you for YOUR Benefit. Best Wishes Hun. xxx

[Salks]

I also have bronchiectasis and I had bronchoscopy2 years ago. I said to the chap doing it “give me plenty of the sedation” and he must have done because I remember nothing until I came to in a recovery ward. I had no aftereffects at all. I’m sure you will be the same. Good luck

[skischool]

Hi Chloe,i have had a couple of the longer lasting bronchoscopy procedures as per hacienda's experience having had the same valve insertion,the amount of sedation you have will depend on your lung function/capacity as the operatives like to keep your tidal breathing under control,especially if they wish to take any biopsies.too deep a sedation and airways tend to collapse but whatever you are offered and in your case i imagine you will only have a very short procedure probably not tasting more than 10 mins or so for a quick look around.

You should have a pamphlet explaining the procedure that came with your appointment letter?good luck it is a little disconcerting and uncomfortable but you will feel no pain but may have a slightly sore throat for a day or two.

Best wishes Ski's and Scruffy x

[Hidden]

Good luck for tomorrow, Chloe. Often the anticipation is the worst bit. Let us know how you get on! xxx

[kenta]

Good luck for tomorrow! X