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The Chartis experiment and the missing scope

skischool profile image
59 Replies

Hello folks,i have just returned from having my 'Chartis bronchoscopy',this rather long winded, if you will excuse my play on words,bronchoscopy is a pre requirement to determine the suitability for the insertion of Endobronchial valves to increase lung capacity in patients suffering with Emphysema.

For once it was a beautiful sunny day in Manchester and the crawl along the M60 motorway to Wythenshawe hospital was quite pleasant,i still receive those curious glances from fellow motorists whilst wearing my cannula which amuses me no end and i always feel i am carrying the flag for the ambulatory club.

The very pleasant nurse in the bronchostomy clinic booked me in and i was weighed and measured as normal but then unfortunately i was sat next to a rather unkempt chappie,clearly hygienically challenged and by the time the missing Y bronchoscope was located within the hospital i had consumed almost an hours worth of what can only be described as very polluted air and was in dire need of ventilation.

Finally i entered the temple of pain and what can only be described as minimal sedation was administered and i was fully awake for a procedure that took almost an hour.my not so jolly consultant remarked that i was out of it for most of the time but when i recounted to him the entire conversation he had had with his assistants he admitted that maybe he had underestimated Ski's resistance to narcotics as did my gastro consultant previously.

But never mind the end result was all that mattered and i have been declared collaterally ventilation negative,not a description that will enhance my reputation and win me many female admirers but a resoundingly good result for the thumbs up for valve insertions which hopefully will be done some time in November.

I must add that the nursing staff where superb and a credit to the hospital but i do wish the establishment will invest in a few more Bronchoscopes.

Much love to all Ski's and Scruffy who has been elevated to attendant adult for the next 24 hrs.needs mus :) xx

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59 Replies

Just thinking about that bronchoscopy gives me the shivers!

Well done for getting it over with and I do hope that you get the valves soon.

You reminded me of the time I had a sinus ooeration and told the surgeon of the conversation about his holiday in Greece that he had whilst I was ‘out’. He was mortified. They say that your hearing is the last thing to go.

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to

I sort of thought he might of got the hint as my eyes were wide open looking round the room,i only closed them when i was feeling really stressed,which was most of the time lol.

in reply to skischool

AAAAGGHH!!!

Pam1952 profile image
Pam1952 in reply to

That's great news. I'm so very pleased for you. XXX

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Pam1952

thank you Pam x

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

Yikes dear skis! That sounded truly awful but you got through it being the trouper you are. I am definitely an admirer of yours and sincerely hope the still fragrant Scruffy lives up to expectations.

November it is then....wishing you well for then. Xxxx 😘

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to sassy59

I hope it's not on the 5th November knowing my luck lol.thanks CaroleScruffy is just cooking dinner.xx

sassy59 profile image
sassy59 in reply to skischool

No it won’t be lol. Well done that amazingly versatile cat. Hope it tastes good....fish? Xx 😘😀

Kristicats profile image
Kristicats

Horrid procedure but am very pleased you will be getting your valves ! Will be no stopping you then eh! Scruffs better watch out then😏

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Kristicats

Scruffs will always be the mistress of this house Chris,regardless of how many valves i may get,thank you x

Kristicats profile image
Kristicats in reply to skischool

Oh yes you can own a dog but a cat owns you 😏

skischool profile image
skischool

Thank you Mr RedSox,and very much appreciated.

Katinka46 profile image
Katinka46

Dear Skis

I only just caught up with your visit today via the services of the wonderfully compassionate and caring sassy59 . What would we do without her utterly reliable constant support? So I am relieved that you lived to tell the tale. And it sounds worth the “discomfort” (?). So all systems go for the next bit? Hope Scruffinelle mans (Tom’s?) up, steps up the mark, realises that is actually in her best and long term interests to do the Florence Nightingale bit. Bugger me, do I feel a cartoon coming on? Better stop now before I say any more.

Love, love, love dear man

Xxxxx 🦓🐈

sassy59 profile image
sassy59 in reply to Katinka46

Bless you kate but can I please give a shout out to Hacienda who mentioned dear Skis this morning. I appreciate your very kind words though. Xxx 😘🌟

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to sassy59

Thank you Carole, yes I was in contact with Sir Skis, and on my Comment this Morning. Sir & Lady of the House are doing fine.😸👑😁xxxx

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to sassy59

Yes Mrs Lippy was very kind to hold me in her thoughts,i just await the black eye from her dear hubby lol x

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to skischool

Ha Ha Ha , Carino . No Pasanada Dices me Marido. Remember Hubby is a Barman and is most Certainly a Ladies man, Much like yourself ! Just happy your Home all in one piece and the day turned out Good for you, Triumphant I would say, even though you Saw & Heard it all. There is a Story of old there, Another Time. Abrazos Y Besos Grande por un Hombre Fuerte. XXXX

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Hacienda

Blooming hell Carino it will take more than a few nickel valves and lack of ventilation to make me a 'caballero andante' but thanks for the ego boost.i shall sleep well tonight.

Don Quixote and his amazing cat xx

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to skischool

Don Quixote You do make me Laugh...Best Medicine Ever, as for Puss in Boots, Your type of Feline, Minus her Lippy. Purrrrrr. XXX

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Katinka46

Thank you my dear Kate,Scruffy is dealing with things as she knows best and has retreated to the shelter of the trusty empty Amazon cardboard box that we all harbour and dinner is as they say in the cat. :)

wheezyof profile image
wheezyof

When I had a mine done the consultant got ready to pass the camera into my lungs via my nose. He tried but it turns out my nose is too small. Camera into mouth and into lungs that way.

In the past a dentist said my mouth was too small and an art teacher (I was modelling for his class) said my arms and legs are too long. I cant find many adult hats to fit because my head is small. I never look in mirrors as I must look so bad I might scare myself!!!!!

skischool profile image
skischool

Hi wheezyof,bronchoscopy's can be done via the nose but i think they prefer to go in via the mouth as they need to get some reasonably big kit down there.i am sure you look fine and i would get a new dentist and art teacher lol x

wheezyof profile image
wheezyof in reply to skischool

I'm thinking of a new husband!

I read him my comments and your reply.

Me: That's kind but I must look odd.

Husband: I'm not saying anything

(pause)

Husband: Well do you want me to agree you look odd and upset you? Or lie and say you look fine?

It's okay he was joking...or was he? lol

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to wheezyof

Ski's beats a hasty retreat,cat between his legs,sensing an impending domestic and a solicitors letter here.lol

Can't wait to hear that you have had your valves fitted. Will I be able to get Radio 4 on you? :-)

skischool profile image
skischool

Dear Don.for you i will be relaying book at bedtime.desert island discs and if you turn me over during the summer months i may even squeeze in test match special on radio 5. :)

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Yay Skis!!! Well done you. 😀👍😊 I am so very proud of you. And I am so, so happy you are going to get the valves. Post transplant a bronchoscopy will become a very regular procedure for me and I am hoping they will be more generous with the sedation.

I hope your nostrils have recovered and that Scruffs welcomed you home with a cup of tea and scones.

Much love,

Cas xx 🍁🍂

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Caspiana

Dear Cas,post transplant hopefully Bronchs in your case could be done via virtual bronchoscopy using a CT as much info can be gained in this way and as long as biopsy's are not required a more gentle way of looking at your new breathing buddies.my nostrils are fine as they went in via the main gate so to speak.

Scruff's has watched over me during the night,only waking me to ensure i was alright and of course still able to pass her treats whilst on her duties.little rascal.

Cas if ever i need fortitude and bravery i just think of people like you and our dear Anne and everything then is like a walk in the park.

love Ski's and a well rewarded cat. xx

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to skischool

Hi Skis. 👋

Unfortunately post transplant biopsies are required fairly regularly during that first crucial year. I hated having an endoscopy so, I am a bit worried about the regular bronchoscopies. However! I think post transplant it will seem like a small sacrifice to ensure there is no rejection.

I am very glad Scruffs is behaving and looking after you. Chom and I have just been for a walk and he is sitting in his cool spot. It is still very hot and humid. 🌞

I think of Anne every day.

*Hugs*

Cas xx 🙋🐕

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Caspiana

Dearest Cas,the good thing is that with new lungs you will be able to have deeper sedation and you probably won't remember very much about them at all so tick that one of your worry list,I am glad to you and your handsome four legged companion have managed a walk today,and i do hope that cooler weather will soon be with you.

love and even bigger but gentle hugs

Ski's xx

casper99 profile image
casper99

I would have been traumatised, hearing them chat while I lay there, terrified, hahaha, your a tough one ski's.

I'm happy to see coils and valves are being rolled out more now they are on the treatment list. xx

HungryHufflepuff profile image
HungryHufflepuff in reply to casper99

I'm traumatized just reading about the procedure! But good news about the valves. 👍

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to HungryHufflepuff

Hungry.no need to be traumatized and don't be put of if you need a bronchoscopy as they provide valuable information for a small amount of discomfort. xx

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to casper99

Not as tough as you may think casper,but still here to tell the tale.hopefully valves will assist and as you say it is good that this treatment is becoming relatively common now.

Ski's xx

mellyme profile image
mellyme

Dear Ski and Scruffy, nothing but joy for you both;

1. For you because you are special and deserving, and

2. Scruff needs a few days in charge, ordering the turkey treats, a can of beans for you.

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to mellyme

Mr melley,how did i just know that you would be an advocate for Scruffy and just mention me in a fleeting way lol.but i do cherish words from my cousin across the pond,

Ski's and your favourite creature x

megshafer profile image
megshafer

skis, this is such good news....so very happy for you!! You will do well and be breathing well, too!!

Give scruffy a big cuddle from me and some long pats, please.

Take very good care of you and scruffy, too.

Meg xx

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to megshafer

Thank you dear Megs and hoping all is well with you across the pond Scruff's also sends her love.

Ski's xx

chubby2x22 profile image
chubby2x22

Morning to you both. Hope you've not had nightmares thinking about the lack of knock out stops and the gagging. Please go to the top of the class. (I just could not have done it) 🐽 jane

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to chubby2x22

Jane we have slept well.Scruffy probably better than I even though she was supposed to be on watch lol.thank you i am sure you would have done it no problem.

Ski's x

lizzyw profile image
lizzyw

You are being so brave with such good humour that you deserve the best possible outcome in November . I’m sure Scruffs is good companion and will do her feline best for you 😊

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to lizzyw

Lizzy Scruffs is a charming but demanding companion and wll certainly do her best to keep the tuna provider in top form.thank you.xx

Dedalus profile image
Dedalus

At least there's a good result after everything you had to go through. Hope your nostrils have recovered! Good luck for the valve insertions in November x

skischool profile image
skischool

Thank you Dedalus,my nostrils are fine,they went in via my main gate hence a slight cough and a little more secretions than normal but all's well and looking forward to part 2 .x

mskpjb profile image
mskpjb

Full of admiration for you Skis and so pleased you are going to get the valves in November. Did you get a sticker for being a brave little soldier ? Kiss on the nose for Miss Scruffy. Sheila xx

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to mskpjb

Sheila,i got a cup of coffee and two very nice biscuits,though i think somebody had a sense of humour given that they were of the Hobnobs type variety but very welcome as i was starving and thirsty.thank you says Scruff's for that kiss.

Ski's xx

Ergendl profile image
Ergendl

Well done for enduring the rack in stage 1. All the best for stage 2 and the insertion of the valves.

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Ergendl

Thank you Ergendl,feel a possible throat infection starting but alls well .

Ski's x

SquirrelsHolt profile image
SquirrelsHolt

So many funny posts I seem to be catching up on and its a great start. Excellent news that the body odour challenged man you sat along side,didn't give you anything catching,but then I think I've just read a post where you've got a sore throat?? Anyway the wonderful results(all be it you were fully awake! I bet they gave the smellie chappie your dose of anaesthetic!) mean you can now go ahead with the Endobrohchial valves,which will give your lungs more capacity to work and kick the Emphysema to the kerb. Not a total cure but something I know you've been offered in Manchester and from others who have had these valves,they certainly can make a HUGE improvement to your life. I wish you all the luck and roll on November.

skischool profile image
skischool

SquirrelsHolt,it is such a lovely name to write,i remember taking my sister in law from South america to a Red Squirrel sanctuary in Formby as a special treat to see the Red Squirrels for the first time in her life and they had all either gone on holiday or been wiped out by a virus lol,what a disappointment and absolutely nothing to do with valves but thank you anyway.

Ski's x

Stumpy55 profile image
Stumpy55

Hello my little Yorkshire pud, I bet you looked gorgeous really. I'm glad to hear your day went well apart from the undesirable sitting next to you, your like me, I always get people leaning on my wheelchair with the urge to shout because they think that I'm hard of hearing lol, it must be my sickly grin that gives that impression lol. Being awake tho Skiss, throughout the procedure, you are a brave Boy good news ahead. BIG KISS TO SCRUFF and you XX✋️😉

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Stumpy55

Yea i am actually a little cockney pudding living in Lancashire but for my favourite Stumpy person i will be anything you like and do keep calling me boy it feels goooood.How are you my lovely,i just thought of you and other brave troopers and it was a piece of cake my dear,Scruffs thanks you very much for the kiss and apologises for the subsequent feline diseases she passes on.

Much love Ski's and a cat wot smells better than that other bloke.xx

Stumpy55 profile image
Stumpy55 in reply to skischool

Oh Skiss your not telling me your beloved Scruff has passed away are you? I hope I read it wrong.

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Stumpy55

Don't be daft stumps,this dammed bundle of mischief will never pass on.she rules the world :) xx

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to skischool

Ha Ha , You Could Write a Book...Fifty Shades of Skis & Moggy. oops sorry Scruffita. You are so Funny Carino, Just Reread everything here, YES, You could write a Dam Good Book and make a lot of Money to Buy Real Gold Valves, or Group us all Together for a good old Knees Up.......Over to you Amigo. XXXXXX

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Hacienda

Oh Carino,i wish i had the talent,time and energy,i woke from a vivid dream at 4am this morning with the back of my tongue stuck to back of my throat,i couldn't even blame the minimal amount of wine i had drunk.hastily taking bp.temp and o2 sats along with observations of oral secretions i hastily self diagnosed mild throat infection after the bronch with no need for rescue ab's and went back to sleep.hardly gripping material for my next blockbuster lol. :)

have a good evening.

besitos Ski's xx

Stumpy55 profile image
Stumpy55 in reply to skischool

Oh thank god for that Skiss, I felt sick for a while there. I' m doing better now I'm back on old meds. The doc wanted to try me on this Trimbow saying it's really good and lots of people are happy with it. Well I wasn't so that's that. My husband has got brilliant advice that he wanted to share with me the other day, whilst I was struggling to breath he said with a gentle caring voice (don't think about it) I was 😳 stunned and had to laugh whilst struggling, bless him he meant well. All is well now, I haven't been out much lately only to the doctors, it was quite funny as he always opens his door to let me in, so going through into his room I went over his feet bomp sorry doctor, and then I did the same coming out oops sorry doctor. I should have followed my husbands advice ha! Ha!

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Stumpy55

Oh Stumpy you are blessed with a loving hubby and a short sighted doctor.i am so glad you are getting back to your normal mischievous self.we have missed you.

Love Ski's and Scruff's very much alive xx

Stumpy55 profile image
Stumpy55 in reply to skischool

You are so right about my loving husband I love him dearly and I am the best thing on four wheels so he deserves me to ha!ha! Oh it feels good to laugh Skiss, life is too dam short. As for my doctor, he's got the biggest feet I have ever seen, I bet he gets his shoes specially made. Never mind at least he can breath properly . Take it easy Yorky and scruff 😎😺xx

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