Bronchoscopy/Biopsy

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

In keeping with Phil’s intent of “educating” by sharing experiences and info, I’ll write this bronchoscopy up. There was a couple of people who’d had it done and shared info with me (in general info terms; and for that I thank them) As for other info I found on the net, though good, it was lacking in the “human” element (i.e. more clinical in nature)

So; No food or water after midnight (my prep was scheduled for 8:15 am, procedure at 9 am) Though I went to bed early, I didn’t get a lot of sleep. Because I couldn’t take any meds with water, I took my usual BP med the afternoon before, so that I could take it the day of the procedure in the afternoon (this is because I need a full glass of water with it). I took my regular Spiriva and Symbicort, plus, as suggested, an extra dose of Ventolin (something I only take as needed) before getting to the hospital.

E’thing went on schedule. The recovery room was also used as the prep room. Stripped e’thing off above the waste and put on their fashionable nightie. First step…questionnaire…meds, allergies, why I’m having it done etc. BP was taken and O2 stats. (My BP was 152/88, O2 was 97). (Not sure about the HR)

They started with the IV hook up they leave in your hand for meds to be added to. Then put the antibiotic drip bag on (I have aorta valve regurg) so it’s a precautionary measure. Next comes the shot in the “butt” to help dry you up. Apart from secretions it’s also to help “dry up” the saline flush they do to your lung(s).

Next is a mask with a mixture of saline and a numbing agent for your throat/nose (this takes about 5 minutes….tastes awful)….50 minutes later (9:05) you’re wheeled out to the proceedures room where 2 nurses finish prepping you before the Dr comes in; the nurses remain and assist. The heart monitor leads are put on and plugged in. You’re hooked up to a monitor and pulse Oximeter.

You’re then given a clear looking liquid to gargle with and spit (takes 2 rounds to complete) ; tastes even worse and made me gag pretty good. This freezes the throat and tongue a bit more. Your given oxygen via nose cannula (the scope (which is the flexible type) is to be passed through the mouth)

The Dr. comes in, I asked if I could watch but the room is small and the TV screen is behind me….above the head of the bed. No. Besides this fellow’s not what you call Mr Personality. They inject meds to relax in the IV hook-up…might have been a combo of Valium and/or Vicodin (or just one of the 2). I’ll check when I see him

They don’t waste any time starting. Next thing I knew was the towel over my eyes. (I felt like a race horse that has to be blindfolded) They say it’s to keep any liquid from getting in your eyes but I think he just didn’t wanna look into my terrified baby blues plus not want me to see what he was gonna shove into me .

Next; I “believe” (I couldn’t see him do it though I saw the contraption beforehand) he may have used one of those things like (whatever they’re called) that you see on the TV ER shows that they put into your mouth and throat to guide an air line to go in. (You know….it’s always a big procedure to do then they finish by saying “IN” then pull it out) That one. The scope goes in through there….it’s also to help keep you from biting down on the scope.

There is a bit of discomfort when it first goes in. Not “unbearable though”. The worst is the coughing and yes you can feel it a bit going in. They don’t want you to cough and supposedly they add stuff to help stop but I know for me I coughed for at least ¾ of the procedure. This is what can make your throat sore. Couldn’t help it.The irrigation makes you cough more.

The actual physical procedure lasted, in my guesstimation, 8-10 minutes or so give or take.

The nurse later said he flushed and suctioned the saline wash but I know I also felt the upper area of my lung tugged (after all he was after a piece) Whether he got what he wanted in this regard I’m not 100% sure but I know he tried. The saline is flushed in though the scope thing (it can get to the further reaches of the lung and lower than the scope) then suctioned back off You can hear all this and again, it can make you cough. (The saline is then collected to be sent for analysis.)
(He didn’t talk to me much at all after the procedure and never came to the recovery area.) I’m not due to see him for the review of the results till the 16th. (10 days later)

They wheel you back to recovery. My sats were 90/91 my BP 118/something. The pulse ox is left on your finger, all vitals are taken approx every 10 min for an hour. After an hour you’re released if all is returning. (my o2 was coming back 93 but bouncing up and down; I believe when I left….BP high 120’s I think) Because you have no “gag” reflux you can’t eat or drink anything for 2 hours after the procedure; you’re apt to aspirate it. Your mouth stays dry as parchment paper (lips stick to teeth) for 3 ½ to 4 hours. I had asked for a got one of those sponge swabs with water for my mouth while I was in recovery) What a relief that was! You’re apt to run a slight fever (I am) and may cough up a bit of fresh or old blood for a day or two (so far I've only coughed up a bit.

Personally I’m not sure how much relaxing meds they gave me since I was very lucid, even when they brought me back to recovery where Hubby was waiting. Not like a gentleman across from me who’d had it done. His eyes were a bit “unfocused” shall we say.

The nurse (in the procedure room) did tell me afterwards that it looked “good in there”….for whatever that’s worth.

This IS NOT a procedure I want to repeat though many folks have to; especially lung transplant recipients from what I gather. Other reasons for a bronchoscopy is for a “visual” look, those who’ve inhaled foreign objects, lung flushing for mucus buid up etc. plus a few other things. In the scheme of things there’s worse procedures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

[larrynz]

Jackie you did a great job of detailing the procedure, almost like you took notes all the way through .
The good thing about your writing it up is that others would know what to expect, certainly if I had to have it done I would now have less fear. Not that it sounds good, as you say there is worse.
Thanks for that.

[morningstar]

Jackie,

I am glad it is over and done. Not something I would want to have hope there never comess the time. I am the biggest chicken in the world. You as always was a trooper and took the bad with the good. Now I am a little confused this was to check for the "C" or to bi-op the mass. I don't mean to be dence I got lost somewhere which thing they were checking.

I think we will all sleep better tonight knowing its behind you. Special wishes still coming your way. Please tell Dave to breathe now. They kept you busy but time to think was all he had and the mind is not good to someone when they are waiting to see results of a loved one.

I am here if you need anything.

Rose

[virginia]

I liked what the nurse said( that it looked good in there)...I'm glad its over and hope you dont have trouble with the fever...((((HUGS))) and good night...

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I liked that too Virginia (about in there) and that's what I'm gonna try and hold onto.

A funny thing Larry; I'm the kind of the person that HAS to know all the details of things....if I don't I'm more apt to panic. So I question or stay involved. It's not always "well received" but heck....that's the way I am and it's MY body. Also; there could be minor variations for others (depending on the facility etc) but I think it's good for people to know "what" to expect. It removes a lot from the "imagination" and helps with the fear of the unknown.

Rose; the intent was to do a biopsy on the nodule for cancer, to have a look around and to saline wash (lavage) the lung, suction it out and save the solution for testing. The saline can get to the lower areas of the lung where the scope can'd reach or see. I'm not 100% sure he got the piece though I know he gave it a bit of a tug because I could feel it. My hope is that there doesn't need to be a repeat performance.

Please keep in mind e'one that this was the flexible one. There is a rigid one but I think for it you need a general anesthetic. For those of us with COPD that's a seconday choice; the flexible would be first.

For the things I've missed or misunderstood I'll get clarified with the Dr and modify my post if need be though I think it's pretty accurate.

[bobbioh]

All I can say is OMG! You are so brave!!! I was scared reading it. You the WOMEN! Thanks for sharing and Im so glad its over you VERY Brave Women!bobbioh

[the bear]

Hi Jackie; Looking on the bright side as you do, you may have a great career choice ahead of you as a medical commentator. If they ever get around to televising medical procedures you can be right there watching and explaining all the gory details in living colour and language that even I can understand, not full of technical jargon.
I would say that you are glad that that is behind you and now you can sit back and bite your nails until the 16th. Keep smiling, ain't life grand?? Hugz, as ever, bear.

[ElaineNY]

I am glad it is over. I added comments on the other board.
Good luck. ElaineNY

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Thanks Elaine and good luck to you and your hubby. You're also welcome to post here whenever you so choose; even join if you want :-)

[cheryl]

Jackie,

I bet you're saying "well thank heaven's that is over". I would be. I'm so glad you came through the procedure just fine. I think I would prefer to be right out, but I guess you can't be. I really thought they would tell you that they don't put you out (as they tell you when getting a colonoscopy) but that you wouldn't be aware of anything happening. I'm just glad it went o.k. I'll be watching for any updates.

[LindaNY]

Thank you so much for detailing the procedure. Hopefully what the nurse said will be the good news the doctor gives you.

You really should not have to wait all that time for the pathology report. Perhaps call the office and tell them you want the results at once. They are normally back in 24 hrs. Frozen sections are within minutes. ;D
I know because I worked in the OR for 13 years.


Sorry I didn't get here sooner but I get absolutely NO notifications of new topics or any replies. Maybe you can go into Admin. Control panel and check it out.

Anyway

A funny thing Larry; I'm the kind of the person that HAS to know all the details of things....if I don't I'm more apt to panic. So I question or stay involved. It's not always "well received" but heck....that's the way I am and it's MY body. Also; there could be minor variations for others (depending on the facility etc) but I think it's good for people to know "what" to expect. It removes a lot from the "imagination" and helps with the fear of the unknown.

That is exactly what I demand of all procedures I've had so far. I got to watch 7 hrs. of knee surgery, my rhino/septo plasty, (rather difficult ) , hysterectomy and a few minor cyst removals. No sedation

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Linda; you're a braver woman than I. Some things I don't mind watching; all things though I want to know e'thing about. That way I can handle it better. I don't hear anything till the 16th.

(As for notifications I'll post some info in Computer Tips)

[John]

Thank Jackie . Good detail

[Deleted]

Hi Jackie,
You did a great job of describing your procedure and so happy it is over for you. I read with great interest as I am having a bronchoscopy next Wed., am having the Biologic Lung Volume Reduction, a trial study. Here is wishing you the best for good results of your tests.
Sheila

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Hi Aunti/Sheila.....nice to see you posting. I think that many of these proceedures (how they're done) depends upon the "method", "where it's being done", the "doctor" and the extent of what they want to achieve. Like I said...I've a few gray areas yet that I want to check. Additionally I can't do codeine or morphine....whether that has any bearing for me on this test I don't know.

PLUS; I'm a little bit of a hight strung kinda filly . (I noticed some yellow feathers growing )

I/we would love to know how you make out; also the Biologic LVRS. That would be WONDERFUL to hear about. But; only if you want to share with us.

BTW; where are you from? I didn't see.

Regardless; Good luck; I'm sure you'll do just fine!

[Deleted]

Hi Jackie,
I live in Payson, AZ, a small town about 90 miles from Phoenix, where I will have the Blvrs....I am 69. Loved your comment about the yellow feathers as I have been seeing some flying around here the past couple of days... I will be happy to let you all know all about my procedure. How do you know you are alergic to codiene? I had it once affter having a tooth pulled and I threw up and didn't take anymore. Do you think that is a sign I am alergic to it? Sheila

[morningstar]

Auntiemame,

I saw your post and sinse I can't use codiene either. I thought you might like to read this link. Maybe it will give you info that will be helpful to you. www.streetdrugs.org/codeine.htm

I wish you easy sailing on calm water for your Biologic Lung Volume Reduction I will look forward to reading how well you do.

Rose

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I just read your post Rose. Thank You.

My problem falls under "my tongue gets very thick" and though I didn't see anything saying it was a symptom of allergy, I think they still consider that an allergic reaction. Besides....think about this . Can you imagine developing a thick tongue when you're having a bronchoscopy done? !!!! Don't wanna go there! I don't think the Doc wanted to either.

BTW Aunti; if you don't take it with something like a glass of milk; yeahp; your apt to upchuck. Considering you had it after a tooth extraction I would think that the problem may have also been in that you proably swallowed a bit too much blood. IMO

I can take regular Tylenol; it seems to be the Tylenol with Codeine that does the tongue thing. And I DON'T like to be tongue tied!

You'll be fine Aunti; I've heard some folks haven't been bothered at all by the Broncho....like I said.....I'm just high strung/wired for sound.

Keep us updated!

[Deleted]

Thanks Rose and Jackie,
Maybe I am not alergic to codeine...or well I'll let the docs worry about that. Will be back later in the week when I get out of the hospital. I am spending two nights there. Take care. Sheila

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Sheila; if you're reading this I think you're gonna do just fine. And YES! Keep us posted by all means! I'm looking forward to hearing e'thing!!!1 We all are. Medicine has come so far nowadays hasn't it?

[virginia]

Auntiemane,You will be in my thoughts ...I cant take codine either drives me nuttier...in fact not much pain meds. i can tolerate.. Best of luck to you...Let us know all about it.

[LindaNY]

I have severe allergies to several meds including morphine and codeine as well as several antibiotics.
Right now I carry an epi pen with me all the time and have it handy when I need to be put on a new med for anything. Talk about paranoia.

My tongue swells and I get hives and blisters on my arms, legs, trunk and neck. It's not fun and can be life threatening. Use care and watch for those symptoms.