Anyone ever had a thyroid biopsy?

[Amber St. Clare]

I'm scheduled to have one and she assured me it would be painless. I thought that meant she was going to put me out and I would need someone to drive me home but she said no, I would be awake.

I'd appreciate hearing if you have any experience with this.

 

[Autumnovember]

I have not had a thyroid biopsy but I did have a liver biopsy where they put a large needles in between in ribs into my liver. I was awake, and they gave me mild sedatives and also numbed the area. I assume they'll also numb the area for you?

 

[Definitely. Maybe]

I had a thyroid biopsy a few years ago. They first numb the area(s) which will feel like a normal shot, not too bad. Then they use the ultrasound machine to locate the nodules that they want to biopsy. I had a lot and they ended up taking a total of 10 biopsies. Which meant 10 needles going in my neck! Because it is numb you don't really feel *pain* but you do feel pressure. I was shaking pretty bad the entire time. I think that was due to being a little scared and the room was cold. When it was over I just wanted to leave, but had to stay a little while because I got really nauseous and light headed.
When I had the biopsy she gave me the option of same day, so I just said ok and didn't give myself much time to over analyze it and I think that was probably best. The worst time probably wasn't getting it done, but waiting for the results, which took a while (days, week?, I don't remember) but it came back normal.

Good luck. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[stepcutgirl]

I've had three this year. Uncomfortable and alot of pressure but not painful. The worst part for me was the sire throat I had after it.

 

[FuturePsyD]

My aunt had a thyroid biopsy about 2 months ago. She drove herself to the procedure. She was not put under, but the area was numbed. She said she could feel pressure during the procedure, but not necessarily pain.

Afterwards, she had some discomfort and was advised to take Advil, which she did. She also had a scratchy voice and a sore throat for several days following the procedure. She had tea with honey, which was extremely helpful for her sore throat.

Good luck with your biopsy.

 

[gemgirl]

I had eight or ten samples taken out of my thyroid fifteen years ago. She offered to numb the surface of my neck and spray the inside of my throat with a numbing licocaine spray, but since I don't do well with licocaine, I just did some focused even breathing throughout the procedure. The soreness afterwwards was worse than having the biopsies done. It doesn't take long. If they know what they're aiming at, it shouldn't take more than ten minutes. I may have another one done next Spring according to my Endocrinologist. It's really not bad at all.

But you will deserve a present afterwards .

 

[LGK]

I did. Not to scare you but it was the absolute worst. Actually having the surgery to take my thyroid out was way, way easier. The tech who did my biopsy was awful though. He said, "Don't breathe, I might puncture a vein." So I stop breathing. Well, he forgot to tell me when it was safe to breathe again! Then he got angry at me for shaking because, well, I was holding my breath and freaking out quietly. The feeling itself wasn't horrifically painful but the needles are huge and the sensation was just unbearable. I had my first ever panic attack because of it, and totally lost it afterwards. If they can even give you something like Valium I would absolutely take it, or ask for it. If you don't like needles (and I'm not really that bad with them) I'm afraid it is going to be tough for you.

Good luck. I had thyroid cancer as it turned out, I was 21 I think. As far as cancer goes, it was fairly easy to deal with. No major repercussions even at 33. I hope it turns out to be nothing for you!

ETA: My mom just had one a couple of months ago. She found it fairly unpleasant but not as bad as I did. She did get Valium for it however.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

Thank you all for your posts...I have it scheduled for 10/19 and the doctor herself will do it. My husband wants to come with me, but honestly, I don't want to make a big thing out of it and I have NO IDEA how long I will be in the office because she told me she would keep me there for a while to make sure I didn't bleed.

 

[purplesilk]

I had a thyroid biopsy ten years ago (I was 2 and I didn't feel pain, but I was grateful to my mum who came with me...don't go alone, let your husband come with you, make it a special day (after the procedure: have a walk, eat an icecream, enjoy time with your husband).

Purplesilk