Kidney biopsy and igA nephropathy (with UPDATE POST BIOPSY)

[agirlwithhope95]

Hi. I am due for a kidney biopsy next week and wasn't given much tips on what to prepare or not do post biopsy other than stay in bed for 6hrs. Doctor told me that I might have igAn based on my proteinuria and high hematuria. I am very concerned as I am only 24 years old and a female trying to start a family soon. I only noticed my hematuria last year and doing a biopsy almost one year after my creatinine level hit 1.77, it was 0.74 on my first ever visit to the A&E. my HB and red blood cells count are relatively low at hb=10.1 too. Would love to hear from people of experience or any words of advice/comfort would help ❤️

~post biopsy update~

Hi everyone. Here's an update as i lie on the hospital bed post-biopsy. The procedure was a 20mins long from start to end. You have to lie on your tummy with a pillow on your tummy so as to "push-up" the organs and easier for the doctor to reach your kidneys. My biopsy was an ultrasound guided biopsy and only on the left kidney. Firstly, the doctor will use the ultrasound to find the right spot on the kidney for the biopsy sample and mark it with a marker. Afterwards, the nurses will clean up the site and cover the other areas with sterile drapes/cloth, they might also cover part of your vision so technically you can just close your eyes throughout. I also closed my eyes bcos I was very very anxious throughout the whole procedure. The most painful part/the only part you would feel is when they inject the local anesthesia on your skin surrounding the area that they're puncturing for the biopsy. Honestly, it felt like liquid spreading under your skin and it really burns/stings for a good 3 seconds. My doctor was rly kind to pre-empty me everything and letting me know what's happening as I could not see since I was lying face down on my tummy. When he inserted the biopsy gun, there was no pain, I can merely feel him tugging at my back. There were specific breathing instructions given as he pulled the trigger on the biopsy gun so that your kidney does not move out of the ideal position. He took two samples for me. Afterwards, the nurses will apply pressure on the punctute site and compression bandage. I was on complete bed rest for the next 6hrs, also I was too sore to move much. Now, is the next day after biopsy and I have tried walking. I realised that I am unable to lift up my left leg as my biopsy side was on the left kidney. I will feel a pulling strain on my back when i try to lift my left leg so i really do things slower now especially when wearing of pants or going up the stairs. My right side is totally normal. So I do have to adjust the way I get out of bed and sitting up from lying position. The doctors did mention not to carry heavy weights or engage in strenuous activities such as exercising. I also do realise that I am unable to rush for a bus or be in a hurry as it will trigger the pain on my back, which I think that you should not force yourself too as you would not want to cause any bleeding or further trauma to your skin and kidneys. Other than that, if anyone reading this is preparing for their kidney biopsy, I would say that it is very doable, there would be slight pain during the LA but it is tolerable and the rest of the procedure is very smooth sailing as the LA will magically numb the area and you won't feel a thing. So don't be afraid and the procedure is for your own good so as to know exactly the diagnosis for your kidney condition. Emotional support is definitely extremely important. I am glad and grateful to have this community to engage with while going through this new journey, for me. May we all be positive and support one another. Life is too short to let our kidneys get in the way. ❤️❤️

[medway-lady]

a biopsy is not painful at all, its noisy though as its a sort of spud gun sound like a load bang. They keep you lying flat for 4 hours even forced to use a bedpan and no getting up even a drink is difficult so take a bottle with a straw. The 2 hours sitting up and you're usually ok to go. Don't worry it really is quick and you can watch on the screen. the numbing gell is cold but it really isn't painful at all.

[agirlwithhope95 in reply to medway-lady]

Oh i am so not looking forward to holding my pee while being in bed rest for 6hrs. Definitely will try to clear my bladder before the procedure. Hopefully all goes well. Thank you and take care!

[medway-lady in reply to agirlwithhope95]

Don't hold the pee its only time I've had to use a bedpan but it wasn't so bad and they make you drink so its nigh on impossible. You won't go home till you've pee'd ! lol Its flat in bed not sitting up and I'd suggest take your iPad and watch tv. I had no sedation and it was actually interesting and the young doctor who did it explained it and even stage. In fact he made me laugh so much I forget about it, its just a small plaster and the gun even looked like a big spud gun but it wasn't scary at a all. What was worse he managed to bang the trolley on the door and it was lucky I'd not held on to the rail or I'd have lost a finger. lol xxx

[agirlwithhope95 in reply to medway-lady]

Oh dear, seems like i have got no choice too than to pee in the bedpan. Anywho, sounds like you got yourself a nice and cheeky doctor. A bit of a klutz too. 😂 I am happy you had some joy during your biopsy. It makes me a little less afraid of what to expect. I'm glad you still have all ten fingers hahaha Take care! xx

[Kindsong]

I had a kidney biopsy in July 2020. It was so much less scary than I thought it would be. I was given fentanyl for sedation ( the biopsy doesn't take long) and had no pain or discomfort afterwards. The Dr and nurses were great at explaining exactly what was going to happen every step of the way. And they got invaluable confirmation of exactly what was going on with my kidneys. Good luck; please post how you did afterwards !

[agirlwithhope95 in reply to Kindsong]

Yay that's very comforting. Hopefully my body will heal the puncture hole as quickly too. I am also interested to know my exact prognosis and diagnosis from the biopsy as it is the gold standard. Thank you and i will definitely update the process and my progress here! Take care!