What has been your experience of a bronchoscopy?
Posted by Anonmumuk@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 5 comments
Anyone had a bronchoscopy recently?
I’m a doctor (not resp) so know the risks etc about the procedure from that stand point but would like to hear first hand about people’s experience.
I’ve had a lot of surgeries/procedures and investigations (never respiratory though) but this for some reason is sending my anxiety into over drive.
I’ve looked for reassurance but everything is US based on reddit! So I was wondering if anyone could talk me down from my little spiral - I’m having the procedure this week. Or just tell me your experience please
Thanks :)
(Again I know I’m being illogical but I cannot for some reason stop panicking over this.)
kitty-cat-charlotte@reddit
I had one without any sedation and it was genuinely the most frightening experiences I’ve ever had. Long story short I thought I was going to suffocate and I couldn’t catch my breath, started panicking
Next time I’m going under lol. Sorry it’s probably not what you wanted to hear
AlterlifeBeginsNow@reddit
Had two in the last 12 months. First one with anesthesia directly into the vocal cords and second without and I'm pretty sure I got less loopy juice on the second go around. But honestly that meant I was in and out quicker so I didnt mind.
It's not a pleasant experience by any means however, it also wasnt the worst thing I've ever sat through.
It's like a slightly more invasive less painful trip to the dentist. You got this mate.
TTNNBB2023@reddit
I am autistic, and very sensitive so I asked for sedation, can't remember much about it TBH, I would very much recommended doing this.
L-0-T-H-0-S@reddit
It's sending your anxiety spirally because it's going to be done to you - you being a Doctor doesn't come into it.
The procedure is uncomfortable - your having a tube stuck down your throat so it's not going to feel natural - but it isn't painful and if you're anxious - which you clearly are - ask for diazepane or the available equivalent. You can also have a numbing throat spray to reduce things like gag reflex. Both are perfectly fine.
Ice-cream for after is good and, don't drive yourself - have someone with you who can wait and drive you home.
The worst part is your anticipation. That's perfectly natural and would be kind of weird if you weren't anxious - you're knowingly going to lie there and submit to someone putting a tube down your throat, but honestly - it's the anticipation that's the worst thing, not the actual procedure itself.
AutoModerator@reddit
Please help keep AskUK welcoming!
When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.