Do I HAVE TO be awake during the biopsy??

[purplefox]

I have to have a "core-needle-biopsy" in the very near future.  I am very claustrophobic and I have extreme anxiety about procedures such as this.  Is there a reason I have to be awake?  I might have to have both breasts done.  I understand the radiologist is the one who does the biopsy.  Do I have to have the radiologist do the biopsy, or may I request my surgeon do it?  And do I "have too" be awake for it?  I am claustrophobic and would much rather be put out.  
Thank you~
purplefox


This discussion is related to Calcifications and lumps benign condition?.

[katarina777]

I don't know how it works at your place, but I had the surgeon do my biopsy, and didn;t even ask for it.

I also don't know if they would put you to sleep, but there are ways to relax you that are just as effective as putting you to sleep, and where you wouldn't care the least bit, or even like it. I am talking from experience because I had the same procedure done once without versed and once with it. it was hell the first time and great the second time. I actually experienced the same things that were painful to me as pleasurable the second time.

Anyway, these are just my two cents. I am sure they would do all to help you and maybe even put you to sleep if you tell them about your fears.

A friend of mine had a tooth pulled under general anesthesia and then I had one pulled with local and was also very scared and it wasn't the least bit painful at all. much less bad than having a cavity filled with that driller.

[iam1butterfly]

It's not necessary to be fully anesthetized during that procedure. But, since you're claustrophobic and feel uneasy about the process, why not contact the facility
where the biopsy is being preformed and discuss your concerns. Maybe, they could administer some kind of sedative to calm you down during the procedure.

[katarina777]

Hi, Butterfly, what are you doing up so late?

[zouzi]

Hi there.This procedure is similar to a fine needle aspiration,the needle though, is a bit wider to be able to obtain a larger sample of tissue.You will be put under local anesthesia...you will feel some pressure and a clicking sound when the sample are being taken..  but no real pain.The procedure is not long and will require no stitches.The scary part of all this is just being scared...but once you are undergoing the procedure,you will relax and soon it will be over. It would be helpful to ask your doctor about taking a sedative before the biopsy..just to calm your nerves.When I had my biopsy,it was the radiologist who did it( like it usually is) and it's really not necessary to ask for a surgeon ...unless you feel more comfortable to do so.During the procedure, if for some reason you do feel pain,TELL the radiologist/surgeon who will certainly administer more numbing solution to lessen your discomfort.Wishing you an uneventful biopsy and may pathology results be BENIGN. Good luck and keep us posted.God bless.

[iam1butterfly]

To katarina: This butterfly was up late... flying high on a caffeine (((buzz))).

To purplefox: What zouzi described is quite accurate. The needle aspiration process
is not as frightening as one might presume. It's the unfamiliarity, the uncertainty, the awkwardness and one's thoughts of the worst case scenario that gets us all whipped up. To help me overcome the jitters a kind technician held my hand during my biopsy.
Good luck with your procedure.