Kidney biopsy

[Willow7733]

I was wondering if anyone has gone through a kidney biopsy? Just wondering what to expect. Do you have to take time off work? I only have a few sick days left after all the blood clots I had in December.

[Andfiona]

Hi Willow I hope you are feeling ok. I had to take off one day to rest after the biopsy but after that could do normal things without exertion for a week or so. My experience of kidney biopsy last year was in in morning about 8am got done at 1130. Then stayed still in hospital on my back for 2 hours then they continued to observe me for another 2 hours check urine and go home if you are ok. When I was under observation they took blood pressure every 15 mins. I left about 4pm. I think you have stay in bed for day 2 and after that I could do normal things but nothing strenuous for 7 to 10 days. The kidney biopsy itself was quick. I lay on from and there is a clicking sound - they took two and then all done. Even after local anaesthetic wore off it wasn’t too sore for too long. I was frightened beforehand but my experience was straightforward and I was with other people in a ward who were having the same thing. It was all done on the ward. They should give you a leaflet to explain what will happen to you but if you are worried maybe call the renal unit and ask to speak to someone in advance. Hope all goes well. Take care

[Andfiona in reply to Andfiona]

I should have added my biopsy was straight forward without any complications but speaking to the renal unit can give you specific advice for you. Take care

[Spanielmadlady]

I had a kidney biopsy in 2018.slightly different to Andifona....I had to lie still for 6 hrs .I found it uncomfortable for about 4 days afterwards I was told no exertion or driving for several days.biopsy itself was over before I knew it without feeling anything. The result of mine was class v lupus nephritis. you will be fine 🙂

[Willow7733 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

Oh wow! That is scary. Hope you are doing well.

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Willow7733]

Im on mmf now and my kidneys have been stable for about 18 month so kidney specialist is happy 😊

[Neriah]

Hi Willow, It might be worth asking beforehand what is their policy about lying flat after the biopsy. I note that Andfiona and Spanielmadlady had different experiences.

I have had two biopsies. For the first, I had to lie on my back for six hours and was supposed to pee lying down, which I was quite incapable of doing, with the result that I was catheterised. For the second, I was in a similar state after three hours and getting quite frantic, but a very sensible staff nurse got me in a wheel chair and took me to an ordinary loo and waited outside the door for me. I can remember the relief to this day! They checked for bleeding. I then returned to bed (I think to lying down) and then they monitored urine after that before I went home

Of course every case is different and the catheterization did me no harm and in neither case did I have any lasting bad effects from the biopsy. I was achy and shaky for a couple of days and did need to go gently for a week or so. Otherwise I was OK

[Willow7733 in reply to Neriah]

Ok, these are all good information! I am feeling a little less anxiety over it. Thank you.

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Neriah]

Oh I was useless at using those bedpans ..... i missed and they had to change the bed everytime 🙄 x

[Willow7733 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

I had to use the bedpan when I was admitted to ICU in December for several pulmonary embolisms. It was so difficult to do! And it didn’t go well for me either.