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Bronchoscopy treatment?

Posted by vickied @vickied, Dec 3, 2024

Has anyone had a bronchoscopy for mucus plugs? Did it improve your lung function?

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tconz | @tconz | Dec 5, 2024
In reply to @busybeans "The timing of your question is interesting. My local pulmonologist scheduled me for a bronchoscopy for..." + (show)
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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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pacathy | @pacathy | Dec 5, 2024

I should add that I had a bronchoscopy at Mayo when I went to confirm diagnosis and treatment plan. I couldn’t produce good specimen and they did it to get one, which I think is common. It was good news because I didn’t grow MAC as expected. It wasn’t for plugs though I have some smaller ways.

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reneemc | @reneemc | Dec 5, 2024
In reply to @maliko "Was this during a routine bronchoscopy or were they doing a biopsy? So did you need..." + (show)
Profile picture for maliko @maliko

Was this during a routine bronchoscopy or were they doing a biopsy? So did you need any treatment to resolve collapsed lung?

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Yes, biopsy during bronchoscopy. Only treatment was the chest tube.

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reneemc | @reneemc | Dec 6, 2024
In reply to @tconz "That is interesting because I also go to NJH and they recommended a Bronchoscopy since I..." + (show)
Profile picture for tconz @tconz

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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Is the cavity improving?
Also, do you have pain where the cavity is?

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tconz | @tconz | Dec 6, 2024
In reply to @reneemc "Is the cavity improving? Also, do you have pain where the cavity is?" + (show)
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Is the cavity improving?
Also, do you have pain where the cavity is?

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The cavity has gotten smaller since I started Voriconazole 3 months ago (I have 3 more months to go) but I do not have any pain where the cavity is located.

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jnmy | @jnmy | Dec 6, 2024

My pulmonologist says there are risks associated with any treatment or procedure and in not doing the treatments or procedures. If you absolutely need the procedure, there is really no option. Best to have it done, despite some risk.

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jnmy | @jnmy | Dec 6, 2024

My pulmonologist says there are risks associated with any treatment or procedure and in not doing the treatments or procedures. If you absolutely need the procedure, there is really no option. Best to have it done, despite some risk.

I’ve never had a bronchoscopy although it was initially discussed when I was first diagnosed with BE.

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