Did you take anything for nerves before core biopsy?

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Noangel310
Noangel310 Member Posts: 12
edited September 2015 in Waiting for Test Results
Did you take anything for nerves before core biopsy?
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  • Noangel310
    Noangel310 Member Posts: 12
    edited September 2015

    Going for a core biopsy tomorrow after a birad 5 result I'm a ball of damn nerves, did anyone take a Valium or Xanax before hand?

    I have a prescription for both (had the same 10 of each for years only use them to fly here or there but never recreational) just wondering if it's ok and I forgot to ask my appointment is at 7:45 in the morning.

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  • Wildflower2015
    Wildflower2015 Member Posts: 279
    edited September 2015

    I took a Xanax and was glad I did. It kept the anxiety levels - and the discomfort - down to a manageable level. Important - Be sure to get there in time to sign any consent forms that are needed before you pop that pill! Either that or don't tell them you took something for your nerves before signing! The first time I showed up for the biopsy, I was not informed that you needed to be "sober" when signing the forms, and they refused to do the biopsy when I said I had a Xanax before coming in. I know they were just following the rules, but it sucked having to reschedule after all the angst! The 2nd time I came in early so I could sign the forms and then took the pill. They allowed time for it to take effect, and then did the biopsy.

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  • Noangel310
    Noangel310 Member Posts: 12
    edited September 2015

    Thanks ladies and wildflower thanks for the heads up. I will take the dosage I was prescribed and not mention it, I had got the birad 5 Friday and if I have to wait any longer I might try to cut this this out myself! I'm literally crawling out of my skin

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  • MariaTeresaG
    MariaTeresaG Member Posts: 38
    edited September 2015

    Hello Noangel:

    I'm sorry that you are facing this test. I had a core needle biopsy in March. I didn't take a relaxation medication prior to the biopsy. I was given local anesthetic. I didn't find the biopsy to be painful. It was uncomfortable. The noise produced by the spring mechanism of the instrument used did cause me to flinch. The Radiologist took a few samples.

    Wishing you the best news.

    MariaTeresaG

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  • Marg64
    Marg64 Member Posts: 64
    edited September 2015

    I took a couple Ativan before my stereotactic biopsy in 2011. This was my first biopsy and the most complicated one. The areas were hard to get to and despite all the lidocaine, it did hurt. I was freaked out and can't say the Ativan helped but it didn't hurt either.


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  • Marg64
    Marg64 Member Posts: 64
    edited September 2015

    Wildflower,

    That is ridiculous that you couldn't sign consent because you took one Xanax. That'd be one stressful thing to have to reschedule because they think you can't consent.

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  • Wildflower2015
    Wildflower2015 Member Posts: 279
    edited September 2015

    I pitched a fit about them refusing to do the biopsy, but the doctor in charge wouldn't budge. Yes, it was extremely stressful! Even getting up the courage to go in the first place, dreading what I knew would be an uncomfortable experience, and then being turned away over a technicality. grrr

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  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited September 2015

    I would be more concerned about driving with, and not telling the doctor about medications in your system when they do the biopsy than the biopsy itself. It was more uncomfortable to lay in the "bed" of the stereotactic table then the biopsy itself. It's what you don't know about the outcome than the procedure itself which makes it scary. Rest assured you will do fine and the doctors and nurses are there to make you comfortable. Please don't self medicate. Please let us know how you turned out.

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  • queenmomcat
    queenmomcat Member Posts: 3,039
    edited September 2015

    I didn't take anything for anxiety for my needle biopsy, but many people do! When does the hospital's reception open? Long enough beforehand that you can call them to ask?

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  • Wildflower2015
    Wildflower2015 Member Posts: 279
    edited September 2015

    Just to clarify - I received a reminder call from thw clinic the day before my biopsy. I specifically asked them about taking the xanax for my nerves and the person calling said it was ok to do so. What she DIDN'T say was that consent forms would be required when I arrived for the procedure, which caused the whole problem. I was also required to have someone accompany me and drive me home - which I was happy to do so. Believe me the last thing I wanted to do was drive home after having a needle stuck 4 inches deep in my boob :-/ and btw, sorry, but my biopsy freakin hurt!! As did the stereotactic needle wire thingy they did when I had the lumpectomy! We're not all the same...

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  • queenmomcat
    queenmomcat Member Posts: 3,039
    edited September 2015

    Wildflower: criminy! I REALLY REALLY WISH the medical system would check that the right hand's saying what the left hand's requiring. (I've run into a few instances of that over the past couple of years, but nothing so spectacular as that.

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  • scrunchthecat
    scrunchthecat Member Posts: 269
    edited September 2015

    I took Valium. They used a local anesthetic. I felt no pain nor discomfort. Xanax does nothing for me.

    My doctors did warn me before I got there not to take the Valium ahead of time because I would need to give informed consent. Sorry they messed that up for you.

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  • JellyShoes
    JellyShoes Member Posts: 68
    edited September 2015

    My Xanax prescription is specifically for medical anxiety. I take 1 at bedtime the night before any procedure or stressful appointment, and 1 an hour before the procedure or appointment. (It's 0.25 mg per pill.)

    So far, I've discussed this with each doctor involved, and I've followed that protocol for stereotactic biopsy, ultrasound guided biopsy, colonoscopy, wire localization followed by lumpectomy. It definitely helps me a lot.

    I've never run into any issues of consent or signing forms. I do get some one to drive me to anything like that. And I seem pretty lucid, just sort of calm at those appointment. (That would be such a bummer to arrive and find out they're rescheduling you because you took Xanax!)

    Good luck tomorrow. Wishing you a kind and compassionate medical team, the best possible results, and a quick recovery!

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