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

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!!!!

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

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.

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!

Hi, I did have bleeding and my thickness was a 10 after the transvaginal ultrasound. They wanted to do the same biopsy, but I told them absolutely not and they were going to have to knock me out. My doctor agreed to do a D&C. Which in my particular situation was good because they found the endrometrioid carcenoma 1-1/2 weeks ago. I have to have a hysterectomy but don't know anything other than the cancer is the common kind. My 1st Oncologist appt is in 5 days. (see if your doctor will give you the option of a D&C if you're able).

Hey, thanks for sharing this. Good to know. I did have the freezing done and took advil but it's great to know about other alternatives. Have you got your results yet? My biopsy was 2 weeks ago and I was told it could take 8 weeks.

This is good to know - to advocate for being knocked out. So sorry to hear about your carcinoma. You must be terrified. Wishing you all the best at your oncologist appointment coming up. I'm still waiting for my biopsy results. I'm glad you shared, it really helps me knowing all sorts of alternatives. But I am sorry your results show carcinoma.

@acorvettemom Well done advocating for yourself and having a D&C instead of the endometrial biopsy without sedation. Like you, I got the diagnosis of endometroid adenocarcinoma after the D & C. It was a huge shock to get that diagnosis. I asked for a referral to Mayo Clinic since my rural area does not have anyone who specializes in gynecological cancers. I got in to Mayo Clinic within a few days after diagnosis and had the hysterectomy the following week.

Your oncology appointment is coming up soon. I'd suggest writing your questions down before your appointment and taking someone with you. In retrospect I'm relieved that I did both of those because I was anxious and frightened when I went to the appointment with the GYNOncologist for that first time.

Do you have any other suggestions for our members?

My Dr. had ordered a biopsy because I was having post menopausal bleeding and cramping. Because I was already in pain I asked to have it done under local anethesia, I was referred to a Surgeon that agreed to do it. I had 4 previous ultrasounds that did not detect the large tumor that was in my cervix so I’m glad that I didn’t agree to having it done in a drs office with just a zanax for the pain. Everyone is different though and my circumstances were not common but as my Dr found out biopsy’s are not a one size fits all. You are the only one that knows how much pain you can tolerate., and I think alittle more consideration needs to be given to anyone that had to go through something like this . And perhaps given the choice to have something alittle stronger than a low dose pain reliever

Good points here! Especially about advocating for oneself and asking for what we need. So you had a large tumor in your cervix? Did you end up with a hysterectomy? Hope you are doing okay, now.