After procedure

[YellowBirdLady]

Hi,

I am going into hospital on Monday to have a lung biopsy done with a tube down my throat and am being put to sleep.

I was wondering whether other people who have had this done have any tips for me.

It is important to me that my children are unaware at the moment, so it would be helpful for me to know what to expect afterwards.

The lung nurse said everyone is different but I might have a issue with my voice or possibly cough up a bit of blood.

[Mindini1964]

Hi there I had this procedure done ladt year with a sedative. I was very anxious as expected, but I never felt a thing and after entering the room and lying on the bed I don't remember s thing. I was a little hoarse for a few days afterwards, but nothing else. Hope this helps.

Regards

Amanda

[YellowBirdLady in reply to Mindini1964]

Thanks for your reply Amanda, that is very reassuring, I am feeling much less stressed now knowing what to expect.

I have been quite anxious, but also glad I am being investigated, as I have been aware of the nodule since February. Everything has been now moving quite fast and we are approaching Christmas, and very busy at work, so that has been quite challenging.

[AnnaDora]

hi , I was fine and never felt a thing x

[YellowBirdLady in reply to AnnaDora]

Thanks for letting me know AnnaDora, very reassuring x

[AnnaDora in reply to YellowBirdLady]

You’re welcome x

[JanetteR57]

I've had this procedure several times as an adult and once as a teenager - I had general anaesthetic for the one as a teenager and a few years ago, a rigid bronchoscopy but the others are all flexible bronchoscopy with a spray at the back of the throat to numb the area. it was supposed to taste of banana but didn't! the one I had as a teenager left me with a sore throat (presumably as my airways/throat were smaller for the kit used) but none of those I've had as an adult have. You may need to have somebody collect you rather than drive yourself (if you do) - worth checking with the hospital - as it's common for those who've had anaesthetic to be asked to be accompanied home. good luck.

[YellowBirdLady]

Thanks for that reply Janette, I feel much more better now hearing from a few people who have had it and it was okay.

I do need someone to pick me up but thankfully my college friends (we lived together years ago) live near to where I have relocated to. It has been short notice but they very kindly have a rota system, based round their working hours, so someone can get me home and be with me.

I go in at 7am but I don't know how long it will be, it must depend where on the list I am.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello YellowBirdLady,

I am sorry to hear that you have a lung nodule which is being investigated, this will be a worrying time for you. I am glad you have had other members of this forum replying to you and sharing their experiences, this must be reassuring. although it is perfectly natural to feel a little anxious.

You might find the following links helpful: roycastle.org/about-lung-ca...

This is the NHS information: nhs.uk/conditions/lung-canc...

imperial.nhs.uk/-/media/web...

All of our information leaflets can be found on this link: roycastle.org/help-and-supp... These include managing a lung cancer diagnosis, various treatment options and useful suggestions on many aspects of lung health.

Support is available, there are a range of support options listed here roycastle.org/help-and-supp...

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200. Our normal working hours are Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600. Please note our Christmas working hours.

All the very best with your bronchoscopy

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Murfeezlaw]

I had the same procedure and yes my voice was hoarse for about 4 months. I don't know if the procedure caused it, but I also had a mild stroke 24 hrs after the procedure. They kept me in the hospital while we awaited the pathology report because they suspected small cell which it turned out to be so they gave me my first treatment there before sending me home.

You'll be fine, it is evasive but you'll recover quickly.

[Paintanddraw]

I had this done and it was fine - throat numbed and sedation meant I knew nothing till it was over. Dont worry, it's completely painless un my experience. The spray they use to numb your throat has a weird taste though!