Hi all
My mum is going through the diagnosis stage, she had a broncoscopy 10 days ago but that was not successful as she had too much mucus in lung (from unknown infection), and the area they need is hard to get to.
she had antibiotics, and went in today for another one, but it was abandoned due to her BP and pulse getting too low (she has COPD).
They now want to do a broncoscopy under a general or needle biopsy with CT, whichever can be done soonest.
I know they wouldn’t do it under general if concerned, but I’m now terrified after what happened today.
she’s been through so much already
Hi Greyhoundlover your poor mum sounds like she is going through an awful time trying to do this bronchoscopy. I had a bronchoscopy under a general anaesthetic as they were removing a tumour from my bronchial airway, and I am glad it was under general anaesthetic.
I was awake before I knew it, and I could breath normally for the first time in weeks as the tumour was removed. I was home the same day, far less invasive than surgery.
A biopsy done along side a ct scan is not as daunting as it sounds. The ct shows the exact area they need to place the needle, and this is done under a local anaesthetic. There are some people here in the group that have had a biopsy done this way, so hopefully someone will be able to share their experience with you.
Whatever is decided I hope it goes more smoothly this time for her.
Hello there , I understand how you & your mum must feel my first biopsy was aborted due to blood pressure but when I went back it was much smoother and less friction in theatre. I had a needle biopsy with CT . I was told Broncoscopy was not an option, I felt that was less risky. But I was monitored every moment after the biopsy and found it easier than broncoscopies I had had in the past for diagnostics. I did have to remain there on a ward till 6pm but no after effects. I have COPD, high blood pressure, and multi joint arthritis with replacement knee so moibility is impaired plus the current cancer diagnosis. So hope you and mum get through the next bit of diagnosis without any mishaps. All these tests can be very stressful for everyone so we have to see them as necessary for correct diagnosis which is the most important part of getting correct treatment and maybe less suffering in respect of symptoms. Hope next test appointment is with your mum soon. Best wishes to you both .
Many thanks both. We're waiting for a call today hopefully with what they want to do next. Kind of hoping they want to do needle biopsy, we're both worried about a general if she had that reaction just with sedation, but trusting the experts of course. It just goes on and on......
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