Biopsy

Wednesday I have to have a needle biopsy They will numb the area so I won't feel the actual biopsy part.

I freaked out when they told me, but now I am much calmer. Our receptionist at work is convinced that I need to take some kind of anti-anxiety med before. But I've never taken meds and the thought of taking some actually makes me nervous. I've been doing guided imagery and breathing in my therapy sessions and my plan is to use that to control my anxiety.

Anyone have any experience with this?

gosh I dont know... but I had a biopsy before and they put me under. would that make you feel better? I dont know if that is an option.

Thanks miswimmy. I don't think that's an option as it is an outpatient procedure and should only take about 20 minutes total. I am more concerned about the numbing needle than the actual biopsy needle. I may just close my eyes for the whole thing!

I did have a biopsy done, on my cervix, many years ago. They did find pre-cancerous cells, which then required cryosurgery. In that, the area is numbed and then frozen (to be pain-free). The doctor then removed the area. I was awake throughout, and it was pretty uncomfortable from the pressure in the area. Thankfully, my hub was there with me and held my hand throughout. That helped me a lot!

If you have a friend or family member to bring along, that would help keep your mind off the experience. Very best wishes to you!

If there is not anyone to go with you, I have taken some kind of object with me to hold onto to focus on instead, while using breathing techniques. I like the eyes closed idea too with picturing some kind of image or scene that you can imagine in your mind. The other thing that can be helpful is that if you have music or earplugs you can take to block out the conversations and noises.

I wish you well for the procedure. It will go by in no time. No worries and good luck!!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. My mom is taking me, but I don't know if they will allow her in the room and in someways I would rather she wasn't there. It will be easier to focus on the guided imagery that way. I have a worry stone. I might take that with me. It is a breast biopsy, so they will be near my face which makes it harder to ignore what they are doing.

I would not take an anti-anxiety med because I do not believe in them, because I have found them to be only partially effective at best, and very finicky. One day they work, another day they don't, and you never know why. Especially if you have never had them, and do not know how you would react to them, there is absolutely no guarantee that they woud work. That said, there is no harm in trying, but do make sure to avoid alcohol on the day of the biopsy if you try them - the interactions between alcohol and anti-anxiety meds are really bad.

Without going into a long explanation (maybe another time if people want to know), I believe certain things about psych meds (not just anti-anxiety meds, but all of them). I believe, if I hadn't been put on meds when I was a child, I may not need them now. I think these meds create not only a possible addiction, but I think they alter the brain and/or the body to become different, in a way that they can't function without the meds. When I was young, I don't remember ever being as anxious (except during an actual panic attack) for so long a time as I am without meds. When I went off meds totally (over a period of two years, with a pdoc's supervision), I was in constant anxiety, always on the verge of a panic attack. So, I got back on meds. I was given more meds than I'd ever been on, and even now, I wonder if I need them all. I know I need the Xanax...if I miss only two in a row, I feel it. I've never missed more than that, but I believe if I did, it would be like I wasn't on any meds at all, even though I'm on several.

I think if you take an anti-anxiety med once or for special occasions (like a plane trip), you'll probably be fine with them. I'm more suspicious of taking them as a regular prescription.

Hi all,
The actual procedure was not that bad, but I am in some pain now that the numbing agent has worn off. I got really light headed from the numbing shots and then just went into my guided imagery and deep breathing. I asked them to not tell me what they were doing other than to let me know when they were going to touch me. Now I have to wait for results...that's the worst part.

thanks for the update. I just saw this thread for the first time. I'm glad that the procedure itself went well. My thoughts are with you in the hope of a good result!

Wishing you the best! I have to get some tests done (blood and probably urine) and see a doctor for a few issues, and I know I'll be nervous about that. It's always nerve-wracking.

I received excellent news today. The results came back benign. I will have to have a follow-up ultrasound and mammogram in 6 months, but otherwise I am cleared.

Congratulations! Excellent news, and just in time for the holidays.

Such good news! So happy for you!!