Biopsy experiences

Hi Misiekbear,

It sounds much worse than it is, they insert a device up your back passage, it has needles etc within it and they take samples of your prostate by going through the wall of your bowel.

When I had it done it was a chrome plated bit of kit with a red light on the end (imagine if the Terminator had a penis?)

There isn't too much pain, you get to hear clicks, which sound much like a stapeller, each time they take a sample.

It has an inbuilt scanner which allows the doctor to see your prostate in great detail, when I had it done I chatted with him, and he was able to tell me there and then, that I actually had cancer.  Of course you have to wait for the lab results for definitive confirmation with Gleason grades etc.

Afterwards you will find yourself bleeding from the anus and penis, in my case this went on for some weeks, fresh blood at first, in your urine, stools and semen, I am guessing that some blood must puddle within you, for I noticed it got progressively darker in the weeks following the biopsy, we used to joke about me having 'spunk of the devil'.

So there it is, a bit discomforting, like getting shafted by the Terminator, and you will bleed for a few days afterwards, but by Christmas you will be back to normal.

Best of luck.

Dave  

I just wanted to say that the thought about what's going to happen was far worse than the actual experience. I know you can't help being worried about eventual outcome too but I found you just have to be reassured that at least you know the situation you have to deal with. Very often it's not as bad as you imagine so you might as well know. Then you can deal with it.

I found we were joking all the way through the biopsy and that really helped. I hardly noticed the samples being taken.

When I left the hospital I did find I walked a bit like John Wayne for a day or two but not a problem. The most dramatic moment came the following day when I emptied my bowels. I shouted from the bathroom to my wife that I thought my period had arrived! We had a good laugh about that. It only happened once and soon things were back to normal.

I hope things go well for you and try not to worry, we're all here for you.

Steve

Edited by member 29 Nov 2014 at 11:53  | Reason: Not specified

Yes, me too. The anaesthetic seemed to have no effect and the surgeon had to stop after the eleventh sample because I was about to have a heart attack following which I spent a day in hospital. We are all different and respond in different ways. The vast majority report a not too bad experience on the whole so don't worry too much.

John had his biopsy on the way to work and never thought about it. No blood in urine or anywhere else and I think he would have forgotten he had even had it done if the result had been negative!

ditto - I hardly had any discomfort at all and very little blood in the urine afterwards. Fingers crossed it's the same for you - good luck!

My PSA levels have now shot up to 6.77 (I'm 52). MRI scan was clear six months and doctor has recommended a biopsy. Really not looking forward to it but will share my experience here.

I never felt anything. you will be peeing blood for about 2 weeks afterwards, but it's only a mild inconvenience.

paul

The thought and anxiety was far worse than the actual operation. It had been described to me that it would feel like someone had pinged me up inside with an elastic band. That is about right. Sharp stinging sensation for each sample take. Some blood in urine afterwards. Able to drive home afterwards, no need for cushions or rubber rings.

Anaesthetic worked well for me and the antibiotics.

It will be over before you know it, and hopefully problem free for you as well.

atb

dave

Found the Biopsy very uncomfortable .12 sharp clicks.With plenty of bleeding later .Proberly not used to my back passage being molested ???
All 12 proved positive with cancer PSA level of 14.Glesson 7 ..not good ?
Had 2 scans .this showed it had spread to my bones ..not good ?
They ruled out An operation and rad and cemo....o no ?
Put me on the 3mth injections...Bloody marvellous..?
PSA level down to below 3 .Great ?
Apart from losing my Manhood I feel fine ?

The result does seem to put you in the incurable camp as I am. So I had no opportunity for surgery or radiotherapy either. You will be offered chemo drugs later. For now you are on a similar regime to me. It must be very worrying and there are no guarantees re time. But I hope it helps to say I am still here over three years later still on hormone therapy and not yet reached the chemo drugs. So hopefully you will get the same period. There should be loads of time to continue your life. It's not an easy journey but there are a number of us here who can support you in this journey. Keep in touch and good luck.