Other medical conditions and biopsy recovery

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arghh
arghh Member Posts: 9
edited February 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I've had equivocal scans for the past 10 years, and now I have two medical opinions that I need a biopsy. It's rather weird, because I had fibrocystic breasts around my 20s, was told that I had dense tissue for many years, and now am told I don't have dense breast tissue, but there is an area of concern.

I have an illness that is like MS and also have fibromyalgia, and have not been feeling great including arm pain. I do work full-time at the moment with accommodations.

I'm sure general questions about biopsies and recovery time have been asked, but I am wondering if anyone with other medical conditions, especially a neuromuscular disease, has had to take extra time off after a biopsy.

My current plan is to take off a week after the surgery, but my recovery time from any sort of injury is usually more than that. I also teach, so I have to write on the board so any arm issues are magnified.

Thank you in advance for any thoughts anyone might have.

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  • arghh
    arghh Member Posts: 9
    edited February 2018

    Just an update - I will be off work for four days, luckily the weekend is part of it. I feel like a wimp, like everyone else gets a biopsy and returns to work the same day...

    Luckily, they will do a repeat ultrasound first, then I will have the biopsy right away if it is not a cyst. I bought a few front closure bras, but they are so springy, I might have to use less springy back clasp bras - I'm not 100% sure of the location, they said inner but top or bottom isn't clear. Never felt a lump.

    Having a steak tonight as preparation for the biopsy tomorrow...

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  • couragement
    couragement Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2018

    Hi Arghh,

    So sorry you are having to go through this. I too have autoimmune disorders (connective tissue related) and fibro is another issue I have as well. I have had multiple biopsies (6) and I have not had to have too much time away from work/home activity. I work from home and my husband and I have our own business so taking time off is a different story from yours, but I found that if I took something, like a valium pre-biopsy then taking some time off was helpful. I could have worked the day after all my biopsies as interestingly they did not flare me. I had one that was very difficult and I had excessive bleeding and even then I was able to return to desk work. The pain was not overwhelming with any of them, but certain situations surrounding them were exhausting. Overall, if I needed to take time off I would have and think it is wise to prepare to have the time off, as you have done. You know your body best, and treat yourself gently. I think having the front closure bras is smart and they will probably give you ice packs that you can place in them. I needed help at home with taking off my shirt and bra when I was ready. But a good night's sleep was the best medicine. Sore/pain for a while, but no big gun pain killers needed.

    Enjoy your steak dinner tonight! Let us know how you do tomorrow. Sending warmth and good spirits!

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  • arghh
    arghh Member Posts: 9
    edited February 2018

    Thank you for your response! I will have to change jobs due to my other health conditions. The goal is to work at home.

    I took your advice on the valium - I had almost forgot! It helped because I ended up waiting a long time after the pre-biopsy ultrasound. I think it helped with the pain after as well, but I am icing frequently. I brought two different bras, but they ended up giving me one. I am not sure if that is what they always do post-biopsy.

    I have to say the folks who helped me were very good; I got a towel for under my neck, the doctor adjusted the heat in the room for me. I had an ultrasound-guided biopsy, and I was glad I didn't have to have a stereo. I ended up having glue because I tend to bleed a lot, after I've had non-cancer related biopsies.

    The doctor took like five samples, if I remember correctly. Yet she did say it was probably benign. I have a long history of taking birth control pills so I am at a higher risk than some women.

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  • couragement
    couragement Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2018

    Well done, you! Delighted to hear you are through it and did well, and that they took kind care of you. Nice to hear them say it was likely benign. Let us know how it comes out.. I hope the pain is manageable and you have not flared. And I hope you find work at home and can stay comfortable and strong!

    Sending you all my very best!

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