What Happens At A Biopsy?

[Wendyp]

Hi everyone,

My general practice doc agrees with you all about the biopsy. She said I will always wonder about whether I have celiac disease or not, and it is better to be safe than sorry.

I need to get in touch with my GI guy and try to get this done soon, since I am scheduled for major surgery in 3 weeks.

Does this test require a general, or will I be awake? Do you have to fast? How long were you at the hospital?

How many samples is he supposed to take? I guess I should probably check to make sure he plans to take enough.

Thanks,

Wendy

[Rachel--24]

Hi everyone,

My general practice doc agrees with you all about the biopsy.  She said I will always wonder about whether I have celiac disease or not, and it is better to be safe than sorry.

I need to get in touch with my GI guy and try to get this done soon, since I am scheduled for major surgery in 3 weeks.

Does this test require a general, or will I be awake?  Do you have to fast?  How long were you at the hospital?

How many samples is he supposed to take?  I guess I should probably check to make sure he plans to take enough.

Thanks,

Wendy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was not awake during the procedure. I was probably at the hospital a couple hours. I know I was "asleep" for about 45 minutes.

I could not eat anything after midnight and I only drank water the morning of my biopsy but I couldnt drink anything for a few hours before my appt.

They hooked all the stuff up to me for the vitals and started an IV while I was still awake then they sprayed my throat w/ some numbing stuff, put some kind of "device" in my mouth to keep it open and then they started w/ the drugs and thats all I remember.

I never saw the tube going down my throat or anything and I felt very relaxed when it was all over. Like I had just taken a *really* good nap.

[Carriefaith]

You have to fast for about 12 hours and you can request to be put to sleep if you want to. You can get the endoscopy done with no sedation at all, mild sedation, or full sedation. The doctor should take at least 4-5 biopsies since the damage can be patchy.

[jrom987]

Everyone said it just as it is. I have had several endoscopies over the years and only one bad experience. Years ago, a doctor did a biopsy and I was not drugged enough. He just gave me a little more and I do not remember the rest. Too bad he did not look for damage to the villi 10 years ago!

Knowing that you will not remember anything, I never minded having one done. I think I have had at least 10 in the past 15 years. Different doctors, looking for different things.

Just to add some humor here, I asked my husband what the doctor said many times after the procedure before he finally said he will tell me tomorrow. Ha ha. You do forget what happens because I have no recollection of asking him that question so many times.

Good luck!

Jo Ann