What is a bronchoscopy really like?

[malin]

I'm having a bronchoscopy next friday and am a bit worried. :/

How bad is it really/what should I expect?

I've had a camera down my nose more times I can count at the ENT but I am thinking a bronchoscopy goes a lot futher down than what the ENT does? Is it similar or much worse?

Please just tell me about your experiences so I can be a bit more prepared going in!

[pberggren1]

Usually for a bronch you are totally sedated. The scope goes down into the bronchials and can go as far as the 4th branch usually. I have had about 10 now in the past 3 years. They are easy to do.

[Pete]

I had a bronch at diagnosis. I was sedated. Didn't feel a thing before, during, or after.

[Happy Camper]

They sedate you and you won't remeber anything. Its not bad. When they scope you at the ENT its more painful. I remeber my throat being a little sore after and tired!

[drz]

I enjoyed watching mine on the monitor as they explored my lungs. I don't remember any discomfort but I was pretty sick back then. I think they gave me some numbing meds before the procedure too.

[pberggren1]

That is interesting drz that you were awake enough to watch the video. I see pics of my lungs afterwards.

[COWG]

Hi Malin,

My husband has had several bronchoscopy's done. The procedure is pretty easy, as they give you a general anesthesia, so you won't remember any of it. Rick had no discomfort or pain, just felt groggy when waking up.

[rebekah]

Like others said, you are usually under anesthesia. I don't remember any discomfort from it. No need to worry.

[Poppy64]

I've had 3 bronchs since September and having my 4th on Monday - 2 in the operating room (rigid) and 2 in the office (flex). Have had the camera down my nose once. I would have the bronch every time over the camera. Hated the camera! You won't remember a thing.

[pberggren1]

Wow Poppy!!! You had a bronch is your doc's office? What do you mean by the camera? Don't all scopes have cameras?