Bronchoscopy

[Guest guest]

Thank you everyone for your helpful suggestions. I feel so forunate to

have such a great resource of fellow RPers right in my own back yard!

I'm not seeing this new ENT for another 3 weeks, so I do have some time

to check out some other literature. My rheumy did find one article by

Dr. Herman where he said that " laryngography as a means of outlining the

airway carries a risk of acute airway compromise and should be avoided if

possible. " Now, I need to find out what's the difference between a

laryngography and a laryngoscopic procedure. Again, I know that I'm

being overly anxious about this procedure. My husband made me laught

when he said that it's reasonable to think that the flesible

laryngoscopic tube is the size of a spaghetti noodle, and I am able to

slurp up those noodles without any problems. <grin>

But, i guess that after two negative experiences of flare-ups and

infections these past 4 months (one from a ear canal irrigation, and one

from manual removal of ear wax), precipitated by well meaning health

professionals, has me quite cautious. I hated doubling my prednisone,

and will try to avoid a flare up at any cost.

Robyn, in the same article by Dr. Herman:

" It is important to appreciate that bronchoscopy itself may pose a risk

in the presence of chronic asphyxia, and death may occur. On the other

hand, imaging studies can provide important information noninvasively in

the evaluation of the larynx and trachea. "

It does sound rather alarming, but, I'm gathering that noninvasive tests

are best for those RPers who do not have pulmonary involvement. My

pulmonologist didn't need to do a bronchoscope because he gathered from

my pul. function tests that I had a large fixed airway. I also recall

someone in the RP group who said that their doc. used a pediatric

bronchoscope.

If you are interested in this article (it's rather long), you can e-mail

me and I will send it to you. It's called Diagnostic evaluation of RP by

Dr. Jerome Herman, MD.

Aloha,

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/6/02 12:21:02 AM Pacific Standard Time, kagor@...

writes:

<<

I'm not seeing this new ENT for another 3 weeks, so I do have some time

to check out some other literature. My rheumy did find one article by

D >>

, thanks for the update. Let us know what decision you make. I find

Dr. Herman's reports really helpful to me. I have used them to take to many

dr visits.

I'm glad you are checking out all possibilities. Know we are thinking of

you. Hope you are enjoying warm weather in Hawaii. It is raining and so

cold here I think I'll come and visit you and Carolyn. Have you talked to

her lately. I posted to her and haven't heard from her yet. If you talk to

her, let her know I'm thinking of her all the time and can't wait till she

can be back with us.

Take care and be sure to let us know what you decide.

hugs