Kidney Biospy

[kaesara]

Hello,
I have been referred to Nephrology for a Kidney Biopsy. I am a Nurse however have not worked in Nephrology. I have read the articles online about it and they all seem to suggest that it is done with local anesthetic and or local plus sedation.
My Rheumie said that they will have me numb and that the worst of it will be the numbing shots that are given.
Any sharing of experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Kae Sara

[Linda_L]

Hi Kara

I had a kidney biospy. I was very anxious about it but that was about the worst thing about it. They used a local anaesthetic, I felt something like a kick in the back when they took the sample but it didn't hurt. I then had to lay flat on my back for 6 hours (which was a bit uncomfortable, and especially annoying when I had to pee as I had to get a nurse and use a bedpan) but other wise I'd say getting your bikini line waxed is more painful than a kidney biopsy! Good luck

[cath]

Hi,

When I was a nurse I worked in renal transplant, so I've seen a few biopsys done. Yes, they will probably use a local anaeshetic (lidocaine/xylocaine/lignocaine), and that will sting a lot but once it is over that should be it. You will of course feel pushing, but the rest shouldn't be painful.

They usually use an instrument to take the sample that 'fires' and when it does so it makes a loud noise. They wil probably take more than one sample.

I agree with everything Linda has said style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/goodvibes.gif

All the best, I hope it goes smoothly for you style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clover.gif

X C X

[oesa]

Hi Kaesara - when I had mine I had both local anaesthetic and some light sedation (Ativan for my nerves!)

It didn't hurt, but I found the sensation when they actually push the needle in to be quite odd, and I was sore for a few days afterwards. All in all, it wasn't the most fun half hour I've ever spent in bed, but it wasn't the worst either!

My advice is if they offer you something like Ativan, accept it - I was really nervous for some reason (I'm usually ok with needles) and the Ativan really helped with that.

Lisa

[julie666]

hi kaesara
i have had 2 biopsies done and what you have been told is true.
the local i was given hurt more than the actual biopsy. all you will feel is a little bit of pressure on your back. all hospitals differ on how long you have to stay on your back afterwards, at my hospital it was 12 hours at others it could be less.
i found talking to the dr before i had it done useful as he explained everything to me and he made me feel more relaxed.

[Wings]

Hi,

I had a kidney biopsy when I was 13 and I was put to sleep for it, I didn't realize till a little while ago that it could be done with local. I think that they must have put me to sleep because of my age nut I'm gunna ask my doc on Monday anyway. After the biopsy I had to stay on my stomach for 12 hours (having to use a bedpan was uncomfotable). I'm guessing since I was 13 when I had it done I remember the experience being "unpleasant" but the method using the local seems somewhat better (if I understand the procedure correctly) since you don't have to be put to sleep and wake up later all groggy. Going into the biopsy wasn't bad I was informed and at that age felt invinsible style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif even though I wasn't feeling well nut I agree with julie666 it does help to go into the procedure knowing what is involved.

[SoCalEric]

I had one last week! They set up an IV (I HATE IVs!). When it was time for the procedeure took me to a room and put in a little of somthing to sedate me a bit (I never really felt much different). A local in the area of the procedeure. Some pain, yes, but nothng I couldn't handle. Afterward back to a room and sit around being observed the rest of the day to make sure there was no bleeding. The area was pretty sore of a couple of days afterwards (it probably was not a good idea to go back to work the next day). Now I'm just waiting for the results to see how bad it is this time (I went through all this 12 years ago.....it's just as much fun as I remember!)


Eric

[roxie_P]

i had one in march and never again do i wanna have that done the man that did it was his first time at one so he was just as scared as i was the local ansentic was the worse bit..
and haveing to lie on your back for ages after well after all that my kidneys are 90%scared so am glad i had it done so good luck hope they dont hurt you xxxx style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bigsmile.gif

[chlomalee]

Hi Kae,
It was nice to meet you in chat,
Don't worry there not to bad,
Have the sedation and you will be fine,
All the very best,
Marie

[Diane01]

Hello Kaesara

I was very nervous before having my kidney biopsy. I was given a local anesthetic and the first time the doctor had went into fatty tissue so had to re-do, luckily the second time was successful. I had to stay in hospital for the night as my blood doesnt clot that well. I had to stay laying flat on the bed until the doctors said they were happy for me to go home. Once returning home I had to rest for two weeks, so that the clot would form. Overall I didnt experience tremendous pain, just tenderness in the kidney area. For me the build up to having the biopsy was worse than the biopsy itself!

I hope it all goes well
Take Care

[granola]

Greetings, don't know if you have had you biopsy yet, but here is my story and well wishes for you! At the time of the biopsy I had just completed a pulse steriod treatment and was bouncing from hyper & obnoxious to exhausted. Before I could stop yelling at the doctor that he had NOT gone over all the details that I had to sign off on, he had numbed my back and just kept telling me to take a deep breathe , hold it and not to move. He said he would take 2-3 samples and took more so I pointed that out to him too. As I look back it was so not my usual temperment and I can't believe how rude I was. A nurse even offered me tissue and I snapped that I wasn't crying! My doc was very tolerant and just calmly did the procedure, he must be used to how drugs effect people. I'm glad I am not that moody anymore! Nothing of the procedure was painful, just hold your breath when they tell you and hold still. Afterward, I did con the doc to let me get up to use the bathroom stating that I would move less walking 5 feet than trying to use a bedpan all night long It worked, and I was happy! I had expected a big mark from the biopsy and stitches, I laughed hard when I took the bandaid off and could hardly see the mark!Good Luck, granola