Kidney Biopsy....Is there anything I can do to avoid this procedure?

Bad news guys...the lupus had begun to attack my kidneys, so according the Nepherologist the best thing for me is to have a biopsy. I really, really, really, really don't want to have a hole poked in me for nothing...I'm not in the mood for another piercing

anyway I was hoping that there are alternatives as far as by passing the biopsy or is it a must to get this thing under some control.

- Meeks

PS- I'm going to my first Rhumy visit on Fri. is there anything I should let him/her know about this upcoming procedure, do I spill the beans on EVERYTHING I've experienced w/ the lupus since dx, do I tell him/her only what's been happening as of recently???

(((((((((( Meeks )))))))))))) Sorry Meeks . . . I bet that is really scary. There will be some others along who can tell you what to expect. I think the information provided by the biopsy is really important for your treatment. There are different types of kidney disease and the biopsy declares what type. At your rheumy visit . .. tell ALL. Make a list of all the symptoms, meds, proceedures, doctors from the past and a second list of current symptoms. I even provide a list of doctors, addresses and phone numbers. Bring in all your copies of blood work and tests to avoid retesting some of them. The rheumy WILL order tons of blood work, but some of it can be used from former results or it may be helpful to compare the old/ongoing results. There is more info on preparing for a doctor appointment in a post in "Lupus Resources" link is at the end of my signature. Keep us posted. Blessings!

   meeks

     As frightening as it is to have yet another test.....another proceedure, the biopsy is really nothing to worry about...........I had one done last week.  Just as Debbie said it s really not to invasive and recovery isn't to long and drawn out.  I was in and out within 4 hours.......The actual spot they used felt no worse then a mosquito bite.........(Coming from Canada they can be huge)..........haha.

   But I do know how you feel.........And I wish you the best......hang in there.  Will be thinking about you and would love to hear back from you after it is all over.  My results are not in yet but apparently won't take to long.

Best of Luck

Cheeki

I just wanted to reassure you about the kidney biopsy.  I've had 3 of them and they're really not that bad.  They are soooo necessary!  THey give a definitive diagnosis that labs alone wont and give a more clear cut course (and therefore effective) treatment.  Please try not to stress about it.  They will give you something that will relax you and make you not care!  Good luck, keep us posted.  Judy

I had a biopsy a little over a year ago, and believe me, I wanted it about as bad as a hole in the head! I was SO scared! But honestly it is not nearly as bad as you are imagining. The worst part is the novacaine shots before, and having to lay flat for several hours after. I know it is scary, but anticipation is the worst. Good luck!