Thyroid Biopsy UPDATE post 23

[hellokitty86]

Does anybody have any experience with getting an Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy? I have to have one on Tuesday (a nodule on my thyroid grew) and I'm a little apprehensive about it.

Then after that's over, the worry isn't going to be gone because I have to wait for the results!

 

[wowsmom]

Assuming you mean a Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy, I've had 2. The first was done without any anesthesia and was a bit uncomfortable. The second was done with a bit of lidocaine and it was a breeze - so hopefully your doctor will do that. Also, with both, my neck was just a bit sore for the rest of the day.

I've also had multiple ultrasounds done on my thyroid - those are really easy.

I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, so I'm all about the nodules and understand where you're coming from!

Best of luck on Tuesday.

 

[hellokitty86]

Assuming you mean a Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy, I've had 2. The first was done without any anesthesia and was a bit uncomfortable. The second was done with a bit of lidocaine and it was a breeze - so hopefully your doctor will do that. Also, with both, my neck was just a bit sore for the rest of the day.

I've also had multiple ultrasounds done on my thyroid - those are really easy.

I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, so I'm all about the nodules and understand where you're coming from!

Best of luck on Tuesday.

Yes- I'm getting a Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy. The Dr. said that they use an ultrasound to show exactly where the nodule is and then they do the biopsy. I already have had 2ultrasounds so I know what to expect with that. My Dr. said they will be numbing it beforehand so its good to know that makes it easier!

My Dr. suspects I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis because of family history and I'm getting blood work to confirm that.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Micca]

I can sure understand your apprehension. I always think of what a friend told me a few years ago: "Those tests always sound worse than what they turn out to be". Sure hope that's the case for you.

 

[hellokitty86]

I can sure understand your apprehension. I always think of what a friend told me a few years ago: "Those tests always sound worse than what they turn out to be". Sure hope that's the case for you.

Thank you!!

 

[wowsmom]

Yes- I'm getting a Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy. The Dr. said that they use an ultrasound to show exactly where the nodule is and then they do the biopsy. I already have had 2ultrasounds so I know what to expect with that. My Dr. said they will be numbing it beforehand so its good to know that makes it easier!

My Dr. suspects I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis because of family history and I'm getting blood work to confirm that.

Thanks for your input!

When I had my numbing, it was just the tiny pinch of the needle, then the feeling of the lidocaine spreading...after that, it was very easy and I do believe the discomfort later was less than I'd had when having the FNA with no numbing.

My mom had Hashimoto's as well, so I guess family history definitely plays a part. Are you on any medication? It took me about 5 years to get diagnosed (mostly because my TSH was always "normal") and then took me about 4 years and 3 doctors to finally be put on meds. I've been on Levoxyl now for about 10 months and am actually feeling human again.

 

[*Meagan*]

I almost had a panic attack in the waiting room for my thyroid biopsy. Its slightly uncomfortable and I actually think my slight panic mode made it slightly worst. I tried to calm myself but I just could not. My emotions was just high I think. In the end it worked out.

I have multiple nodules and a goiter on my thyroid. And have also had multiple ultrasounds of the thyroid, which I personally think are so uncomfortable, no pillow, your head cocked all the way back, and ya can't swallow!

Good Luck you will be great! no worries!

 

[Swimnoid]

I've had one too. And it wasn't bad at all. The thought of it was much worse than the actual procedure. This doctor did it at my first appointment though so I didn't have to schedule it and then worry about it for days. She was also very comforting and informative about having to wait for results so that wasn't bad either.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I have had 2 done. I had some pain during the procedure and my neck was sore afterwards. My neck is the most sensitive spot on my body though, I don't like anything touching it at all.

 

[hellokitty86]

When I had my numbing, it was just the tiny pinch of the needle, then the feeling of the lidocaine spreading...after that, it was very easy and I do believe the discomfort later was less than I'd had when having the FNA with no numbing.

My mom had Hashimoto's as well, so I guess family history definitely plays a part. Are you on any medication? It took me about 5 years to get diagnosed (mostly because my TSH was always "normal") and then took me about 4 years and 3 doctors to finally be put on meds. I've been on Levoxyl now for about 10 months and am actually feeling human again.

Yes, I am on medication. I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism and then my primary care Dr. thought my neck looked swollen, indicating a goiter which is why I got the first ultrasound. Right now my synthroid dosage is a little high (sending me into hyperthyroidism) so I will be lowering my dosage. Hope your medication makes you feel 100% soon!

I almost had a panic attack in the waiting room for my thyroid biopsy. Its slightly uncomfortable and I actually think my slight panic mode made it slightly worst. I tried to calm myself but I just could not. My emotions was just high I think. In the end it worked out.

I have multiple nodules and a goiter on my thyroid. And have also had multiple ultrasounds of the thyroid, which I personally think are so uncomfortable, no pillow, your head cocked all the way back, and ya can't swallow!

Good Luck you will be great! no worries!

I'm a little worried about having a panic attack (I have some anxiety issues) so I will be taking a pill right before the procedure. I think that will be the best thing for everyone involved. I was feeling a panic attack coming just from my appointment today so I think I will definitely need it! Thanks for your kind words!!

I've had one too. And it wasn't bad at all. The thought of it was much worse than the actual procedure. This doctor did it at my first appointment though so I didn't have to schedule it and then worry about it for days. She was also very comforting and informative about having to wait for results so that wasn't bad either.

I was trying to get mine done today too (didn't want to have to worry the whole weekend) but unfortunately there weren't any other appointments available. My Dr. doesn't perform the biopsy so I have to have it done at the hospital as an outpatient procedure. It's so important to have a compassionate Dr! Today was my first appointment with this particular one, but she did a very good job relieving some of my fears.

 

[WDWBarb]

I've been on Levoxyl now for about 10 months and am actually feeling human again.

wowsmom - my DD was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's (she also suffered for 5 years before diagnosis because her levels were normal). She's been on Levothyroxine for 8 weeks and isn't feeling better yet. Does it really take 10 months or so to show improvement?

 

[wowsmom]

wowsmom - my DD was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's (she also suffered for 5 years before diagnosis because her levels were normal). She's been on Levothyroxine for 8 weeks and isn't feeling better yet. Does it really take 10 months or so to show improvement?

I went on Levoxyl (.5 mcg) back in mid-September and felt really good by November (so about 6-7 weeks?). Felt great for the whole month of November, but by mid-December, I felt really bad again. Saw the doc mid Dec, she said she'd test my blood again in end of Jan, then in mid-February the results came back and said I was fine, but I pointed out that I wasn't fine, I felt horrible and was falling asleep while sitting in carline every day. So she put me up to .75 mcg and in about 6-8 weeks, I started feeling better again.

I think it can take 6-8 weeks and sometimes you still need to adjust the dosage. If she's not feeling an improvement in the next week or so, I'd recommend she contact her doctor.

 

[hellokitty86]

My biopsy is tomorrow at 10:40am. I'm so nervous.

 

[WDWBarb]

My biopsy is tomorrow at 10:40am. I'm so nervous.

Hang in there .. as others have said, I've heard that this isn't nearly as bad as it sounds like it would be. Get a good night's sleep and look forward to having this behind you!

 

[hellokitty86]

Hang in there .. as others have said, I've heard that this isn't nearly as bad as it sounds like it would be. Get a good night's sleep and look forward to having this behind you!

Thank you. I'm just glad that tomorrow by this time it will be over! Then the waiting for results begins!

 

[DisneyWhirled]

I had a FNB in March on a large(r) nodule on my thyroid. It wasn't that bad. A quick prick and sliding of the needle back and forth and we were done.

The swabbing part of the needle was the worst part for me, kinda bugged me like nails on a chalkboard. Not loud or anything, just that kind of ugh factor. I knew I had to deal, because I wanted a good sample.

Thank God it came back benign, but they want to check it again in Sept, so I will be doing it again soon.

Hang in there and try not to worry, the more calm you are the better! I will pray for you!

 

[JessicaR]

My biopsy is tomorrow at 10:40am. I'm so nervous.

Aww don't be so nervous. You will do fine! Wishing you the best. Please let us know how you make out.

 

[nmmom95]

Good luck tomorrow. I also had a thyroid biopsy and I agree with those who said it sounds worse than it is. It will be over before you know it.

 

[hellokitty86]

Hey guys! I am home from my biopsy.

Like all the others said, it really wasn't as bad as I expected. I think the numbing before hand really helped. The numbing was the most painful part. I felt some pain and pressure afterwards but it wasn't bad at all. I got stuck a total of 4 times. Luckily I didn't see the needles (my head was turned to the side), and I think that was a good thing. After everything was over the Dr. showed me a picture of my thyroid with the needle inside the nodule and that looked a little scary- I didn't know the needle was quite that long. The staff was just so sweet to me, and I think that really helped too.

The Dr. said that I got a very good sample so that is good news. He said that the results would be in by Thursday, but unfortunately I don't have an appointment with my Dr. until next Friday and thats when she wants to give me my results! The Dr. who performed the biopsy suggested I call this Friday and see if the office will give me my results.

I'm feeling a bit of pain and tenderness now, but I am fine otherwise. Thank you so much everyone for sharing your experience and for the reassuring words! I really appreciate it!

 

[wowsmom]

Glad to hear it went well for you. I really think not knowing is the worst part. Good luck with your results and getting your doc's office to tell you over the phone on Friday!