What's it like to get a biopsy for IgA nephropathy?

Welcome to Connect, @joejokief73
You'll notice that I moved your message to the Kidney & Bladder group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/kidney-conditions/) where you'll meet other members with stage 3 kidney disease and IgA nephropathy, like @eileen14 @butterfly225 @AlwaysHopeful and @kidney09. I'm also tagging other members @cehunt57 @rosemarya @kamama94 and @trishannawho, who have or had CKD and may have had a kidney biopsy and can share what it is like.

Joe, how are you feeling these days? What symptoms concern you the most?

My biggest symptom seems to be fatigue and I have some swelling in legs and feet at times. I've been very stable and in stage 2 until recent labs have me in stage 3a I'm scared and I worry about it all the time.

@rosemarya, have not had a kidney biopsy, just a skin biopsy and (of all things) a tongue biopsy so can't speak to this. What I had done was painless except for the needle stick to the tongue and it stung only for a second. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Ouch

I have had many kidney biopsies of my transplant and the process can be stressful but it is very tolerable, not painful. I've had to change into a gown, lay in a hospital bed while vitals are monitored and health questions updated, when it's my turn I've been brought into a surgery suite and numbed with lidocaine while a needle is inserted with the guidance of ultrasound and a few peices (the size of a 1 inch hairs) are collected, next brought to recovery to lay flat for an hour, sit for 30min, eat, walk and go home to rest for a day.

I can tell you what I was told about a kidney biopsy. I wasn't able to observe it, because I was laying on my stomach when it was done. They used a local anaesthesia to deaden the back. Then they take a long needle to go through the back into the kidney. They used an ultrasound so the doctor could see where the needle was. There were some clicking sounds as they took the samples. For me they took samples from both kidneys. I felt absolutely no pain. Afterward they watch you for a while to make sure there is no bleeding. Mine was not done for IgA nephropathy, just to check kidney function.

Thank you

Kidney biopsies are for the most part routine. I've never had one, because when I was brought to the ct scanner (used to show the radiologist your kidney), the radiologist gave me her opinion of the risks involved as opposed to the benefits. My risks negated the biopsy, so I declined to have one and it turned out to be the right choice. Ultimately, my kidney was removed along with a cancerous tumor. Please note that great care is taken when they do these tests, and I would not hesitate to have a biopsy on my remaining kidney. You have a right to know exactly what the procedure is and whether or not any risks are involved. Questions should be directed to your nephrologist and your radiologist. You should be concerned, of course, but not worried or scared. I would insist on another appointment where your worries can be addressed. I also "fired" my urologist for his failure to handle my justifiable concerns. Good luck and report back to us.

@joejokief73 I am not aware that there are different techniques for kidney biopsy. I had one in early 2015, and it was very similar to @marvinjsturing and his biopsy. I was given a"tranquilizer" and remained awake and aware during the entire procedure. My procedure nurse was an ex-Army medic, who talked me through the whole procedure. My nephrologist had done the same, and used a surgeon who he trusted for the procedure. As has been mentioned, speak to your nephrologist for any specific concerns. Come back and tell us how you do. We care.
Ginger

I thank you for your info on this. I think mostly I am alright with doing this. I mean I know what I have as well as my neph. This is to just confirm it. I am a natural born worrier about everything. I think when I hear that I need this I immediately freak out if you will about it.