Please describe various thyroid tests...

[Craniac3]

A friend/neighbor flipped me out in the grocery store this weekend. She had pap thyca 2 years ago. She was describing her recent biopsy: huge needle, only local anesthetic, multiple stabbings, needing to cough. She had to be held down by the nurses... Please tell me she had an unusual experience!! Surely they must be able to numb a person better than that before these kinds of tests...

[MJ13]

I had only minor discomfort when I had my FNA.  They used Lidocaine to deaden the neck area.  I was poked 4 times.  The first one, I had a minor burning sensation.  The others, I just felt the pressure.  I had no side effects whatsoever.  I was petrified at the thought of someone sticking a needle into my throat. However, the whole procedure was very easy for me.  I'd rather have a FNA that go to a dentist any day.  The worst part of the procedure was waiting for the results, cause I tend to be kind of impatient about things like this.  

[kipland]

I can't believe that she told you that!!  Everyone is different in regards to anxiety & pain tolerance, I suppose.  Are you scheduled to have a biopsy done?  If so, I would call wherever you are having it done to ask their procedure in doing it, and voice your concerns.  

I'll share my experience.  It was an ultrasound guided FNA.  They gave me a shot of local anesthetic to numb the area.  I never felt the needle for the biopsy go in - only pressure as they were getting what they needed for the biopsy.  Yes, I had to stay still.  And you know how that goes.  When they tell you not to cough - what do you feel like doing?  ;-)  I never had to be held down by anyone, though.  I was in and out of there in like 15 minutes, and only had to be "stabbed" twice.  The part that took the longest was the folks that were in there making sure they had enough of a sample so they could set me free.  It was a bit sore for a few days afterward, and I did have some bruising.  But nothing really bad.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Lori