Biopsy results and new specialist

I finally got a copy of my biopsy results that say this:
Grade 3 Stage 1

The biopsy shows moderately active hepatitis with subtle features of chronicity (mild portal fibrosis). the findings are consistent with hepatitis B and may reflect acute HBV in isolation, however given the mild fibrosis, reactivation of chronic HBV seems more likely. The active component here is quite robus and superimposed conditions can not be excluded, HDV co-infection or super-infection, adverse drug/toxin reaction or mononucleosis syndrome should be exculded clinically. Auto-immune haptitis is very unlikely given the reported negative serologic studies for ANA, AMA, SMA.

The new specialist said that he doesn't know if it is chronic or accute that we will have to wait awhile to find out. He also has no idea what is causing all the pain that I have had either. He has me on Prilocec for possible acid reflux, since the pain gets worse after eating. He also said that even though my EBV came back high and positive at 3099, that it could be from having it a long time ago.

I guess what my question is what is your take on what the biopsy means? I don't know if that stage and grade are bad or not, I just don't understand.

[doglover28]

Hi Mike,
I get mine on the 24th of July, so I will post. I did ask if he was going to use an ultrasound guided, and he said he will use the ultrasound to locate the liver before inserting the needle.

Pam

[neptune235]

Frankly, the percutaneous liver biopsy scares the bejesus out of me.  Something about lying there, semi-conscious, and being impaled by a steel needle...gives me the willies!

I've had two biopsies.  The first was during laproscopic surgery for an unrelated matter.  That was six years ago.  The last, just a few weeks ago, was a transjugular liver biopsy.  This was done on an outpatient basis in the cath lab, and involves threading a small catheter into the neck and into the jugular, in and out of the right atrium, and into the hepatic vein.  

I was barely awake, thanks to fentanyl, versed, and atavan, the catheter was x-ray guided, and any bleeding in the liver was back into the blood system.  I suffered no cardiac arrhythmias during the procedure, which can be a side.

I was not required to lie in one position for hours afterwards, either, I think the recovery period was easier.  If I had to have another one, I'd go this route.

[GrandOak]

When I had mine done via ultrasound guidance last December, the nurse was originally looking at either below the sternum or between the lower right side ribs.  Doc came in and suggested having my roll onto my left side which opened a clear window on my left side that only had to go directly in from the skin surface.  It also allowed them to use a smaller length needle since they had a more direct access.

[mikesimon]

I read here (and I don't know where and am too beat to find it) that someone had a biopsy where the doctor went in through the ribcage. I had several "bedside biopsies" and that was the location and the doctor used 2 smaller needles to anesthetize me and a long hollow one to get the sample. My more recent biopsies have been ultra sound guided and the location was below my sternum. A "spring loaded core retrieval" or some such name was used. It reminded me of a nail gun - I was told to take a deep breath and hold it and the doctor placed the machine a few inches below my sternum and then I heard a "click" and it was over - the machine shot the needle in and out in a flash. I am curious to know the techniques that are being used elsewhere. Mike

[nirrti]

My biopsy was ultrasound guided also. They just stuck a needle just under and slightly to the right of my sternum.

[chellski]

i'm sorry and somewhat stunned to hear of the behavior of your co-workers.  i have always admired you and your advice on this board, and assumed you were very open about having hep-c.  it is very hard to believe people can be so stupid and cruel.
i wish you well.
michelle

[nirrti]

Ok well I started this thread to see if I could get some imput regarding my biopsy stuff, however it seems the thread was kinda side tracked. Anyone have any imput it would be greatly appriciated! Thanks