1. < Gynecologic Cancers

Endometrial Biopsy: I’m terrified, what can I expect?

Posted by suesam @suesam, Dec 21, 2024

Hi there, I have no bleeding but my endometrial thickness is a 6 and I have an endometrial biopsy scheduled in 30 days and I'm terrified. I made the mistake of reading all the horror stories on the internet. My doctor said it is painful and is preparing me by asking me to take VagiFem 10 for the next month and also to take advil before arriving. I've had pap smears all my life and they never hurt but my last one did. But I think that's because the doctor ( mine retired ) used a large instrument which hurt but then switched to a smaller one which was fine. It's a different doctor who will do the biopsy. I've had 2 transvaginal ultrasounds which didn't hurt and one hysterscopy which didn't hurt at all. But I'm terrified of the biopsy. My ultrasound showed a thickness of 6, nothing else, and my CT scan showed nothing. I wish my doctor hadn't told me it would hurt - when I said my last pap smear hurt, he said this would hurt more. He wasn't trying to be mean, just preparing me. I'm hoping I can do it. Any thoughts? And thanks for listening.

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grandefish8 | @grandefish8 | Mar 13 4:17pm

Doctors DO prescribe more than an Advil for a endometrial biopsy. I just had my biopsy in February. Ahead of time, I did my research on Reddit to learn about women's experiences and what pain management was used for their procedure. I also advocated for myself by requesting and having a pain-management phone call with the doctor's nurse. I told them I was terrified, emailed them a study that showed the most effective pain management strategies, and also told them I'd had very good results on a painful knee surgery with hydromorphone — and that I'd prefer hydromorphone to Norco, which was initially offered.

Ultimately, I was prescribed: an 800mg Motrin; 1-2 Valium (5mg each) and a hydromorphone (can't recall dosage). I took them all about 25-35 minutes before the biopsy. My gynecologist also used lidocaine (I believe it was sprayed and/or injected into my cervix - not sure). I also had a nurse holding my hand, and we talked about one of my favorite topics -- dogs -- during the procedure to distract me. I was pretty high due to the meds, honestly. The biopsy "pain" actually felt like a little twinge, like if someone pinched your tummy. Not at all painful or traumatic. I hope this helps!

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1 reply
suesam | @suesam | Mar 11 3:32pm

When I had my cataracts removed, it was the surgeon who determined the best dosage for me. Could your gynecologist help you with the dosage? He/she should have a rough idea of what works well. I didn't take ativan - actually, it wasn't offered and I never thought to ask - I just took 2 advils before. I think ativan is a great idea though. I also had some freezing done of my cervix.

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kforrest | @kforrest | Mar 11 2:19pm
In reply to @suesam "One pill. Hopefully that will do it. You have about 3 more weeks to go, roughly?..." + (show)
@suesam

One pill. Hopefully that will do it. You have about 3 more weeks to go, roughly? I felt so good when my biopsy was done. One thing out of the way. I'm still waiting for the results - today is day 12. Wishing you all the best!!!!

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should i get more?
12 days is a very long wait

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suesam | @suesam | Mar 11 1:11pm
In reply to @kforrest "i have 1 adivan pill for the day of surgery sounds fun!! thanks for sharing" + (show)
@kforrest

i have 1 adivan pill for the day of surgery
sounds fun!! thanks for sharing

Jump to this post

One pill. Hopefully that will do it. You have about 3 more weeks to go, roughly? I felt so good when my biopsy was done. One thing out of the way. I'm still waiting for the results - today is day 12. Wishing you all the best!!!!

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1 reply
kforrest | @kforrest | Mar 11 12:28pm
In reply to @suesam "It's always the newness of it all, not knowing what to expect, and the wondering that..." + (show)
@suesam

It's always the newness of it all, not knowing what to expect, and the wondering that is stressful, for sure. But it's always a good feeling to have secure dates - knowing that at least something is happening. I remember when I had my cataracts removed, I was given a dosage of Ativan. It was amazing. LOL. I could talk to the doctor, ask and answer questions, but I couldn't have cared less what he did. LOL Like - he could have put me upside down and hung me from the ceiling and I wouldn't care. I wish that for you - that you feel no pain and you're completely peaceful during it all.

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i have 1 adivan pill for the day of surgery
sounds fun!! thanks for sharing

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1 reply
kforrest | @kforrest | Mar 11 12:18pm
In reply to @susanpagets "When you have Paget's Disease, sex is the last thing on your mind. Any type of..." + (show)
@susanpagets

When you have Paget's Disease, sex is the last thing on your mind.
Any type of friction in that area sets off itching and burning like you
can't imagine!

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there are so many things to go wrong for people.

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susanpagets | @susanpagets | Mar 11 11:05am
In reply to @kforrest "i am being knocked out for biopsy in the hospital. i will be having a d&c,..." + (show)
@kforrest

i am being knocked out for biopsy in the hospital. i will be having a d&c, polops removed, and interuterine device put in if i want, but no thanks to the iud!!

Jump to this post

When you have Paget's Disease, sex is the last thing on your mind.
Any type of friction in that area sets off itching and burning like you
can't imagine!

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1 reply
kforrest | @kforrest | Mar 7 11:36am
In reply to @painsucksallthetime "I’m not going to lie, the biopsy is a bit uncomfortable…. I had 2 done &..." + (show)
@painsucksallthetime

I’m not going to lie, the biopsy is a bit uncomfortable…. I had 2 done & neither one rendered enough of a sample for a diagnosis so I had to have a D&C to get an adequate sample.
Good luck !!! I’ll be praying for you

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i am glad i didn't go through the in clinic biopsy opting to be sedated in the hospital and having a d&c. thank you for sharing.

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kforrest | @kforrest | Mar 7 9:44am
In reply to @suesam "It's always the newness of it all, not knowing what to expect, and the wondering that..." + (show)
@suesam

It's always the newness of it all, not knowing what to expect, and the wondering that is stressful, for sure. But it's always a good feeling to have secure dates - knowing that at least something is happening. I remember when I had my cataracts removed, I was given a dosage of Ativan. It was amazing. LOL. I could talk to the doctor, ask and answer questions, but I couldn't have cared less what he did. LOL Like - he could have put me upside down and hung me from the ceiling and I wouldn't care. I wish that for you - that you feel no pain and you're completely peaceful during it all.

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how funny you are! thank you for your kind wishes!!!

cataracts were a breeze

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suesam | @suesam | Mar 7 8:34am
In reply to @kforrest "yes, i wish i knew if it would be light or not (the sedation). i am..." + (show)
@kforrest

yes, i wish i knew if it would be light or not (the sedation). i am feeling a lot better less side ache having a date.
thank you for wishing the good wishes!

Jump to this post

It's always the newness of it all, not knowing what to expect, and the wondering that is stressful, for sure. But it's always a good feeling to have secure dates - knowing that at least something is happening. I remember when I had my cataracts removed, I was given a dosage of Ativan. It was amazing. LOL. I could talk to the doctor, ask and answer questions, but I couldn't have cared less what he did. LOL Like - he could have put me upside down and hung me from the ceiling and I wouldn't care. I wish that for you - that you feel no pain and you're completely peaceful during it all.

REPLY
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