Bronchoscopy

Today I went to the UCSD Medical Center for my bronchoscopy, and I thought, the removal of scar tissue. I was a little nervous since I had never seen this doctor before. But, this was unfounded. Dr. Harrel is one of the top pulmonologists in San Diego. I was told that I was just having a bronchoscopy so that the doctor could decide whether to remove the scar tissue from my trachea. A young doctor did the procedure, but Dr. Harrel surpervised. After putting the scope down my trach, and having a look around, the scope was removed. The procedure was done. Dr. Harrel decided not to remove the scar tissue and ordered a different trach for me. My trach tube had been advanced past the scar tissue last time I visited the E.R. (see blog post of 10/17/2007) In its present position, there was no sign of scar tissue below the trach tube; the tissue was smooth and a healthy pink. There was no danger of scar tissue blocking my trach tube. The new trach will have a non-adjustable tube. It will stay in the same position. My present trach has an adjustable flange which allows the doctor to move the trach tube to any position. But, since I have scar tissue higher up, the trach tube doesn't need to be moved. It will stay where it is. I feel relieved that I will not need surgery. It looks like I don't have to worry much about trach obstructions. I feel very positive. The new trach sounds like it will be good. Of coarse, when the new trach is put in I will know for sure. But, I feel it will be just fine. I hope it comes in soon.