I saw a consultant yesterday for the first time in years and it has been suggested that I would benefit from having one of my lungs washed out. Has anybody ever had this done? If so how was it and did it help you in any way. As I use oxygen 24/7 now I am really scared of having any form of anaesthetic although I am told I will only be sedated and actually awake for the procedure though will not remember any of it afterwards.
Need advice as I only have Emphysema and Bronchiectasis and according to the internet this is only any use to people suffering from Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis and not COPD so really confused
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gingermusic
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Hi Hun, You used The Internet, you know Better. I have not heard of this Before, I know about Sedation for inserting Valves which I did not feel a thing and woke up without feeling Groggy ( 33 minutes to Do 4 Valves)VGood. Why don't you Phone The Secretary to ask about the Lung Wash, These Secretaries are knowledgeable, and will ask the Consultant to Phone you, (mine does) . Let us know how you get on Hun, You always give good advice to me xxxx
Yes maybe I should have stayed away from the internet. I think I may set up a telephone appointment with my GP she is normally very good. Thank you for replying
Hi, I have bronchiectasis and asthma. I had a lung wash. The anaesthetic is sprayed at the back of the throat . Tastes awful but works. I was lightly sedated .
Have to say it was not a particularly pleasant procedure in parts but mostly didn't know a thing. I know others who have had it and were completely out of it. Ask them to knock you out! On the plus side I had no infections for two years after that and lungs felt great! I did have new medication though. Ask them what advantages it will be. You sound as if you have quite a lot to deal with .
If it is only a moment of unpleasantness I think I should cope ok with that, just wondering as they are going up through my nostril with the tubing how that will affect me being on my oxygen with I have 24/7 but I suppose they know what they are doing. Am I right in thinking it only takes about 30 minutes to have done?
Hi....I honestly don't know how long it was because I woke up in the ward. I think the tube went in my mouth and down the wind pipe. I could still breath of course . Must have been very thin tube so I guess you will be breathing oxygen through your nose?
I had an appointment prior to the wash and asked the questions ....good luck..
I think that is a good idea I did wonder if I would get a pre-op appointment but I also have a GP phoning me later from my surgery who I am hoping will also be able to answer some questions and waylay any fears I have about having it done. Were you in as a day patient or overnight? Thanks for your help
Hi...no problem, we are all here to help one another. I was a day patient. When.I came round from the sedation I was fine to go home. No ill effects. Lungs felt good.
I have had bronchiectasis since childhood for 66 years. I have never had a lung wash out and I would never have one. It is a very old procedure which has been revived since doctors discovered the joy of a toy called a bronchoscope.
It is perfectly possible to empty your lungs using breathing tecniques and vibration devices. There are issues to do with putting water into damaged lungs. There are others on this site who have had this done and are happy. I would just suggest that you think very hard before you agree.
Hi gingermusic I to have Bronchietisis and am using oxygen 24 / 7 at 4 litres per minute. I had a procedure that required a nasal tube put into me on the ward and left coming out of me for three days.
It didn't interfere with my breathing. It made me gag a bit when when they put it in but wasn't painful. When they took it out it didn't hurt and within the day the soreness had gone.
I pressed the wrong key you made me smile when you said I only have emphysema and bronchiectasis that’s enough to be going on with. The consultant is the one to listen to not some Tom dick or Harry on the internet I hope you benifit greatly from a lung wash take care xxx
Thank you for your kind words and I shall have it done even though I know I shall be scared at the time as I do think it will help me a lot afterwards. Will let you all know how its goes and how I feel once it has happened. No idea how long I shall have to wait for the appointment
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