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First Biopsy: Tips for Preparation

rustyshackleford

436d

I'm about to have a biopsy done for the first time and I'm pretty nervous. I hate needles, I'm scared of doctors, and I've never been put under before. Any tips or kind words to help me prepare?

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7

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Fentanyl

Esophagitis-Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acute Anxiety

Propofol

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

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Top reply
    • adixon

      436d

      I can definitely vouch for the telling your anesthesiologist everything point. I had to have carpal tunnel surgery done and I was using illicit drugs at the time (meth & fentanyl). Clearly the fentanyl was an important thing to disclose, but they actually ended up having to adjust the anesthesia more so because of the meth. They had to remove a component otherwise it could've induced a reaction that could've been fatal. So even things that you may not think would be an issue, you should still disclose because it might end up being the most important thing you could tell them

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    • aldrwytch

      436d

      I haven’t had a biopsy specifically, but I’ve had a number of larger procedures. The most important stuff has mostly been covered—specifically talking to someone about anxiety and being honest with the anesthesiologist. Have you ever had an IV? I’m guessing you’ve probably had bloodwork done at some point?

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      • aldrwytch

        436d

        @aldrwytch As far as the actual anesthetic experience, I was scared about it at first, but I ended up having an easy time—going under was exactly how I’d been told. My family was still in the room, and the anesthesiologist counted down, people chatted, and I was out in under 5 seconds or so. I started getting drowsy, got a last few words out, and the next thing I remember is waking up, which was a lot like waking up slowly from a normal but especially deep sleep. As mentioned above, I was under for a procedure much much larger than a biopsy, so I can’t really speak to pain/discomfort and etc, but you’ll be sent home with any bandaging and cleaning supplies, detailed instructions, and numbers to call just in case. As long as you follow whatever care instructions you get, I would expect a very quick and easy recovery, though! It’s okay to be scared and/or anxious, and to express that fully to your doctors, nurses, and anyone who is there to support you! Just also try to remind yourself that biopsies are an extremely common procedure, which means that everyone involved will probably have done this hundreds of times before, and know exactly what they’re doing!

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        • rustyshackleford

          436d

          @aldrwytch this makes me feel better. I've had blood drawn before. I wasn't a fan of it, but it was ok. The biopsy is of my small intestin, so it will be internal and probably fairly easy to recover from. I've witnessed family members being put under, and not realizing the procedure already happened, I'm just having a hard time imagining what that's like. I still have to make the appointment, I'll let them know I'm scared

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    • adixon

      436d

      I can definitely vouch for the telling your anesthesiologist everything point. I had to have carpal tunnel surgery done and I was using illicit drugs at the time (meth & fentanyl). Clearly the fentanyl was an important thing to disclose, but they actually ended up having to adjust the anesthesia more so because of the meth. They had to remove a component otherwise it could've induced a reaction that could've been fatal. So even things that you may not think would be an issue, you should still disclose because it might end up being the most important thing you could tell them

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    • Magpie42

      436d

      I've had many procedures that I've had to be put under for. I totally agree with the previous poster. Definitely tell them about your anxiety, they can help. I want to also add that fentanyl and propofol are very safe in a medical situation. There's an anesthesiologist on youtube, Max Feinstein, if you want to learn more about the process of anesthesia.

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    • AveryWumbo

      436d

      Ok so I had a biopsy done on my left underarm lymph node this past August, and a bone marrow biopsy when I was 16. Both times I was incredibly scared of being put under and the process and everything. Being put under: TELL YOUR ANESTHESIOLOGIST EVERYTHING!! Anything that could be in your system, tell them. If they told you not to do something but you did it anyway, tell them. You won't get in trouble, they'll just need to adjust the anesthesia. if they offer you anxiety medication and you feel comfortable, take it! I took it for the bone marrow biopsy and had a much calmer experience lol Waking up: I was afraid I wouldn't wake up. But they have like a bunch of different ways they can wake you up. If one doesn't work, they'll try another. At least that's what I was told! Recovery: it'll hurt and be sore for a while. Especially depending on the location of the biopsy. My bone marrow biopsy healed so fast and hurt for like a day. But my lymph node one hurt for quite some time. The lymph node one needed stitches, the other didn't. And the lymph node biopsy site was much larger than the bone marrow one. All in all it's a pretty painless experience, just a couple days of tenderness at the site. I was absolutely terrified for both, so I understand!! Good luck on your procedure!! 💕

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      • rustyshackleford

        436d

        @AveryWumbo this is good to know, I'm a big scaredy cat at doctors and in the past letting them know I'm scared has been helpful. I've heard anesthesia is no big deal, but I'm still nervous. I'll talk to the anesthesiologist when I get a chance

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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