Failed Stereotactic Biopsy

@runningfree7788

Welcome to Mayo Connect,
You went through a very stressful situation.

I once got very faint and dizzy in lobby waiting for biobsy, so they rescheduled. It had nothing to do with biobsy, I think I just had not eaten that day.

Do you think you fainted due to anxiety? or something else?
Have you fainted previously when under stress?

Hi. Yes I have fainted under anxiety or stress before. I wasn’t looking forward to this but thought I’d be fine. Now I have a scar and pain with no sample. I’m afraid to return for the fear the same thing will happen. I did get a Xanax to take next time.

I have never taken Xanax but they give it to people who panic during claustrophobic MRIs and they do fine. I have a friend who takes it for her fear of flying. She said she’d freak out in the plane without it but has no problem with the flight once she takes it. Based on all that, I’m betting you’ll be relaxed. Hang in there.

I take Xanax to help with situations like these. Xanax comes in different amounts. Mine was only .25 and worked fine. But you may be different.

@runningfree7788
Do not let the fear of fainting prevent you from having the biobsy. Try the Xanax. Make sure the provider and technicians know ahead of time so they can do everything possible to make it as calming as possible.

Do you think time of day would have an affect? I know I like my tests first thing in morning so I do not spend all day thinking about them.

Have you rescheduled the biobsy? Do you have someone to accompany you to appointment?

I had to have a second stereotactic biopsy done, but only because they did not get enough tissue sample the first time. I was VERY anxious and took a Klonipin beforehand. I was all worried for nothing. Went I went the second time, I didn't even take anything because I knew exactly what was going to happen.

I have it rescheduled for the morning of July 18th. My husband is coming like he did last time. But I'm terrified of fainting yet again. Just the thought of what is happening upset me - but I didn't feel hardly anything with the numbing - it was hardly any pain. I wished they could just prop me up if I were to faint and do what they need to do - but that isn't possible.

My aunt would faint easily, when I was her caregiver in later years. I had a set of earbuds for her. The minute they had her settled she would close her eyes and put on her music. This helped tremendously.
Could you add this to your already planned Xanax to get this very important biopsy?

I think the Xanax will help. I like the idea of earbuds and music too. It's a lot, I know.

Good idea! I was thinking about the music as an option. I'll ask.