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Traumatic experience having a VAB biopsy.

Gerry2202
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Hi.

I got recalled after my anitial biopsy to have a Vacum assist biopsy VAB.

This was the most traumatic thing I've ever been through in my life. I could feel it the whole way through the procedure, and was shouting with the pain. 

After the procedure, I became unconscious, for only a few seconds they said. Then was continually vomiting for an hour after.

In the end they sent me to A&E, they wheeled me round in a wheelchair after contacting them to say they were sending me round. 

When I got to A&E I was greeted by a not so friendly nurses who asked basically why I was there. Even though the breast unit had called through to A&E to say they were sending me across.

 I was told there was a 4 hour wait, but felt far too poorly to sit in A&E for 4 hours, so got my partner to drive the 1 and a half hour home so I could get to my bed.

Was just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience having a VAB?

I will never put myself through this procedure ever again, I'm still traumatised and can't stop crying. Especially at night when trying to sleep.

Thank you in advance if anyone replies to this x 

 

  • Offline

    Hi

    I have no experience of this, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about your experience. It sounds truly awful and I'm not surprised you feel so traumatised now.
    Looking at your happy photo, it seems you have a loving partner and so I hope he's taking care of you. 
    Hopefully you'll get your results soon, please let me know how you get on.

    In the meantime, I'm here if you need someone to talk to.

    Debs x

  • Offline in reply to Debsjay

    Hi Debs.

    Thank you so much for your reply.

     I'm suffering a lot with trauma since the procedure on Monday. I can't sleep at night, I start shaking and sobbing, it's so vivid reliving it in my mind  

    I'm sure I didn't have enough anesthetic, the procedure was so painful. I became unconscious after the procedure, I honestly felt like I was dying. It sounds dramatic but that's how I felt.

    Then the vomiting after, I think my body was it total shock.

    If you have a tooth removed you can't feel any pain. 
    I can't get over the fact I was letting them know I was in pain and I wasn't offered anymore anaesthetic?

    My first biopsy I was terrified, but must admit I felt no pain. Reading other comments about vacuum assist biopsy's, they are not usually so painful. But one lady did comment in 2020 and went though a similar experience to myself.

    The happy picture was in the summer before all this. My partner is trying, but I don't think he truly understands what I'm going through.

    Thank you again for letting talk to you about my dreadful experience.
    Its so weird, it's not waiting for the results that's playing on my mind. I just can't stop reliving the horror of the procedure

    Thank you for your reply 

    Gerry x 

  • Offline in reply to Gerry2202

    Hi Gerry

    This has been such an awful experience for you and I think at some point questions should be asked as to why they continued with this procedure without controlling your pain. 

    For now, maybe you should speak to your GP about it all? Getting their perspective and talking things through with them may help. They may also have some suggestions to help you with getting sleep. I imagine that night time is probably the worst time of the day for you right now. Any worries are always magnified at night time aren't they.

    I'm glad your partner is trying to be there for you but, just like mine,I agree that they don't fully understand

    Have a look at some relaxation exercises before you go to bed tonight, they may help.

    Take care

    Debsx

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