Can anyone explain a FNA?

[TXMomOfFaith]

I am having a fna done this Thursday. Can anyone tell me how the procedures goes, I don't like to be suprised. Please be honest about any pain. Thanks so much! :)

[chloebug3]

I have had FNA done three different times. I have 5 nodules that it was done to with 3 need sticks to each each time. One of them I have even had large amounts of fluid removed from. My doctor does not use any type of numbing technique. You do feel the very small needle go in and some time when it is moved around. It is not painful though a blood draw or iv hurt much much more. My voice felt strained a little for a short period after each time, it was mildly sore not like a sore throat though and there was mild sornness to the outside of my throat for a few hours following and there was not on every one of the five spots and not every time a needle head size brused pot where the biopsy was done. I would incourage you that it is a lot less painful and noticable than you are anticipating. I does go really fast and yes the doctor will locate the nodule with the ultra sound and then do the biopsy. Also it is important that you do not swallow  while the needle is in your neck and it swallow all the time due too mine. I don't know why not to do so other than it is more uncomfortable than pain but not pleasent when you do. Mine were all done in my doctors office and I drove myself to and from all of mine. I have even moved the grass once returning home before.
Pray and leave it all in his hands.
Ps let me know what you think following the procedure.

[dscoochie]

I found it more uncomfortable than painful.  The creaking sound the needle made as it made its way through cartelidge...ewww!

But it took all of 5 minutes and it was over.

Good luck!

[mw1943]

I know you said you don't like surprises...I would call and ask...when I was DX I didn't know enough to know what ??? to ask.

[TXMomOfFaith]

My doctor has a sonogram machine in his office, this is where they did my thyroid sonogram. Do you think he will use it to guide the fna?

[mw1943]

The worst part was dreading it . I had US FNA a fine needle guided by ultrasound. My endo made three swipes .The lab was set up in same room so they knew immediatly that they had three good sample of cells.
I didn't have ice or numbing cream...didn't really need it...but I didn't know this untill it was over. 15 minutes was all it took, and for me uncomfortable...but not as bad as  having an IV put in. Like I said ...dreading it was the worst part.The needle is very thin.And my dr. moved the skin a little ....like a dentist does when he numbs up your gum.
God Bless.

[nissah46]

I had A FNA for my Thyroid cancer and did not mind it at all.  My endo took three samples and made the area a little numb before hand. It was not painful.  I had it done at outpatients where I was lying on a bed.  
Trish

[TXMomOfFaith]

Compare to taking to blood, what is the pain like? Also does it hurt when they are moving the needle around in your neck?

[Liz94]

One more thing....the needle was not huge as per Justin1967, it was extremely small and fine.

[Liz94]

I was given a prescription for numbing cream that I applied 30 minutes prior to my appt.  I was laid flat on a table and the endo used a sonogram machine to locate the nodule. The first stick was very uncomfortable, like maybe he touched a nerve because it was a pins and needles sensation. The next 4 sticks/extractions I didn't feel too much. Just pressure, not pain.  I was very sore for about 2 weeks afterwards though. I did not have any bruising but I felt like I had been punched in the neck.

[Justin1967]

It depends on medical clinic or hospital as they use different procedures.. For me the thyroid area was made numb with some ice and then the nurse kept jambing this huge needle into me several times and I only experienced a slight discomfort.. It was all over in about 10-15 minutes..