Have you had an open biopsy?

[NERVOUS418]

I am having an open biopsy and being given general anesthesia to put me to sleep.  I am terrified!  Has anyone had this?  I am wondering how long I will be in the recovery room and how I will feel afterwards other than scared to death which I already am!

[ncmichigan]

Ooops- I meant "iam1butterfly"! Sorry, I mixed up the two "butterfly" gals in this post!!!
nc

[ncmichigan]

Just wanted to add my good wishes and let you know I've had three excisional biopsies.
None were too bad--I had US guided needle localization for one and mammo guided
localization for two areas for another (the first one was a palpable mass) and for me that
was worse than the actual surgery because I was wide awake for those! Afterwards, I went dancing the next evening with one first one, the recovery on the second was a couple days, mostly sore and bruised feeling. The third was a little more painful because it involved two areas, but still not really bad. Meds and ice packs really help. Like iambluebutterfly said, everyone's pain threshold is different, but your doctor and staff will try to make sure you're as comfortable as possible. Just make sure you let them know exactly how and what you're feeling, OK?  I know it's scary, but just try to stay positive and focus on good results. We've all been through it and we all wish you all the best. We're here for you whenever you feel the need.
Sending you a big hug (   ),
nc

[jb444]

I had a little more pain then what they are reporting here. Maybe my porcedure was different either way you will be ok and if you want to be scared then be scared- we were all scared.  Best of luck to you

[iam1butterfly]

If by "open," you mean surgical... mine wasn't as bad as I had expected. Like japdip said, you'll be sedated for the duration of the procedure, which usually lasts about a half an hour. Soon after I awoke, I was off on my way along with instructions to follow and a prescription for Vicodin. I felt kinda groggy for the remainder of the day... no doubt that was due to the after effects of the sedative.
Anyway, I didn't use the Vicodin script. Everyone's pain threshold and discomfort level varies and, my pain was minimal. If anything, I felt soreness and sensitivity... but, Extra-strength Tylenol along with ice packs seemed to work just fine for reducing the swelling and overall achyness. You'll see a lot of bruising too... but don't let that scare you... it looks worse than it feels; and it'll go away along with the swelling and achy feeling. As a precautionary measure, you'll have to avoid heavy lifting and getting into hot tubs. And, rolling over when you slept might present a challenge.
It's scary, I know. And, I would say that the toughest part of the whole process was the waiting period to find out about the pathology results. Mine returned with benign findings... as I'm hoping that yours will. Take care... and if you want more input/ advice or just need some emotional support, please feel free to PM me.

[japdip]

The anesthesia isn't truly a General Anesthesia ... it is usually a combination of IV sedation and local anesthesia. You are essentially asleep but for only a short time. Your time in recovery room depends on how much medication you were given and how long it took to complete the procedure (not more than 30 min.). You will feel a little tired afterwards and should take it easy for the rest of the day ... you won't be discharged until you are fully awake and can get yourself dressed and perhaps have a little snack ... juice / crackers. There is nothing to be terrified about though so calm down and it will be over before you know it.  Regards .....