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← Return to Bronchoscopy treatment?
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The timing of your question is interesting. My local pulmonologist scheduled me for a bronchoscopy for mid-December to clear mucus plugs. I'd had this done a year ago and didn't think it helped or harmed. But after a visit to NJH just last week when I asked my long-time (of 12 years) doctor about doing this he said absolutely not. He said it's very risky and related an unsettling incident that ended with the patient in ICU on a ventilator. I was told that none of the major NTM clinics recommend this and that it's done mostly by private physicians. I took to heart what I was told and cancelled my bronchoscopy appointment. Having said all of that, my lung condition (bronchiectasis, NTM, right middle lobe volume loss) might not be the same as yours...this was simply my experience to share.
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That is interesting because I also go to NJH and they recommended a Bronchoscopy since I had a cavity that wasn't getting better but yet my sputum samples for 13 months all showed no MAC. Once I had the Bronchoscopy they not only found Abscessus but also Aspergillus. NJH and my Pulmonologist both said the Bronchoscopy gives a true sample and reading better than sputum samples. It's not something to do often but if needed in my case it was a blessing to finally find the culprit and get on the proper treatment.
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Thank you for sharing. I am reluctant to have the procedure. The pulmonologist would do it, not a surgeon. I worked in OR, so I do understand the risks. You did not have any real relief afterward so it does not like it improves your situation. I have a chronic cough and nothing helps! I do not cough up mucus except in the morning. I have Sjogrens which is probably why.