First Bronch. That I Remember

I had my first bronchoscopy yesterday, which was a bit of a surprise. I went into transplant clinic in the morning with no idea. I have had this big, bad cough for about a week. It was the kind of cough that takes your breath away. It made the back of my throat itchy, usually when I lay down to sleep. The cough was my only symptom- great PFTs, no flu-like or cold symptoms and no lack of energy.

We started off the appointment talking about the cough, getting some swabs done, and deciding on a short course of antibiotics just in case. Then my doctor heard the cough and made the call to have a little look. He managed to squeeze me in during the afternoon. I wasn't sure how to feel about this. I was definitely nervous. I was hoping we weren't going overboard, but it would be even worse if we didn't do the bronch and overlooked something serious.

I was anxious waiting for the bronch, as I am with any new procedure. I have had a bronch before, but that was in ICU and I was sedated before and after. This time I was going in awake! I ended up waiting an extra hour and a half, but my husband kept me company.

It was another positive experience. A little mouthwash, a little spray, a little sleepy-time meds... okay, a lot of them! I needed extra sedation before I was sleepy, but at least my port was already accessed (bonus!). My doctor even held my hand so I wouldn't be scared! The next thing I remember, I was waking up in the recovery room and being allowed to leave.

Apparently I was pretty entertaining in between! My husband said I was asking for our dog, for Lucky Charms, if jalapenos were on special (I don't even like them!) and if I'd had my transplant yet. My doctor came in to explain everything to us, which I don't remember. Apparently, I followed the conversation but as soon as we were done a topic, I asked about it like we hadn't discussed it. I also insisted on walking back from the hospital, which my husband wouldn't allow. Talk about determination.

Good thing there wasn't a video! Looks like I enjoyed my visit to the land of the blueberries. Cue the Unicorn After Wisdom Teeth video!