Sharing my biopsy experience. And I'm a nervous patient.
I am grateful for all I have learned from folks in this support group so now that I have FINALLY had my own biopsy I thought I'd share my own experience. Please note that this is my own experience and I have learned that everyone's can be different.
About 5 months ago, my PSA test came back with elevated results. Did a second test 3 weeks later and PSA still elevated. I went in for an MRI, both with and without contrast dye. MRI results came back suspicious for PCa. Then the biopsy was scheduled with local lidocaine/numbing of the prostate (after 2 months of waiting and pondering my situation).
Biopsy day arrived, doctor started the biopsy and we soon discovered that I would not be a good candidate for being awake during the procedure. Actually, not a good candidate is an understatement.... I'm just not great in a medical setting. So, another biopsy was scheduled but it would be a sedated procedure.
2 months later (and more time to simmer about this whole thing) and the second biopsy date arrived after receiving an updated PSA test where the level had dropped about 30%. Up at the crack of dawn. 1 cup of black coffee was allowed up until the time they noted on my appointment. Followed by an antibiotic pill and hospital provided electrolyte drink. Strawberry flavored..
Arrived at the hospital and checked in. Changed into a hospital gown with plenty of ventilation in the back... Hooked up to IV for fluids followed by 3 trips to the bathroom thanks to the coffee, electrolyte drink and IV fluids. Visits by preop staging nurse, anesthesiologist, anesthesiologist nurse, anesthesiologist nurse in training, OR nurse, and Urologist. Genuine care and concern was displayed by all. It was a relief.
Off to the OR. Then out like a light. Woke up chatting with the recovery room nurse like we were long lost friends. Probably due to the drugs... I was given ice water (the best I've ever had). They ensured that I could somewhat urinate then I was released from the hospital.
Arrived at home, ate 4 large chocolate chip cookies then tried to urinate, not super productive at first but after passing some stuff via red urine my normal stream and volume returned albeit with red then pink then barely pink urine 7 hours later.
As of 7 hours post procedure, I feel decent. Only concern I have is having more junk to pass in the morning due to overnight inactivity. Time will tell on how things go when I eventually try to pass #2 but I have a laxative ready if needed.
So, for me, I think the buildup and time to ponder my fate was the worst part but taking a nap during the biopsy was worth it. Now I will find out officially what I am facing so I feel somewhat relieved.
Best of luck to you all!
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That's excellent - and a big help to others.
Well done. You made it through.
Be proud of yourself. None of this is fun.
Now it's the wait for the results.
The biopsy is the definitive way of knowing what's going on. No more "this looks suspicious".
Certainty is always good, whichever way it goes.
Good luck.
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2 ReactionsDue to some cardiac issues, docs avoid knocking me out whenever they can. My biopsy was certainly not as pleasant as yours. Lidocaine locals don't work very well on me.
Wishing you very boring results from your biopsy. 👍
@mjp0512 Sorry to hear that you experienced pain. For me, the local worked very well. No sedation, so fully awake for the whole thing. Talking to the nurse and doctor doing the work. Trans perineal procedure. I don’t like sedation, because it wipes out my whole day. My best advice for anyone facing a biopsy, is that if you are at all apprehensive, ask for sedation/anesthesia. What a bad experience is for one man may not be bad for another, but why take the chance if unsure?
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1 ReactionI knew a woman who had hip surgery with spinal anesthesia. The surgeon said if you don't mind the noise and my comments! She did a second hip a year later via the saddle block again. Of course that surgery takes a lot more time than a biopsy which may make it not an option.
Did you have general anesthesia or twilight? I am scheduled for June 2 with twilight sedation.
I had a biopsy November 2024 after rising PSA and an unclear MRI. It was in the urologist's office and trans-rectal with Lidocaine local. I was able to "feel" and watch the whole procedure which included a bladder scan, getting to see the inside of my bladder (fortunately all clear). Biopsy results (12 samples, 3 positive) were Gleason 7 (two tumors: 3+4 and 4+3). Based on that, I was scheduled for a PSMA PET scan a couple of weeks later.
@keithl56 More on the twilight side of things... I asked the nurse what she was giving me and she said fentanyl. I was told there would be no breathing assistance down my throat. I woke up with no nausea. No recollection of the procedure itself. If I had to receive another biopsy, I would do it the same way.
Thanks for the feedback. Eases my mind somewhat. I've had twilight for a colonoscopy and didn't remember a thing.