Monday, February 13, 2012

Muscle Biopsy Scheduled

Well, I've scheduled my muscle biopsy.  I was able to get an appointment for Tuesday, February 21 -- sooner than I expected.  That's next week!

I'm honestly very nervous about this procedure because they'll be cutting a chunk of muscle out of my left arm (bicep).  It's called an "open biopsy" because they actually open up the skin and muscle. 

I will be wide awake with only a local anesthetic to numb the pain of the initial incision; however, the muscle itself will not receive any pain medication.  They said numbing of the actual muscle can damage the sample.  I wonder if they'll at least give me something to relax.

The doctor said I will feel the cutting of the muscle.  I don't know about you, but that sounds horrible to me.  And painful.

3 comments:

upnorth said...

It does sound horrible...how yuck. I hope it's not too painful. I have my m.e./cfs specialist appointment that same day. I'll think of you. Let us know what they find?

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh. I just cringed at the idea of laying through that. I will most definitely be praying for you. Hang in there.

alyson said...

Hi upnorth -- Thanks for the well wishes! I hope your appointment went well.

Hi Dominique -- Thanks for the prayers!

Hi Natha/Susan -- I'm sorry I deleted your post, but it seemed like spam! You're welcome to leave comments in the future if they don't include ads. Thanks! :)