Friday, March 13, 2009

Biopsy next week


My kidney transplant appointment and possible biopsy have been moved from the 25th to the 18th. I'll most likely see the nephrologist in clinic, and then he will determine whether or not I need to stay in the hospital for the biopsy. My nurse called again today to tell me of the new date and to also tell me to come prepared to stay. I'm assuming that I will wait around in clinic for my labs to come back, and if they haven't improved, they will send me over to the hospital for at least an overnight stay. How long I stay will of course be determined by what the biopsy shows.

During the biopsy, they numb the area over the kidney, and insert a needle, like the one above, through the skin until they reach the kidney. They then take a small piece of the kidney to be sent to pathology for testing. They will test it for infections, rejection, medication toxicity, and probably other things I don't know about. I should know pretty quickly what it shows, but say if it's an infection, we might not know exactly what "bug" we are dealing with for a couple of days. My nurse does expect it to be prograf toxicity or rejection. I'm a tough case because of my lung transplant, and any increase or decrease in anti-rejection meds can affect my lungs, so they will have to work very closely with my lung team before making any changes to my medication.

My nausea is better today, so maybe my body is preparing itself for The Cheesecake Factory tomorrow.

11 comments:

Aspiemom said...

Ok, I thought nephrology was having "intimacy" with a dead person! What word is that? lol Guess I had it wrong! What a hoot.

I hope they are able to get a good idea of what's going on in that sexy body of yours, Christy.

As far as how I'm feeling, you know how it is. Good days, bad days. I've had a lot of bad headaches and migraines lately. Today I don't, but I took two Ambient by mistake last night so I'm rather sleepy. Hm, maybe I should take 2 all of the time so I don't get the migraine????

Christy said...

ROFL Debbie.. that's necrophilia!!! HAHA.. thanks for the laugh.

Nephro-kidney!!

Debbie, Have you tried Topamaz? My aunt is on it, and it really helps her migraines. One side effect of it is weight loss though, so I don't know if that might be a problem. I hope it gets better!!

Katey said...

I hope your labs come back ok where you don't need the biopsy. But if you do..I'm sure everything will turn out ok. I'll be praying for you!

Question: do they sedate you or put you to sleep for the biopsy like they do with our bronchs?

Glad your nausea is better! I can sympathize with you on that one!

Christy said...

Katey,
I've read where they sometimes give you a little light sedation, and sometimes they don't. I feel like they will just locally numb it. It's not as "traumatizing" as bronchs by any means!!

TaraMetBlog said...

I hate when they change appt dates. good luck!

OceanDesert said...

I was wondering how the biopsy would work! Thanks for the explanation!

Enjoy the "Factory!" YUM YUM!

Mrs. O said...

I'll be praying for you. I hope they don't find anything major but since there is obviously something happening, I hope it's something minor that can be treated quickly.

Glad the nausea is getting better ... for me too!

Amy Glessner-Arnold said...

Christy, I'll be praying for good results? How do they tell if it's prograf toxicity? They don't go by blood levels do they? Peace & Love, Amy

Christy said...

Amy,
Prograf toxicity is also determined by the biopsy. It's something that the pathologist can determine.

Thanks everyone for your prayers.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I have to admit that getting a biopsy of anything is one of my greatest fears. It even makes Doug's skin crawl. The thought of the pain of having a gaint needle jabbed into an organ is just just.....I don't even know what to say but, YIKES! OWEY! I mean i know we have been through some stuff but that is one thing i hope never has to happen. Good luck sweetie pie. Love You Jeri :)

Belle's Blog said...

Keeping u in my prayers!