Liver Biopsy Necessity, etc.

[bunkywoo]

My current doctor (who I began seeing for stomach pain and who later said I had IBS)learned I had been an ex-IV drug user 12 years ago and had me tested for Hep C? My test came back positive as did the recheck. All of my liver enzymes are normal, my blood work reveals my liver is functioning normally, my cat-scan came back fine as did my ultra-sound. Prior to the ultra-sound he told me that based on the results of that test, he would determine how we would proceed, a liver biopsy being a possibility or just monitoring of my blood every so often. He has now told me that a liver biopsy needs to be performed. This in my mind contradicts his earlier statement since everything about my liver appears to be normal. I do not have any flu-like symptoms. Medication he is giving me for IBS doesn't do a thing. Since getting the HEP C diag. I now am getting sharp shooting pains throughout my body (neck, arms, legs, feet, lower abdomen, toes, etc., which is a new sypmtom and which I am beginning to blieve is related to the initial stomach pain. They don't last long and they move to differnt parts on different days. Could be stress, but they are real pains. This doctor does not instill much confidence in me because he totally lacks senstivity by not returning phone calls and being irritated by the fact that I want to get a 2nd opinion. He even suggested that the doctor I go and get a 2nd opinion from should be one he recommends. This sounds extremely biased. I don't know if the 2nd Hep C test can be misdiagnosed as I am not a doctor. Thank you for any information on anything in my ?'s.

[charlene emlay7750]

well for almost ten years now i was convinced i have had fibermalgia....and maybe i do have that too....about 4 years ago i went to specilist for artritus, and on second visit he told me to go back to my gastro doctor and get help with my liver and then he would see me again....the gastrol doctor had told me i had gall stones and they needed to come out. and while they were in there anyway they should do a liver biosey, tho my test did not indicate anything spacific i remember him saying....so i went back to my GP doctor who just felt that because i was on Lipitor, for cholestorol, this is why liver blood test were off. so we took me off lipitor. and sence then all blood work was alway ok....this past nov i decided to go ahead and have that gal bladder removed and mentioned that they should do a biosey also for years before it had been recammended....so they did...the day hell started for me....for i now from the biobsey have been told that i have Primary Biliary Cirrhosis....at this point i know it is incurable only with a liver transplant...go to site...www.pbcers.org for more information....so what i am saying to you is that...number one...if i had not had that liver biosey i would not know what was making me so sick ( and now terminal as it seems but at least i can now work maybe on something to feeling better) and the other is i too have what i feel is a jerk of a doctor( i have not hit him up yet with i am going to get a second opion.) he was my brothers doctor also and just one month ago he died of brain anurysum, not that i am saying that is his fault...but i had EGD done and on thursday and expected some kind of showing of feelings from him and got none....so yes have your biobsey but maybe by that different opion doctor....if you are not relating to this one....and not in the same damn med group....go to the other site i gave you it is informative on doctors on liver....good luck...i am new at this too. this site has been a great help...kruizenkat in california

[bunkywoo]

Thank you so much for your input. I too am new at posting questions like this one, but as you know, these days things are not like they were years ago with doctors. I believe there are some truly caring doctors out there, but unfortunately I don't think I've run into one recently. As with all of the research you must do with your medical insurance these days, I think it is prudent to talk with other people about their experiences, since I don't have a doctor in my family or circle of friends. This is a really great venue to get unbiased comments and suggestions and I value them more than some doctors because people don't get any monetary gain by sharing their experiences.
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I would suggest you get book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing (3rd edition). I have read through it briefly regarding my condition, and unlike doctors and the pharmacutical industry, there are a lot of natural things in foods, vitamins and herbs that can help different ailments. It seems that doctors just give you a pill, collect their fee and get the next patient in the door. If that pill doesn't work, they'll just try another one. I myself do not like being someone's guinea pig!
Thanks again for your comments and good luck!

[pikamom]

I don't think vitamins and herbs are going to cure this persons serious liver disease. But anyway, if your doctor is suggesting a liver biopsy for your Hep C, then do it. He just wants to see how much damage has been done.

[rthornton]

I totally agree with Terry.  A biopsy is not really a big deal and can tell lots more about the condition of your liver than any other test.  All of these can be normal even when there is liver damage occuring, a biopsy is the only thing that can tell for sure if there is damage.  One note, however.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a second opinion.  Furthermore, if you don't like this doctor, get a new one!  [I would do the biopsy, though.]  Rebecca

[rthornton]

And by the way, the drugs doctors give are "natural".  Most medications come from plants...many are substances that are produced in our own bodies.  Many "herbal remedies" can cause very severe liver damage...be careful.  Prescription drugs are well tested and monitored.  So called dietary supplements are not tested or monitored, in general.  Many toxins are "natural"...this term means little in terms of safety or efficacy of a treatment.  This is not to say prescription drugs have no risk...they do.  One must weigh benefits against risks.  I take drugs with risk, but they are presently saving my life!

[no where to turn to]

please do the biopsy. i had a docor that over looked or didn't looked at my liver profile test to see that it was elvated through the roof that was 2 1/2 years ago. this dr move out of town and my records were sent to another dr. they were looking over my records and come across the labs and noticed how high it was and could not beleave his eyes. so  i came in and sure enough i have hep c. i had my biopsy that shows me with stage four cirohosis.(bad w/spelling)
anyway if i had of  known 2 years ago maybe i would not be where i am today.   i hope you decide to take the biopsy,if its just for your own peace of mind. and allllwwwaaayyysss look at your labs and reports and get copies if you have any questions.

[hucklebridge]

I will probably have to have a biopsy of the liver. (will know Monday, 6-17-02).  Can anyone out there give me a heads-up on what to expect?  I'm not an alcoholic, thyroid is fine, no gall bladder problems, just elevated liver enzymes.  Any info will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, Carol  :)