FNA questions

[Wavinghello]

Hello all,

After seeing the endocrine surgeon on Tuesday, I was told I'll need a few tests, one being an ultrasound scan. I handed my form into the X-ray department and was told I should have the appointment thru in 4 - 6 weeks. Came home today to find a letter saying an appointment has been made for a FNA ultrasound scan on Monday 30th October.

It's great that it is sooner than expected but now I'm a bit concerned as to why it is so soon.

Anyway, a few questions

Does it hurt?

I know I will have to keep still but my 'neck won't keep still' because of a very visible pulse, do you think this will affect the procedure?

Were you able to driver afterwards? My letter says I shouldn't drive but I have no-one to come with me and I have to collect my son from school. Public transport is not an option as my son's school is out in the countryside and a cab would cost too much backwards and forwards.

Love to hear you FNA stories

[Clutter]

Wavinghello,

The procedure isn't painful because you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb pain before the needle is inserted. The doctor doing the FNA will be able to work around the pulsing.

I found it uncomfortable lying with my throat thrust upwards but not painful. After the FNA I was told to hard press a pad of gauze to the FNA site for 20-30 minutes to help reduce swelling and bruising. There was some bruising and discomfort for 2-3 days but nothing that Paracetamol couldn't cope with.

I would have been able to drive home afterwards had I needed to.

[Inaquandary]

I have had 2 FNAs, one with a local and one without for some reason. The one with local was uncomfortable but not particularly painful. The one without... Never ever never again!!!

[Wavinghello in reply to Inaquandary]

Now I'm worried . . . the leaflet that came with my appointment says 'no local anaesthetic is required for this test'

[Inaquandary]

The radiologist who did mine without local said that the local anaesthetic hurts more than the FNA. I had 2 sites on my neck which needed investigating, one wasn't bad but now I know that the tumour on my thyroid- now removed - was very hard and he couldn't get the needle in. Probably the reason for the pain.

[Truseblueoz]

Hi I have had 3 FNAs with no anaesthetic and it was only momentarily a little painful. It is correct tht the local anaesthetic an hurt more than the procedure itself. Good luck.

[Wavinghello]

Thank you, that's put my mind at ease a bit