Has anyone had a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided core biopsy of the prostate.

[hallentine47]

Has anyone undergone a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided core biopsy of the prostate. I suffer Emphysema and COPD severe stage and I am 71 years old. I am told this is a very painful experience. Any advice would help please.

[sassy59]

I asked Pete because he’s had several such procedures. He said it was uncomfortable but not too bad. Hope it goes well for you. Xxxx

[hallentine47 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you sassy this has been really helpful. Did he have an anesthetic of any kind? I had Pneumonia and respiratory failure followed by 19 days ICU 2 years ago and since then my levels of anxiety easily go through the roof!!

[sassy59 in reply to hallentine47]

No he didn’t but a small injection for the biopsy to help prevent infection. Pete says the whole procedure was around 15 minutes. Xxxxx

[jockenglish]

Had this two years ago, not painful, just a bit uncomfortable, I drove myself home straight afterwards without any problems. If I had to have another one, which thankfully I won't, it wouldn't worry me at all.

[hallentine47 in reply to jockenglish]

This is what I want to hear!! Thank you. Since being so ill with my lungs I have grown very anxious ability all sorts of things. Did you have an anesthetic of any kind?

[jockenglish in reply to hallentine47]

Yes, a local one, ( in the rear !! ), it wasn't painful and meant that I was aware of the procedure being carried out, but it was not painful, I could just feel what was happening. Don't worry about it being painful 'cos it isn't. I broke a finger in my left hand two weeks ago when I accidentally hit it with a hammer............that was, and still is, painful !! Go have the TRUS and don't worry about it...........best of luck.

[hallentine47 in reply to jockenglish]

Thank you again jockenglish, this has really helped me and eased the worry about it all.

[blue1]

Hi

I had this biopsy several years ago and it is definitely not painful. It can be a little uncomfortable for some but I had very little discomfort.

I was glad to have this as it showed I had prostate cancer, I have since had brachytherapy (insertion of radioactive seeds directly into the prostate) and was discharged from hospital care after 5 years fully cured. That was 4 years ago and I have had no problems since. Have it done it is well worth the effort. Good luck

[hallentine47]

Thank you Blue for your encouragement, I can't tell you how much I need it!

[Hidden]

Please don't worry as Sassy says it it a little uncomfortable as you might expect.now I'm definitely not saying yours will but but I had prostate removed and because of respiratory problems I could not have anaesthetic so it was done after giving me an epidural it went well and I'm now fully recovered and glad I had the procedure so hopefully you will be grand so try not to worry,take care,Ger

[hallentine47 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 67ger. I am grateful for any encouragement as I am a wimp when it comes to any kind of pain! Thank you everyone who has responded to my cry for reassurance. Its been wonderful to get such positive feed back.

[frances21]

My partner had this - I was by his side when it was done. He had been warned it was extremely painful beforehand, but in fact said it wasn’t too bad. Sore rather than agony. The biopsy showed very advanced, widespread cancer - but this was 9 years ago and he’s going strong and fit as a fiddle at 74. The treatments are fantastic.

Good luck with yours!

Frances

[hallentine47 in reply to frances21]

Thank you Frances for such a positive response of encouragement. I certainly needed it!!

[frances21 in reply to hallentine47]

Diagnosis is such a scary time - our imaginations run away with us. In reality we are resilient creatures and can adapt to all sorts of unwelcome news. The most important thing my partner did, I think, was not to dwell on it, or take it too seriously - he got on with his life, didn't sit around waiting to die! And hasn't...

Good luck with yours

Frances

[hallentine47 in reply to frances21]

Once again thank you so much. I do meditation and mindfulness but I have struggled with this issue quite a bit. I had a bladder biopsy 2 days ago its called a Cystoscopy and I found that painful but it was over very quickly. As you will probably know from your situation, its hard enough dealing with the emphysema and COPD and then I had a small stroke last year and now this new challenge. Hey Ho! Good to hear your story, thank you again.

[Lazarus]

I can't offer any first-hand advice, but I am fairly sure I read an article in the Times last week about an alternative to TRUS, but I'm afraid as it didn't apply to me at the time I can't remember anything about it other than it was supposed to be less uncomfortable. You could ask your specialist about any alternatives if you are still concerned about it. By the sound of the other replies, however, you will probably be just fine. Good luck

[hallentine47 in reply to Lazarus]

Thank you Lazarus your supportive comments are very much appreciated.

[Hidden in reply to Lazarus]

There was an article in The Times recently about a new type of MRI scan, called a Multi-parametric MRI (MpMRI), which can be done before the TRUS biopsy to establish the likely risk of there being a malignant tumour. The MpMRI also shows exactly where in the prostate gland the suspected tumour is, so if a biopsy is required, it can more accurately take cells from inside the tumour.

27% of men having an MpMRI are told the risk of them having cancer is so low, it's not even worth doing the biopsy. I only know about this because my husband had an MpMRI at our local hospital recently and was one of the lucky 27%. He will simply be monitored from now on in case things change.

If your local hospital doesn't yet offer MpMRI scans, ask to be referred to the nearest one which does.

[Watfordgirl]

I haven’t had one of these hallentine, which will come as no surprise to you! I can sympathise with having to deal with another physical problem when all your energies are concentrated on the COPD and breathing. Tell them that you’re anxious when you go for the procedure but from what others have said you’ll deal with it well, I’m sure. I hope everything goes well for you, and good luck. Sue xxx

[hallentine47 in reply to Watfordgirl]

How great to hear from you Sue and thank you for those words of encouragement. Its just that my levels of anxiety since my stay in ICU have gone through the roof! I seem to get anxious about the silliest of things. Take care. Tony xx

[Watfordgirl in reply to hallentine47]

With all due respect, Tony, having any procedure is bound to make us anxious. It’s not the silliest of things - isn’t being anxious a normal human response? Did you ever try acupuncture? It can help a lot with anxiety. Silly for me to say, but don’t worry, and especially don’t worry about being anxious! 🤔 Say hello to Sandy and do keep in touch. Sue xxx

[hallentine47 in reply to Watfordgirl]

Thanks again for your help and yes we will keep in touch. We often think about you.

[Hidden]

Hi Tony. I don't know who told you the TRUS is very painful but it's not a very helpful thing to say is it? It can't be THAT painful or they'd give you some sedation - for a start, they need you to keep still for the biopsy to be done. How could you keep still if it was really painful? My husband (who you'll see from my reply above, doesn't actually have to have a biopsy) was told by the specialist nurse the worst bit is the sting of the local anaesthetic, which lasts 2-3 seconds, and after that it can feel a bit uncomfortable but not painful. His closest friend who had one told him it definitely couldn't be described as painful.

Having said all this, you're bound to be anxious about it, who wouldn't be, and poor breathing makes us all tense, which makes any procedure difficult. Can I suggest you explain this to your GP & ask for a one-off prescription for something like Valium to help relax you? You could take it an hour beforehand and it would relax your muscles, which I imagine would help quite a lot. It's nothing at all to do with being a wimp! You've been through quite enough already, don't hesitate to ask for whatever might help you through this.

[hallentine47 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Hanne and I will take your suggestion seriously and thanks for the comforting reassurance. After all the very positive responses on this site I am feeling a lot better about it all, Thank you everyone.

[Caspiana]

Hello hallentine47 .

I don't know anything about this procedure, but from my experience with lots of procedures, it is best not to ask too much for other people's opinions. It just makes one very nervous. And definitely there will be people who have had bad experiences, but that does not mean we will experience the same thing. I also stopped reading people's experiences online, as they are so varied. If you feel very nervous, please tell the doctor in charge and the nurses. They will help you feel at ease I am sure.

Go in with an open mind.

Best wishes to you.

Cas xx 🌿

[hallentine47]

Thanks Cas that sounds like good advice. However the feed back on this occasion has been very helpful, thank goodness.