What's the biopsy like?

[Ange7894]

Hey all,

I go for my biopsy in 2 weeks, and I'm a little nervous. I know that a tube will be put down my throat for the doc to take a sample, but what's the experience like? He told me that I'll be given something to make me sleepy, but I won't be totally out. I'm nervous because I have a pretty strong gag reflex and I'm worried that since I'm not totally out, the procedure will be difficult and uncomfortable. Can anyone share with me what it was like for them?

Thanks a bunch!
Angela

[ostrich]

Hey Angela, you might want to check out this thread about what it's like.
_________________
Ostrich :>--O==={

Time falls away, but these small hours
These little wonders still remain

[aklap]

Hi Angela,

An EGD is not bad at all. I can understand being nervous. I explained a little bit in the thread Os posted.

In my case, they did both - and EGD (down) and a colonoscopy (up). I told them since is was going to be out...they might as well have their way with me.

When I had mine done (about 3+ years ago), they treat it like a surgery. You get to put on one of those cool backless gowns. Maybe you won't need or get the backless gowns since you're not there for that end The prep for the colo is the worst part of the whole ordeal. <yuck>

They put an IV in. If I remember corectly one of the drugs is Versed plus another one. You really don't feel or remember much!! I suspect if you tell them about your gag reflex, they might even give you extra LOL.

I woke up in a the recovery room. After they make sure you are OK, they send you off. They will not let you drive after that. Make sure some is there to take you home. I felt fine and told my wife that I could drive. Being the good woman she is, told me NO!. You do get a really good nap after the procedure. Once I got home, I headed for the couch and was out like a light.

I don't recall any discomfort (at either end) after the procedures.

I hope this helps!


Good luck!! Let us know how it goes!!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[Kathie]

I'm with Al, I had no trouble at all with the procedure and I have the same gag reflex problem. I have to have all dental cleaning/procedures done in the afternoon because taking vitamins in the morning can make me gag.
One of the 3 endoscopies I had I remember still being awake when the Doctor came in to start and him telling them to put me under deeper but nothing else until I woke up. Only trouble I ever had was with the nasty stuff you have to drink for the colonoscopy which made me sick as a dog (that gag thing again), and I flushed out from both ends....
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CD by Biopsy 3/25/88

[cruelshoes]

I agree, it really is not a big deal. The anticipation of it ws the worst part. They gave me versed and fentanyl. This combo has an amnesia effect and also supresses the gag reflex. The prep is also easy - just no food/drink 6 hours beforehand.

I have had 4 endoscopies in the last year. The only one that was even slightly unpleasant was the one I had done when I was 12 weeks pregnant because they didn't use as much sedation. But even that one was not bad.

hope this helps!
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-Colleen

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handcart?

[ostrich]

[Kathie]

COOL because they show off Al's BGP's.

Sorry Al, couldn't resist seeing how Lexi wasn't around to say it.
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CD by Biopsy 3/25/88

[Ange7894]

Thank you all...this is a HUGE relief lol. He told me about the IV, and the fact that I need someone to drive me home (it's a good thing I have that handy boyfriend lying around for such occasions as this ), so I imagined it being somewhat of a serious procedure. But I couldnt help but be nervous about the whole process. I'm glad to hear you guys had no issues. I'm not so scared now thanks!

Angela

[ostrich]

I've never had a biopsy done, but if it makes you feel any better I always manage to freak myself out before surgeries. I don't have a gag reflex problem, but I don't come out of anesthesia very well (I usually need to have a tube down my throat so I don't vomit). Then once it's over with and I'm home it's all good.
_________________
Ostrich :>--O==={

Time falls away, but these small hours
These little wonders still remain

[aklap]

bump for colbs
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[staircar]

I'm terrified of needles but I didn't even mind the iv that much. I hate needles in my arm but I guess i'm ok when they are in my hand. I remember nothing from the procedure, I don't even remember the last thing I remember! All in all the best sleep I ever got and they wheeled me down to the car, even though I could walk pretty well almost immediately after I woke up. A little bit of a sore throat from the thing they spray in your throat to numb it but overall one of the easier procedures i"ve ever had done.. well one of the only procedures i"ve ever had done but still. I was pretty scared beforehand, I had never been in a hospital for myself before. But it was definitely not scary.

[aklap]

bump for Jenn
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[aklap]

bump
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa