more from the other side of the exam table

I had my thyroid biopsy today, technichally a fine needle aspiration (FNA). I have been anxious about this for the past week. Not so much for the actual procedure but more to have the results. Before the procedure, lidoaine is injected above the biopsy site to numb the tissue. Then to get the tissue they make multiple quick passes into the desired tissue with 3 different needles.

It was an interesting hour spent lying on the table. Most of the time spent waiting to see if they'd need to take more samples or if what they had was adequate and chatting with the ultrasound tech.

I was impressed with the bedside manner of the radiologist who did the biopsy. He had a good sense of humor and was very considerate. Radiologists don't deal with real patients much and so it was kind of novel to have one who was very personable.

This whole experience is just giving me more compassion for patients when they are in a vulnerable and scary situation, just trying to anticipate and validate their feelings as much as possible.

My neck is still hurting. It was a bit of long day. I had the biopsy at 9, then went to work at 11: 30 and was on call seeing patients until 6:30. I've only told one nurse at the clinic about my nodule and the ensuing workup. I don't like to make a big deal about things but it was nice to have her know today to get a little sympathy ...

Results back on Monday.