First Biopsy: Tips for Preparation

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?

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

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.

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!! 💕