Muscle Biopsy

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zaff4444

Active member
Joined
May 12, 2008
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43
Diagnosis
5/2006
Country
uk
State
z
City
newcastle
Hi,i would like to know if it will be painful and how it will affect to stand from wheelchair to car(with help)effect me,also when i get home i will have to climb stairs with alot of help to get to my room.Plz can sumbody explain wot the procedure and pain how it will effect me as i have limitless movements as it is.thnx.
 
I'm not sure if all physicians or situations are the same, but when I explained that I needed to use the stairs, my physician took the biopsy from my bicep.
 
Showing my ignorance here, but if they pull a biopsy from an area that is not affected by anything, what is it going to show? For example, if someone has left leg onset of some disease process will the right leg show something? Or an arm?
 
Ktmj,

I wondered the same thing....

Lydia
 
As I mentioned in my reply, I was not sure if all biopsies and physicians are the same. The pupose of my biopsy was due to muscle weakness and cramps in arms and legs, with the intention to rule out muscular distrophy or other genetic muscle diseases that affect certain muscle fiber types, but are not necessarily limb specific. I had a relative with muscle glycogen phosphorylase deficiency, but my neuro believes that my onset is most likely PLS at this time.

The point is that if I had not questioned the physician, they would have taken it from my thigh.
 
I would think they would take it from a muscle having problems. You may not notice a problem yet but it may show on the EMG or NVC tests. That probably would dictate where they take it from. Most of the people I've heard from said it was not too painful and were given pain meds afterwards.

AL.
 
I have had two muscle biopsies and did not find them to be overly painful. One was in the actual calf muscle and the other was slightly higher behind the knee area of the affected leg. The first one they took about 4 samples and the second one they took about 6-8 samples. I was given local anaesthetic each time and talked with the doctors during the procedures, they even showed me the samples when I asked. I did need a cane for the first couple of walks on it. Stairs were more difficult at first. Not allowed to get the incision wet etc. for 10 days. Off work for 2-3 weeks because of the type of work I do. I was given Tylenol 3 for pain but only used it for the first night.
I found both procedures went really well, I hope you find the same.
Good Luck
 
hi zaff.
i have not had one so can not answer.
just wanted to say hello as i have not heard from you for a long time,but you have been in my thoughts.
do they think your pls diognosis has changed to als,or do they now think it could be something else?
please keep in touch and update us:)
 
When I had my biospy it was from my bicep. The ALS Speacialist stated my legs were to far gone. She was looking for "grouped muscle fiber", english inflamation, degenertive (sp) and regenertive (sp). In my case the outcome was ALS.

It wasn't too bad, but I am a whimp when it comes to pain/surgery. I have only had 2 surgeries in my life. :p Took some T 3's and I survived.

Micheline
 
Zaff,

I had a biopsy done last year and it was taken from the outside of my left arm, right below the shoulder. Naturally he deadened the area, but he must have taken at least 4 samples, and the deeper ones definately hurt being extracted. I had to wear my arm in a sling for the next 24 hrs and it made things very difficult for me, especially since I rely on my upper body strength to get up and down. I don't remember it being too awfully sore once I got home, just had to sleep on my opposite side for about a week. Good luck to you. Jake
 
Hi all,i go for my muscle biopsy 2moro,appointment is for 9:30am so leave house at 6am as it 3hours to drive to the hospital where its going to take place,anyway im scared and very nervous that i now am changing my mind going.:sad:
 
Good luck tomorrow! :)
 
Zaff,

Hang in there, buddy and make it to the appointment. You will be very disappointed later on and probably wind up rescheduling if you miss this one.

It seems as if you are still needing some answers and this biopsy may be just the ticket.

Zaphoon
 
Good luck Zaff! Don't chicken out.......
 
Hi mate,
I can only assume it is a different procedure down here in Tasmania. I had a biopsy under general anethesia. It was done about 6 inches up from my knee on the outer side. The cut was approx 3 inches long and I was let out of hospital 2 hours later. I was in absolute agony for over a week and could barely walk with a walking frame. 6 weeks down the track and I can still not bear any pressure around the scar for an area of about 4 inches. I have MND but this test proved inconclusive. Hope you fare a lot better.
 
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