Biopsy

Hi Jonney,

There was an almost identical question about this very subject the other day.  If you search the following you will be able to see the replies.  Will apologise now about adding the link like this, but I couldn't find the instructions but the following should work.

If you have any other questions just ask away & someone will always be able to help or point you in the right direction.

Best Wishes

Brian

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/prostate-cancer-forum/f/new-here-say-hello/285847/peritoneal-biopsy

Hello Jonney . The link Brian Buzzers is referring to is here. Peritoneal Biopsy 

My husband has had 3 biopsies (his were the trans rectal type). The way he describes it is that the anaesthetic was uncomfortable but bearable. The thing he found disconcerting was the click of the gun as it took a sample but it just felt like some pressure in the lower abdomen. There was only 1 sample which he found made him wince and that was an awkward one which the anaesthetic couldn't reach. The actual procedures were quite quick with a loss of dignity, but it has to be done in order to get the staging. Afterwards he had to drink plenty and prove that he could urinate. He experienced little blood in the urine and semen afterwards but it can be quite disconcerting if your partner isn't warned of this. The best bit of advice is to try and relax as this relaxes the muscles.

I had one in May.

For me, the classification would be uncomfortable but not painful. The most painful part was the injections of the local anaesthetic.

The best way I can describe it to you is similar to dental work. The anaesthetic takes the pain away, but then there is a lot of pushing and pulling.

The gun that takes the samples sounds a bit like a nail gun shooting panel pins.

It is a bit disconcerting.

However, if they told me that I needed to have another to check on progress I would be a bit grumpy but agree without hesitation.

Steve

I can confirm most of the comments above relating to a transperineal biopsy having had mine in June 2023 ( see my profile for my journey up to now).
Yes there is loss of dignity but hey this is a life extending process so that matters little. I did in fact have a few jokes with the nurse holding my hand and reassuring me during the procedure.
As for pain, the application the local anaesthetic is probably the worst part followed by the disconcerting click of the sample recovery needle. A good friend described this device as a minute potato gun working in reverse. Blood in semen is disconcerting for a week or two although I did not experience any on my urine.
There was an additional minor painful experience in my case as the medic sealed the area with a glue on completion of the procedure. As this becomes removable a few days later the natural hairs of the area are entangled so I can leave you to imagine the discomfort when removing this!! 

Hi

I'm not going to sugar coat my thoughts, it was the worst experience of my life.

I only had 4 samples taken ( consultant only want 3 but the operator decided to take one for luck - not funny!) The first one was OK but last ones were painful. I don't recall whether I was given any anesthetics but if I was then they most definitely didn't work very well. 

As my experience seems at odds with the others, I must be a bit of a wimp - but hey !

Hope your experience is better than mine.

Regards

Stuart

Hello Jonney 

I am with Stuart (Scampidoodle) here BUT I had the old TRUS biopsy and I do believe it hurts more than the new transperineal biopsy.

For me 3 years into my journey the biopsy has been the only painful part and I am a wimp where pain is concerned. It did teach me not to worry and the staff were great having seen everything before. Dignity - well it's only pride!!

You will be fine.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Brian

Mine was the TRUS one too so maybe our experience is a bit dated - assuming no Hospitals are using the TRUS method.

Regards

Stuart

Royal Shrewsbury Hospital certainly weren't using TRUS in 2023 and I can only assume that they don't now. 

Thank-you for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.

Thank-you for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.

I used to be a sub three hour marathon runner. I'm still running but not great distances anymore. I'm on Enzalutamide tabs and a  ZOLDEX jab every month. Fatigue, i have good days and bad days

Jonney