Uterine biopsy and ultrasound before?

Hi...

I just received my surgery date. Oct. 29th. Hysterectomy due to endo (yes, I know this might not cure it) I don't know exactly what surgery I'm having...but I think it will be the divinci. Next week I have to go in for a uterine biopsy and ultrasound...the nurse said my insurance requires it. Anyone else have to do this? I also plan on asking exactly which surgery we are going tondo on this visit.

I've noticed a lot of ladies are required to have those tests pre op. I had them for symptom reasons. One bit of advice I'd like to pass on: I was advised to take ibuprofen an hour before the biopsy, since it can cause cramping. I did that, and was glad I did. You might want to ask about doing the same, for an easier biopsy experience. If they were to find cancer, it would change the surgery plan, but it sounds like they aren't suspecting cancer in your case. Some GYNs also require the tests, just to avoid surprises.

I had both. My doctor tells me that he won't do the hysto without the biopsy. He wants no surprises when he does the surgery. Many woman here have had it done before their surgeries as well.
Are you speaking of an external or vaginal ultrasound? I had a few vaginal ones beforehand.

Truthfully, the biopsy was a bit uncomfortable, I had cramping. Take a couple of ibuprofen before you as that will help. I didn't have the luxury of knowing I was going to have the biopsy, doctor decided to do one while I was there for an appt. I took some when I got home and felt better shortly thereafter.

Write down your questions. It's easy to be overwhelmed with the information your doctor will tell you and having your questions in writing, you'll be sure they all get answered.

They did tell me to take 600-800mg of Motrin an hour before...but thanks!! I think it's just a regular ultrasound ...I have to drink lots of water leading up to my appointment time.

Usually they do the external plus the transvaginal, just to give you a heads up in case that's the situation. The TV test was different but didn't bother me. But I know some ladies like to be prepared for that type exam, so you might ask, if you care to know in advance.

I had an internal and external ultra sound, found the fibroids. My gyn then wanted to do a d&c with hysterscopy to make sure no cancer was lurking in there. Finally, 3 months later we did a regular pap smear and a coloposcpy. He explained that the insurance companies like to have all bases covered before a hysterectomy. So everything has came back negative and I am on to the castle tomorrow. I think biopsies or d&c's are pretty standard.

Agree with taking Advil or something before biopsy. I usually do that, but before my most recent one, I was so scared and nervous about everything, they gave me 1 vicodin and 1 valium. (The doc I saw offers that standard but you can decline. I took it this time)

If you go online and read about the biopsy, you will think it is the worst thing ever. In my experience, it hasn't been awful. It is uncomfortable but temporary. I found that breathing deeply helped me tremendously. Then, it is done!

Good luck and I hope for good results!

Thanks girls! Should I have the hubby drive me? Is the cramping pain come on right away?

I had both prior to my ablation and I am definitely in the take some advil/tylenol before camp for the biopsy.

My gyn said mine was one of the toughest cases she'd had, since my cervix just would not open and was pointed in the wrong direction. (I pictured it pouting and refusing to cooperate - like a child who won't eat their vegetables) but she was finally able to get in using what she called an expander. She kept asking me if I wanted to stop and come back after she'd given me something to relax, but I didn't have anyone with me and I didn't want to come back another day so we just shouldered on.

I had quite a bit of bleeding after the fact, but I didn't need to use the Vicodin she gave me. She did say that was really unusual and most aren't like that.

The internal u/s was a breeze for me. No pain at all and it took about a half an hour. I had my period at the time so initially I was kind of mortified by the mess, but the tech was so matter of fact like it was totally no big deal and that made it a lot easier. Until I got up and saw the floor. Yikes. But pain wise it was nothing.

My doc requires both for the ablation - I will ask when I go in to schedule my hysterectomy if I need another biopsy before then...or if the one from this April will suffice.

I would recommend having someone drive you for the biopsy, so if they do have a hard time with yours you can accept the meds to relax and not have to reschedule.

Yes, I would have a ride. Just in case. I have done it both ways, but it is nice to have a hand to hold during. The doctor will attach a clamp to your cervix. Sometimes they had me cough when they did this....that helps with the pain. For me, that was the worst part- but not awful. Then they insert the tool to do the biopsy. When they 'pull' it out to collect, you'll feel a cramp. For me, it was like a very bad menstrual cramp or what I would imagine a light contraction to be. Tolerable, but I utilized deep breathing to focus on pain relief. All was totally tolerable. The most recent one I had, they collected multiple samples.

So. My story--- I have had these done multiple times. Most times, no issues afterward. None. This last time? A few hours afterward, I got major, major cramps that almost caused me to call home to get a ride home from work. I'm stubborn, so for me to do that is bad. I suspect this is not the norm, so you shouldn't expect that. I think she either perforated my uterus (a rare but possible risk) or the multiple samples were just too much for my already very angry uterus. I had always gone back to work after my biopsies with no problem, but if you can the rest of the day off, that is nice.

Hope that helps! And again....careful what you read online. I know many folks that have had them, and if is fine. It isn't pleasant- I wouldn't choose to do this (lol) but it is a common procedure and tolerable. And it is quick. Anyone can get through any 5 minutes of their life, right?