Perioprostatic nerve block

It always stings a bit at first. You could ask the doc for a sedative or anxiety pill to help you through. Call the doc's office and ask - they want make the process easy for you.

Andrew

The nerve block. With that in, you won't feel the cores being taken.

possibly, I felt kind of a dull pop. But honestly, I was so focused on not moving that I didn't notice what they were doing.

Andrew

Everyone perceives pain differently. For me, it was so intense it caused a vagal nerve reflex and my BP dropped precipitously. For others it may be a breeze. You can't ask other people and assume that's how you will react. I perceived the nerve block (after local lidocaine) as a slight pinch , no worse than a flu shot. That was the last thing I felt down there, and she took 17 cores.

I had four biopsies and it's hard for me to tell whether they hurt or not. The thing is, guys in white coats poking around up my nether regions with spring-loaded gadgets that shoot needles out the end... makes me nervous. I'm funny that way. The biopsy gun makes a noise like a mousetrap when it fires. Can't say whether it hurt. The noise was enough.

What made all the difference for me was the two Valium my urologist prescribed for the procedures after he saw how I jumped for every core the first time. I took one Valium when I arrived in the office waiting room and the other when they called me back. By the time the procedure started I had achieved the needed degree of pharmaceutical detachment I needed.

My biopsy was another non-event. Prior to the procedure, my anxiety level was through the roof. Fortunately, my uro always uses the nerve block. He also uses some topical lidocaine gel before the nerve block injections, which helped. I did not use valium or any anti-anxiety meds. I actually had the biopsy in the morning, went out to lunch with the wife, then back to work for the afternoon. I just skipped my usual trip to the gym that afternoon.

No pains after, either. No blood in urine or stool. Semen, on the other hand, looked like an out-take from a slasher movie. That lasted for a couple of weeks, then drifted away.

Hang in there.

BTW, I wasn't shocked when I got "the call." Having watched my PSA rising gradually over some years gave me the sense of where this was headed. My only dilemma was my treatment choice. When you get your biopsy results, come on back and post them here. The guys here can help a lot with the treatment decision process.

I had 4 BX and didn't like any of them. each time I didn't ask for something (stupid pride) and now I wished I did.. the last one was a fusion BX that targeted the Anterior TZ and I thought I was going to jump up and run (didn't) each stab.. sorry man but all the guys that got no meds and still say its a breeze, my hat is off to you.. UR tuff.. Ed

Geekything said...
I don't think I have the option of getting knocked-out. I'm in Ontario, Canada and I kind of have to play by the system. It would be preferable for me to be fully sedated, but I just don't think they'll do that in a busy hospital.

It does help me to know that some of you were also anxious. Reassures me I'm not being a complete wuss ;)

Thanks, guys!

I'm saying I would have taken the nerve block HANDS DOWN knowing what I know now.. and anxiety meds. Ed