Questions about Biopsy and Betablockers

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-11-2003
Questions about Biopsy and Betablockers
7
Fri, 12-15-2006 - 1:04pm

Hi,

I am scheduled for an ultrasound guided biopsy-FNA next month. Can anyone tell me what to expect? How long is the procedure? Is it painful? Are there any side effects afterwards that may be of some concern? Anything that you can tell me from personal experience....might put my mind at ease!

Also, I just started on Atenolol. Has anyone experienced upset stomach or tiredness? I was tired all the time anyway but since starting the medication, I sort of feel like a had a few glasses of wine tired....make sense? Thank you!

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Sat, 12-16-2006 - 9:50pm

Hi Kristinehm,


I haven't had that kind of biopsy but I've recently read posts here from others that have just been through this.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-11-2003
Mon, 12-18-2006 - 10:26am

Hi,

Thanks for your response! I am on 25 mg of Atenolol. I definitely feel better with my chest pain and palps but the medication makes me sleepy and is rough on my stomach. Do you think the side effects will subside after awhile? I've only been on it for a week. Thanks!

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Mon, 12-18-2006 - 8:01pm

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-04-2007
Thu, 01-04-2007 - 4:40pm

I had my ultrasound guided bioposy on December 22. It is not a painful procedure. First, they will do an ultrasound of your Thyroid to see the nodule and mark the needle points on your neck. Then they will inject Lidocaine (or another numbing medicine) to numb the area. Guided by the Dr., the ultrasound tech will scan your neck again to determine the exact point where they will insert the needle. They may do this up to 6 times, depending on the size of the nodule. If you feel the needle prick, just ask for more numbing medicine.

You will have some bruising above your collarbone where the biopsy was taken, and usually lasts about 5 days. Taking Tylenol will help with any minor pain you may feel. I also found it helpful to put ice on my neck to help with the swelling. This was my second biopsy and with both I did notice that the next day, it felt like I had a stiff neck and had a diffcult time turning my head. This only lasted one day.

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Thu, 01-04-2007 - 7:59pm

Hi Cmiele,


Thank you for sharing your experience and giving us that detailed information.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-02-2003
Sat, 01-06-2007 - 6:30am

Kristien,

I have been on Atenolol for several months now. What MG are you taking? I'm on 100MG. I agree it does make you feel sleepy. But it does get better. I have never had a problem with upset tummy though.

Have you had your biopsy yet? I had one in early December. Then had my thyroid removed on 15 December. The diagnosis was stage IV Metastatic Papillary cancer with Anaplastic features. I am scheduled for RAI on the 19th followed up with 30 treatments of external beam radiation. I was and have been pretty scared but this site has helped a lot.

Let me know how you are doing.

Heather

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-10-2007
Wed, 01-10-2007 - 5:59pm

Hi,

My Name is Kelly, I have had 3 FNA they are not bad, just little pricks very quick. The most important thing is not to swallow when they have the needle in I'm sure they will tell you that, so don't worry its a piece of cake! Your neck could be a little sore afterwards mine did not bother me . I have 2 nodules and am schedule for surgery next week to have my right thyroid removed. If I can answer any question please feel free to contact me. GOOD LUCK YOU WILL BE FINE! waiting for the results is the worst about few days. Take Care.