Bronchial Embolization

[Diane]

Hi Lauren,
You will be flat and that scared the crap out of me also. I asked the Intervention Radiologist what will happen if i start to bleed and he assured me they would lay me on the side that is bleeding and fix it since it will most likely show up on screen. Well i can speak from experience....... That is exactly what they will do. It happened during my second embolization, i felt the gurgle and said im bleeding again, they rolled me onto my left side ( because thats where my bleeding was to begin with and thats where the gurgle was from)and the nurse brought a pan to spit it in and stayed at my side and the Intervention Radiologist watched on the screen and sure enough a white dot showed up where it was . It was a very tiny blood vessel so he inserted my first coil and then a second. There doesnt have to be an active bleed since once they are in there they can see on the screen which blood vessels are the most likely culprits or the ones most likely ( enlarged and dilated ones)

 

[Diane]

Hi Lauren,
You will be flat and that scared the crap out of me also. I asked the Intervention Radiologist what will happen if i start to bleed and he assured me they would lay me on the side that is bleeding and fix it since it will most likely show up on screen. Well i can speak from experience....... That is exactly what they will do. It happened during my second embolization, i felt the gurgle and said im bleeding again, they rolled me onto my left side ( because thats where my bleeding was to begin with and thats where the gurgle was from)and the nurse brought a pan to spit it in and stayed at my side and the Intervention Radiologist watched on the screen and sure enough a white dot showed up where it was . It was a very tiny blood vessel so he inserted my first coil and then a second. There doesnt have to be an active bleed since once they are in there they can see on the screen which blood vessels are the most likely culprits or the ones most likely ( enlarged and dilated ones)

 

[Diane]

Hi Lauren,
You will be flat and that scared the crap out of me also. I asked the Intervention Radiologist what will happen if i start to bleed and he assured me they would lay me on the side that is bleeding and fix it since it will most likely show up on screen. Well i can speak from experience....... That is exactly what they will do. It happened during my second embolization, i felt the gurgle and said im bleeding again, they rolled me onto my left side ( because thats where my bleeding was to begin with and thats where the gurgle was from)and the nurse brought a pan to spit it in and stayed at my side and the Intervention Radiologist watched on the screen and sure enough a white dot showed up where it was . It was a very tiny blood vessel so he inserted my first coil and then a second. There doesnt have to be an active bleed since once they are in there they can see on the screen which blood vessels are the most likely culprits or the ones most likely ( enlarged and dilated ones)

 

[Diane]

Hi Lauren,
You will be flat and that scared the crap out of me also. I asked the Intervention Radiologist what will happen if i start to bleed and he assured me they would lay me on the side that is bleeding and fix it since it will most likely show up on screen. Well i can speak from experience....... That is exactly what they will do. It happened during my second embolization, i felt the gurgle and said im bleeding again, they rolled me onto my left side ( because thats where my bleeding was to begin with and thats where the gurgle was from)and the nurse brought a pan to spit it in and stayed at my side and the Intervention Radiologist watched on the screen and sure enough a white dot showed up where it was . It was a very tiny blood vessel so he inserted my first coil and then a second. There doesnt have to be an active bleed since once they are in there they can see on the screen which blood vessels are the most likely culprits or the ones most likely ( enlarged and dilated ones)

 

[blondelawyer]

My husband has had 7 embolizations, so we have been around that block a few times.

I believe that there are a lot of different schools of thought regarding embolizations and we have been to two different clinics that seem to be on polar opposites of the spectrum. At one, they didn't really care if there wasa active bleeding and did the procedures with some frequency (my husband had 6 embolizations there). Our new clinic rarely does them and really only likes to do them immediately after a bleed. So, we have heard very differing opinions on them.

In the past my husband has had very good success with these procedures. The more you have, the more difficult they become, etc., so he probably won't be having any more. The recovery isn't too long for him. He usually experiences some pain a couple days post procedure, but then that goes away pretty quickly and he is begging to get let out of the hospital.

I am usually able to come in and see my husband right after the procedure is completed. We have had them keep him in the ICU for a couple hours after the procedure and then have also had them bring him directly to a room on the floor--so I think might vary by hospital and/or situation. Technology has changed a bit as well so the amount of time he has to lay down flat post procedure has decreased, which he really likes. I believe that he had to lay flat for 2 hours post-procedure during his last one. I always volunteer to check the site for bleeding every 15 minutes, to give me something to do <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck with your procedure. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to PM me and I can pass them along to my hubby. Or, if your wife has any questions for another wife...send her my way <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blondelawyer]

My husband has had 7 embolizations, so we have been around that block a few times.

I believe that there are a lot of different schools of thought regarding embolizations and we have been to two different clinics that seem to be on polar opposites of the spectrum. At one, they didn't really care if there wasa active bleeding and did the procedures with some frequency (my husband had 6 embolizations there). Our new clinic rarely does them and really only likes to do them immediately after a bleed. So, we have heard very differing opinions on them.

In the past my husband has had very good success with these procedures. The more you have, the more difficult they become, etc., so he probably won't be having any more. The recovery isn't too long for him. He usually experiences some pain a couple days post procedure, but then that goes away pretty quickly and he is begging to get let out of the hospital.

I am usually able to come in and see my husband right after the procedure is completed. We have had them keep him in the ICU for a couple hours after the procedure and then have also had them bring him directly to a room on the floor--so I think might vary by hospital and/or situation. Technology has changed a bit as well so the amount of time he has to lay down flat post procedure has decreased, which he really likes. I believe that he had to lay flat for 2 hours post-procedure during his last one. I always volunteer to check the site for bleeding every 15 minutes, to give me something to do <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck with your procedure. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to PM me and I can pass them along to my hubby. Or, if your wife has any questions for another wife...send her my way <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blondelawyer]

My husband has had 7 embolizations, so we have been around that block a few times.

I believe that there are a lot of different schools of thought regarding embolizations and we have been to two different clinics that seem to be on polar opposites of the spectrum. At one, they didn't really care if there wasa active bleeding and did the procedures with some frequency (my husband had 6 embolizations there). Our new clinic rarely does them and really only likes to do them immediately after a bleed. So, we have heard very differing opinions on them.

In the past my husband has had very good success with these procedures. The more you have, the more difficult they become, etc., so he probably won't be having any more. The recovery isn't too long for him. He usually experiences some pain a couple days post procedure, but then that goes away pretty quickly and he is begging to get let out of the hospital.

I am usually able to come in and see my husband right after the procedure is completed. We have had them keep him in the ICU for a couple hours after the procedure and then have also had them bring him directly to a room on the floor--so I think might vary by hospital and/or situation. Technology has changed a bit as well so the amount of time he has to lay down flat post procedure has decreased, which he really likes. I believe that he had to lay flat for 2 hours post-procedure during his last one. I always volunteer to check the site for bleeding every 15 minutes, to give me something to do <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck with your procedure. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to PM me and I can pass them along to my hubby. Or, if your wife has any questions for another wife...send her my way <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blondelawyer]

My husband has had 7 embolizations, so we have been around that block a few times.

I believe that there are a lot of different schools of thought regarding embolizations and we have been to two different clinics that seem to be on polar opposites of the spectrum. At one, they didn't really care if there wasa active bleeding and did the procedures with some frequency (my husband had 6 embolizations there). Our new clinic rarely does them and really only likes to do them immediately after a bleed. So, we have heard very differing opinions on them.

In the past my husband has had very good success with these procedures. The more you have, the more difficult they become, etc., so he probably won't be having any more. The recovery isn't too long for him. He usually experiences some pain a couple days post procedure, but then that goes away pretty quickly and he is begging to get let out of the hospital.

I am usually able to come in and see my husband right after the procedure is completed. We have had them keep him in the ICU for a couple hours after the procedure and then have also had them bring him directly to a room on the floor--so I think might vary by hospital and/or situation. Technology has changed a bit as well so the amount of time he has to lay down flat post procedure has decreased, which he really likes. I believe that he had to lay flat for 2 hours post-procedure during his last one. I always volunteer to check the site for bleeding every 15 minutes, to give me something to do <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck with your procedure. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to PM me and I can pass them along to my hubby. Or, if your wife has any questions for another wife...send her my way <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blondelawyer]

My husband has had 7 embolizations, so we have been around that block a few times.

I believe that there are a lot of different schools of thought regarding embolizations and we have been to two different clinics that seem to be on polar opposites of the spectrum. At one, they didn't really care if there wasa active bleeding and did the procedures with some frequency (my husband had 6 embolizations there). Our new clinic rarely does them and really only likes to do them immediately after a bleed. So, we have heard very differing opinions on them.

In the past my husband has had very good success with these procedures. The more you have, the more difficult they become, etc., so he probably won't be having any more. The recovery isn't too long for him. He usually experiences some pain a couple days post procedure, but then that goes away pretty quickly and he is begging to get let out of the hospital.

I am usually able to come in and see my husband right after the procedure is completed. We have had them keep him in the ICU for a couple hours after the procedure and then have also had them bring him directly to a room on the floor--so I think might vary by hospital and/or situation. Technology has changed a bit as well so the amount of time he has to lay down flat post procedure has decreased, which he really likes. I believe that he had to lay flat for 2 hours post-procedure during his last one. I always volunteer to check the site for bleeding every 15 minutes, to give me something to do <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck with your procedure. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to PM me and I can pass them along to my hubby. Or, if your wife has any questions for another wife...send her my way <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blondelawyer]

My husband has had 7 embolizations, so we have been around that block a few times.

I believe that there are a lot of different schools of thought regarding embolizations and we have been to two different clinics that seem to be on polar opposites of the spectrum. At one, they didn't really care if there wasa active bleeding and did the procedures with some frequency (my husband had 6 embolizations there). Our new clinic rarely does them and really only likes to do them immediately after a bleed. So, we have heard very differing opinions on them.

In the past my husband has had very good success with these procedures. The more you have, the more difficult they become, etc., so he probably won't be having any more. The recovery isn't too long for him. He usually experiences some pain a couple days post procedure, but then that goes away pretty quickly and he is begging to get let out of the hospital.

I am usually able to come in and see my husband right after the procedure is completed. We have had them keep him in the ICU for a couple hours after the procedure and then have also had them bring him directly to a room on the floor--so I think might vary by hospital and/or situation. Technology has changed a bit as well so the amount of time he has to lay down flat post procedure has decreased, which he really likes. I believe that he had to lay flat for 2 hours post-procedure during his last one. I always volunteer to check the site for bleeding every 15 minutes, to give me something to do <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck with your procedure. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to PM me and I can pass them along to my hubby. Or, if your wife has any questions for another wife...send her my way <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[HairGirl]

I guess I should reply to this one since I think I win for the most embolizations (though I am definately not proud and don't do it for the glory!) I have had 15 to date, and have had to be on a ventilator 5 times because of major hemoptysis. I am so glad that you have made it this far without major hemoptysis. Like Lisa said, the more times you have to do them the risk goes up and also the surgery becomes harder because of scar tissue etc... but as you can see from my track record you can go pretty far.

It's nothing to be freaked out about, yes every surgery has the risks that's normal, but it is pretty safe, I've had 15 and only one did I have a mini stroke (lost sight in the peripheral of my right eye for a couple hours) but everything turned out okay and that was like number 7 (no wonder). You might experience some pain in the area where they clotted off the most arteries, you may even loose a little lung funtion (I have, not neccesarily with each one but I have).

If there's anything more I can help you with please let me know, it would be nice to be able to help someone after going through so many!

 

[HairGirl]

I guess I should reply to this one since I think I win for the most embolizations (though I am definately not proud and don't do it for the glory!) I have had 15 to date, and have had to be on a ventilator 5 times because of major hemoptysis. I am so glad that you have made it this far without major hemoptysis. Like Lisa said, the more times you have to do them the risk goes up and also the surgery becomes harder because of scar tissue etc... but as you can see from my track record you can go pretty far.

It's nothing to be freaked out about, yes every surgery has the risks that's normal, but it is pretty safe, I've had 15 and only one did I have a mini stroke (lost sight in the peripheral of my right eye for a couple hours) but everything turned out okay and that was like number 7 (no wonder). You might experience some pain in the area where they clotted off the most arteries, you may even loose a little lung funtion (I have, not neccesarily with each one but I have).

If there's anything more I can help you with please let me know, it would be nice to be able to help someone after going through so many!

 

[HairGirl]

I guess I should reply to this one since I think I win for the most embolizations (though I am definately not proud and don't do it for the glory!) I have had 15 to date, and have had to be on a ventilator 5 times because of major hemoptysis. I am so glad that you have made it this far without major hemoptysis. Like Lisa said, the more times you have to do them the risk goes up and also the surgery becomes harder because of scar tissue etc... but as you can see from my track record you can go pretty far.

It's nothing to be freaked out about, yes every surgery has the risks that's normal, but it is pretty safe, I've had 15 and only one did I have a mini stroke (lost sight in the peripheral of my right eye for a couple hours) but everything turned out okay and that was like number 7 (no wonder). You might experience some pain in the area where they clotted off the most arteries, you may even loose a little lung funtion (I have, not neccesarily with each one but I have).

If there's anything more I can help you with please let me know, it would be nice to be able to help someone after going through so many!

 

[HairGirl]

I guess I should reply to this one since I think I win for the most embolizations (though I am definately not proud and don't do it for the glory!) I have had 15 to date, and have had to be on a ventilator 5 times because of major hemoptysis. I am so glad that you have made it this far without major hemoptysis. Like Lisa said, the more times you have to do them the risk goes up and also the surgery becomes harder because of scar tissue etc... but as you can see from my track record you can go pretty far.

It's nothing to be freaked out about, yes every surgery has the risks that's normal, but it is pretty safe, I've had 15 and only one did I have a mini stroke (lost sight in the peripheral of my right eye for a couple hours) but everything turned out okay and that was like number 7 (no wonder). You might experience some pain in the area where they clotted off the most arteries, you may even loose a little lung funtion (I have, not neccesarily with each one but I have).

If there's anything more I can help you with please let me know, it would be nice to be able to help someone after going through so many!

 

[HairGirl]

I guess I should reply to this one since I think I win for the most embolizations (though I am definately not proud and don't do it for the glory!) I have had 15 to date, and have had to be on a ventilator 5 times because of major hemoptysis. I am so glad that you have made it this far without major hemoptysis. Like Lisa said, the more times you have to do them the risk goes up and also the surgery becomes harder because of scar tissue etc... but as you can see from my track record you can go pretty far.

It's nothing to be freaked out about, yes every surgery has the risks that's normal, but it is pretty safe, I've had 15 and only one did I have a mini stroke (lost sight in the peripheral of my right eye for a couple hours) but everything turned out okay and that was like number 7 (no wonder). You might experience some pain in the area where they clotted off the most arteries, you may even loose a little lung funtion (I have, not neccesarily with each one but I have).

If there's anything more I can help you with please let me know, it would be nice to be able to help someone after going through so many!

 

[HairGirl]

I guess I should reply to this one since I think I win for the most embolizations (though I am definately not proud and don't do it for the glory!) I have had 15 to date, and have had to be on a ventilator 5 times because of major hemoptysis. I am so glad that you have made it this far without major hemoptysis. Like Lisa said, the more times you have to do them the risk goes up and also the surgery becomes harder because of scar tissue etc... but as you can see from my track record you can go pretty far.

It's nothing to be freaked out about, yes every surgery has the risks that's normal, but it is pretty safe, I've had 15 and only one did I have a mini stroke (lost sight in the peripheral of my right eye for a couple hours) but everything turned out okay and that was like number 7 (no wonder). You might experience some pain in the area where they clotted off the most arteries, you may even loose a little lung funtion (I have, not neccesarily with each one but I have).

If there's anything more I can help you with please let me know, it would be nice to be able to help someone after going through so many!

 

[LouLou]

How much do you guys think blood contributes to increased infection? I realize there's a risk/benefit ratio that's very difficult to define. Risk of decreased lung function and other risks including paralysis. Benefits are less bleeding which means less infection??

Blood is so nutritious. I always feel passionate about getting my sputum to run clear of blood after a bleed because I don't want to feed the bugs. Now I even consider an embolization to stop the hemoptysis when so many doctors haven't blinked regarding my hemoptysis because I don't have big bleeds (defined to me as 1 cup in one episode - I've never had more than 3 Tbsp. in one cough..tops 1/4 cup in one episode), nor problems with anemia nor problems continuing my daily life.

I want to live as long as possible and am trying to find out if an embolization for this bleeding I've dealt with for so long would be helpful or are the potential risks too great?

 

[LouLou]

How much do you guys think blood contributes to increased infection? I realize there's a risk/benefit ratio that's very difficult to define. Risk of decreased lung function and other risks including paralysis. Benefits are less bleeding which means less infection??

Blood is so nutritious. I always feel passionate about getting my sputum to run clear of blood after a bleed because I don't want to feed the bugs. Now I even consider an embolization to stop the hemoptysis when so many doctors haven't blinked regarding my hemoptysis because I don't have big bleeds (defined to me as 1 cup in one episode - I've never had more than 3 Tbsp. in one cough..tops 1/4 cup in one episode), nor problems with anemia nor problems continuing my daily life.

I want to live as long as possible and am trying to find out if an embolization for this bleeding I've dealt with for so long would be helpful or are the potential risks too great?

 

[LouLou]

How much do you guys think blood contributes to increased infection? I realize there's a risk/benefit ratio that's very difficult to define. Risk of decreased lung function and other risks including paralysis. Benefits are less bleeding which means less infection??

Blood is so nutritious. I always feel passionate about getting my sputum to run clear of blood after a bleed because I don't want to feed the bugs. Now I even consider an embolization to stop the hemoptysis when so many doctors haven't blinked regarding my hemoptysis because I don't have big bleeds (defined to me as 1 cup in one episode - I've never had more than 3 Tbsp. in one cough..tops 1/4 cup in one episode), nor problems with anemia nor problems continuing my daily life.

I want to live as long as possible and am trying to find out if an embolization for this bleeding I've dealt with for so long would be helpful or are the potential risks too great?

 

[LouLou]

How much do you guys think blood contributes to increased infection? I realize there's a risk/benefit ratio that's very difficult to define. Risk of decreased lung function and other risks including paralysis. Benefits are less bleeding which means less infection??

Blood is so nutritious. I always feel passionate about getting my sputum to run clear of blood after a bleed because I don't want to feed the bugs. Now I even consider an embolization to stop the hemoptysis when so many doctors haven't blinked regarding my hemoptysis because I don't have big bleeds (defined to me as 1 cup in one episode - I've never had more than 3 Tbsp. in one cough..tops 1/4 cup in one episode), nor problems with anemia nor problems continuing my daily life.

I want to live as long as possible and am trying to find out if an embolization for this bleeding I've dealt with for so long would be helpful or are the potential risks too great?