Advice after bronchoscopy please

[Tinydancer79]

Having a rough time atm.

Mild bronchiectasis diagnose 5 years ago. No infections since, just some daily sputum. Have not seen a respiratory physio.

Fast forward to September this year and caught a bug from my children felt very fatigued and phelm increased. Then started coughing a little blood. Had a CT scan and same diagnosis as before, bronchiectasis in top lobe of right lung, with what looked like inflammation. Amoxicillin and another drug didn’t work. Coughing blood got progressively worse until a frightening bleed 4 days ago. Ambulance to hospital. Kept in for 3 nights. Blood tests are all fine but they found one cell that looked like a TB type cell in the sputum.

Bronchoscopy done yesterday and home last night. Have to await results from the sample they took.

How long is this likely to take? I know TB takes a while to grow but what about bacteria? I’m clearing my throat a lot today and feeling mucusy. Coughed up a small blood clot.

As I’ve never had physio I’m not sure if I should be trying to clear it at the moment or not. Scared of the bleeding restarting as they have taken me off the anti bleeding medication.

When I sit on the sofa I cough more I think as my lungs are compressed is this normal?

Battling with anxiety and dr just prescribed diazepam. This is all so frightening.

Any insight or tips gratefully received!

Thank you.

[jannie21]

Hi there, so sorry you are having such a rough time. I cannot give you any answers but I would recommend that you contact the doctors who you dealt with at the hospital a.s.a.p. to allay your fears.

I have had some problems over the years with bronchiectasis although not the same as you, hence I cannot give you specific answers. Wishing you all the best, Jannie x.

[Mooka]

I hope you are starting to feel better now. A bronchoscopy can make you feel rough for a few days. I’ve had a few and have felt different each time. The last time I spent a few days coughing up what had been disturbed. If they have found any bacteria you should hear pretty quickly but as you say TB does take a little longer. If you are worried give your consultants secretary a call. In the meantime rest and take care of yourself. X