Challenging to write about.
Okay, this blog is about a biopsy under full general anaesthesia. Today was a bit more challenging to write about. Still, I let go and see how I get this message across, going back a few weeks ago, post-biopsy was required via localised anaesthesia, aka you’re still awake during the procedure, as any woman will tell you.
Your dignity is somewhat lost forever when it comes to dancing downstairs. This ain’t no disco man (in the works of Micky Flanagan), something you have to do is put your big boy pants on, or in this case, take them off again.
Oh, please don’t go there with the hospital disposable pants, as unattractive as you could ever imagine. But hey, when you come back up at the end of the recovery ward, you’re no longer wearing them, thank goodness!
Legs a cimbo strapped, now this was way too painful at the time, and I opted for full general anaesthesia, you could say what a wimp, but I can tell you now the pain was beyond anything I could handle, and lets face when your already in shock within days of know your digsnosis, this isn’t a fun time for anyone going through this stage.
So, here we are. If this happens to you, from my personal experience, I would recommend opting for full general anaesthesia. Yes, it takes up a full day, but you’re in/out on the same day, and you get free coffee, tea, and biscuits, and maybe a sandwich. Don’t go for the just cheese as extra butter may be required.
They have to take a lot of multiple samples (I believe it was around 36) from the prostate during this procedure, which is not fun for any patient.
Some great news, so far, but this can’t be taken for granted at all! On the plus side, my PSA level has dropped significantly, from 1600 to 500, in just one month. So I feel happier with those results. Something seems to be working, especially with yesterday’s chemotherapy and various medications, but we can’t take this for granted, as it’s too early to get cocky.
So, what side effects have I noticed so far? Hair loss hasn’t occurred yet, as it’s way too early for a 1st session. However, I do have a background headache and dry hands. With the full general anaesthesia, they had to place a breathing tube down the throat, so it’s a little scary, of course, you end up peeing loads of blood, which is normal for a few days or so, I can tell you know that’s a nice experience and painful. Still, you would get that regardless of whether it’s local or general anaesthesia, so bear that in mind.
Now you know that this was a challenge to add content without being too graphic, so be prepared for this, and possibly there will be many more as I travel through this journey of recovery.
