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I am scheduled for a bronchoscopy on July 3. I only had one so far and it was not a great experience. When I was on the table, I am guessing they started the sedation. But, when they were trying to put the tube down my throat, I felt like I was choking and, in response, I was pushing the provider's hand away. It was an automatic reaction and I did not mean to be difficult. My pulmonologist got quite curt with me and let me know she was perturbed. They finally got it down and next thing I knew I woke up and it was over.
I am wondering is if it is possible that they started a bit too early, before the sedation took full effect, which caused my choking reaction? Has anyone had this experience?
I am dreading this appointment and am hoping my 7/3 procedure will be better. But, if this is the way it goes, I will try to prep myself mentally beforehand.
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Only go where they do dozens a month. I believe it is best to have latest technology i.e. robotic bronchoscopy. Only go where they have latest technology. Virginia Mason in Seattle is one of six centers of excellence for robotic bronchioscope.
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2 ReactionsHi there Arlo,
I had an experience very similar to yours. The issue for me was the sedation not being the right amount and the person managing the tube was an inexperienced resident. Prior to the procedure, I was also treated as if I had TB and isolated in a tiny room. It was decided that I would be the last patient of the day which meant I waited almost 3 hours for my procedure.
Might not have my next bronc at this facility in the future.
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2 ReactionsI'm sorry it went like that for you. I was out when they put the tube in, or at least out of it. I hope it went better. I will look and see if you posted anything about it.
@gjaleski
Hi, what type of center of excellence would I be trying to find for lungs?
I found one in Tulsa for vascular.
Would be grateful for any help.
@teedlum When we talk of Center of Excellence here we are usually discussing our Bronchiectasis diagnosis and infections that we have with the BE.
You mentioned finding a center of excellence for your lungs.
What is your lung diagnosis?
Are you in Oklahoma.
I am in Oklahoma City seeing a doctor, pulmonologist, at OU for the Bronchiectasis. OU is not, as yet, a Center of Excellence for Bronchiectasis. However, they are doing their best to put a team together for those of us with BE.
Barbara
I'm guessing the anesthesiologist (sp?) might have been the problem. I've had 3-4 during my lifetime and 3 weeks ago while in hospital had 2 in one week. Never a problem with any of them.
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1 ReactionI have had two bronchiectasis scopes and here they do no put me to sleep. only numbs my throat. Not a good experience, but I now go to university of Texas in Tyler, tx and they are wonderful. they do a breathing treatment and have me breathing in and out of a tube and pounding (doesn't hurt) on my back to help me cough up a sample for them to test. Unbelieveable how the drs here know nothing about this. they only want to do the scope ($$$).
That sounds awful, and your pulmonologist’s reaction is inexcusable. Do you live near a Center of Excellence? Maybe this is a good push to change your medical team. Good luck!
Mine wasn't a pleasant experience either. Instead of doing it at our Clinic's surgery Center where they know my history and issues with anesthesia, it was performed at the hospital. When I asked to talk to the anesthesiologist I was told by the nurse that I would be given a shot of fentanol! Opiods make me hyper, but they gave me 2 more shots in the tiny cramped procedure room to no effect and the doctor said we'll do it anyway. Awake through it all then sick for two days from the fentanol. Be sure to have them explain everything beforehand and maybe take a xanax or something before going. Good luck!
I've only had one unpleasant experience and that was because the doctor was putting the scope up the wrong side of my nose that has a very deviated septum. The discomfort didn't last long because the anesthesia kicked in fairly quickly. I had one with just Dilaudid. It wasn't unpleasant but I was basically awake during the whole procedure. Strange feeling. I think I've had 8 total since 1996 when I was diagnosed with BE and MAC.
I don't think the anesthetist did a very good job of handling your situation. It should never have gotten to the point where the MD becomes agitated with the patient. I'm sorry you had a rough time.