Aa
Getting liver biopsy Wednesday
Hi Everybody,
Well, the dreaded liver biopsy is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. My question is: Does the doc immediately take the material to her microscope and tell me then and there what's going on, or do I have to sit on pins and needles until my follow-up appointment on the 25th? Now I'm realizing what everybody here says, that waiting for all the diagnostics can be worse than the treament itself. This is truly agonizing for me, especially because there's a question whether, because of autoimmune problems, I can even withstand treatment. Meanwhile, hope everybody is feeling their best...
Love,
pigeon
Well, the dreaded liver biopsy is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. My question is: Does the doc immediately take the material to her microscope and tell me then and there what's going on, or do I have to sit on pins and needles until my follow-up appointment on the 25th? Now I'm realizing what everybody here says, that waiting for all the diagnostics can be worse than the treament itself. This is truly agonizing for me, especially because there's a question whether, because of autoimmune problems, I can even withstand treatment. Meanwhile, hope everybody is feeling their best...
Love,
pigeon
How are you doing? are you feeling better I hope? seems like youre doing some good outdoor activities so I hope that means that youre holding up okay...speaking of holding up, is Kalio alright? have you spoken to her lately? hope she's okay too...
No, no, no, sillies. This time of year they're all left whales. In the spring you start to see the right whales. And down to the 7-11 with the bleached blonde checker what wears the low-rise jeans? That's where you see the whale-tail. That one tends to go both ways. So I'm told.
Hey, let's all relax guys. It <i>was</i> 'piddly' for me. I piddled morning, noon, and night. It sure could have been a little more 'softy-doodsie', if I'd had my druthers. Dyce knows what I mean - get that high iron and you get bound up tighter than an oriental house boy at a leather bar.
Thanks for the TSH info eisbein. I think it was the Quest Nichols test. I'll keep an eye on it.
Just a point of clarification on the 26 weeks. I don't want other geno 2/3's to get the sense that stopping at 6 mos is in any way imprudent. While I feel fortunate to have made it, the odds were very much in my favor when I stopped. I didn't make the decision rashly - I did a lot of consulting and studying. I won't toss names around, but the consensus was I had 90% or better odds when I stopped, and maybe could gain a few percent more by doubling to a year. Not worth it. It's all about that RVR.
Thanks for the TSH info eisbein. I think it was the Quest Nichols test. I'll keep an eye on it.
Just a point of clarification on the 26 weeks. I don't want other geno 2/3's to get the sense that stopping at 6 mos is in any way imprudent. While I feel fortunate to have made it, the odds were very much in my favor when I stopped. I didn't make the decision rashly - I did a lot of consulting and studying. I won't toss names around, but the consensus was I had 90% or better odds when I stopped, and maybe could gain a few percent more by doubling to a year. Not worth it. It's all about that RVR.
Hey - Did you know I grew up in MD? Right there on the Chesapeake Bay when Spiro was running things.
Listen Forsee, having the fortitude to post that you're having these difficulties proves to me that you're no wuss. This is serious bidness, and we all deal with it in our own way. For me it was head in the sand until it was almost too late. You're on top of things (hold back Goof) and doing the right stuff. I only wish there was a way to lend you a helping hand.
Re-read my whale watching post, and maybe I made it sound like I was going south for the outing. Actually no - either Sausalito or San Francisco.
Listen Forsee, having the fortitude to post that you're having these difficulties proves to me that you're no wuss. This is serious bidness, and we all deal with it in our own way. For me it was head in the sand until it was almost too late. You're on top of things (hold back Goof) and doing the right stuff. I only wish there was a way to lend you a helping hand.
Re-read my whale watching post, and maybe I made it sound like I was going south for the outing. Actually no - either Sausalito or San Francisco.
Goof I think you can see Right whales in Santa Barbara, I'll check. Yeah, it's the depression thing that freaks me out, even more than the auto-immune or anything else, but I'm trying to work it out, and keep telling myself, well, I can try at least to see what happens...sorry if I'm coming off so "pusillanimous" as our beloved Spiro Agnew used to say...(boy I'm old) but I'm not one to act brave when I'm not, ha ha! I didn't used to be like this, I think the menopause has made me really emotional and nervous, but whatever, my probs pale in comparison to some people here, and they've made it to the other side, well, you YOU fer instance! Anyway, so glad youre going to do some fun things, I wish this for everybody here!!!!
If you can see Right whales in Santa Barbara, does that mean we can see left whales up here? Geez, I'm gonna have to go look!
My biopsy wasnt' bad (as far as the stick of the needle), it was the laying on the side that hurt like heck. It sounds like most people around here think it isn't so bad, so I dunno! I didn't have one before tx and truly wish I had. I would put up with that side pain now in a heartbeat. At least you will know where you are as far as liver damage. You won't regret having that info during tx.
Goof; I went Whale watching years ago out to the Farlones (sp). Unfortunately I didn't see any whates, but lots of sharks! It was a long trip out there. Is this where you are thinking of going? Or down south a bit? I saw lots of whales in Alaska. That was really a thrill. I am sure lil' Goof would love to see whales! Dress warmly, you never know how the weather will be. Today would be a great day!
There is nothing "piddly" about 26 weeks as you know. I havent' made it to 26 weeks yet and it has been a really rough ride. Sometimes I think that it has been going pretty quickly, then I start remembering all the stuff I have gone through and think, This has NOT gone quickly. But I am almost half way and I am grateful for making it this far. I had my PCR and waiting for the results. Also had a TSH, it was all normal, thankfully!
Goof; I went Whale watching years ago out to the Farlones (sp). Unfortunately I didn't see any whates, but lots of sharks! It was a long trip out there. Is this where you are thinking of going? Or down south a bit? I saw lots of whales in Alaska. That was really a thrill. I am sure lil' Goof would love to see whales! Dress warmly, you never know how the weather will be. Today would be a great day!
There is nothing "piddly" about 26 weeks as you know. I havent' made it to 26 weeks yet and it has been a really rough ride. Sometimes I think that it has been going pretty quickly, then I start remembering all the stuff I have gone through and think, This has NOT gone quickly. But I am almost half way and I am grateful for making it this far. I had my PCR and waiting for the results. Also had a TSH, it was all normal, thankfully!
Big congrats on that negative. Hey whale watching is in full swing here and they say lots of whales (and babies) this year!
there is nothing "piddly" about 26 weeks! That can be a long, grueling time on these drugs. just because others do tx longer doesnt mean the short course is "piddly"
sheesh.
sheesh.
Your SVR thread below was closed.
The bells are ringing for you too, you lucky son of a gun...26 piddly weeks, beginning stage 4, and SVR...now if that is not lucky, then I don't know what is.
In regards to your TSH:
Make sure you get the Ultrasensitive TSH (3rd generation), and not the 2nd generation.
I use strictly Quest Nichols (Nichol's beeing one of our finest molecular labs in the country).
Test code: 8660 RQEZ
So far I have made 4 adjustments of my thyroid replacement drugs, and that is only since finishing tx some 7 month ago.
Like DD said, just watch for a while, and repeat in a couple of month. You are right at the cusp of becoming hyperthyroid, and the TSH can jump all over the place for a good while.
Ina
The bells are ringing for you too, you lucky son of a gun...26 piddly weeks, beginning stage 4, and SVR...now if that is not lucky, then I don't know what is.
In regards to your TSH:
Make sure you get the Ultrasensitive TSH (3rd generation), and not the 2nd generation.
I use strictly Quest Nichols (Nichol's beeing one of our finest molecular labs in the country).
Test code: 8660 RQEZ
So far I have made 4 adjustments of my thyroid replacement drugs, and that is only since finishing tx some 7 month ago.
Like DD said, just watch for a while, and repeat in a couple of month. You are right at the cusp of becoming hyperthyroid, and the TSH can jump all over the place for a good while.
Ina
pigeon: You're surely right that the anticipation is the worst part of the biopsy. Having the auto immune with the Hep is enough to try anyone's sto (I'm guessing that one who's stoic must have sto, but forsee will set me straight on that). You seem to be bearing up extremely well. I'll be watching to see how you make out.
Forsee: It always pains me to see the anguish (maybe that's too strong a word) the prospect of treatment dumps on you. I know I'm not the only one who wishes we could ease that burden for you somehow. You're always quick to help out others; I wish I could do something for you.
I'd be priveliged to do the the handholding thing for you when you have the procedure. The only thing is, well..... if I ever go in for that vasectomy, well... you know what they say about one good turn deserving another, right???
<small>PS Thinking about taking the kid whale watching next weekend. Do boats go out down where you are? I think this is the best time.</small>
Forsee: It always pains me to see the anguish (maybe that's too strong a word) the prospect of treatment dumps on you. I know I'm not the only one who wishes we could ease that burden for you somehow. You're always quick to help out others; I wish I could do something for you.
I'd be priveliged to do the the handholding thing for you when you have the procedure. The only thing is, well..... if I ever go in for that vasectomy, well... you know what they say about one good turn deserving another, right???
<small>PS Thinking about taking the kid whale watching next weekend. Do boats go out down where you are? I think this is the best time.</small>
Yeah, Let's definitely get together for coffee or something -- after my biopsy. I'm real swamped with work right now, but will send you an e-mail when I'm loose, perhaps next week or the following, and hopefully you will be free too. Farmer's Mkt?? Stay well...
pigeon
pigeon
hey, ease up on the Tone will ya? he can sing, he can dance, whadaya want from me? HA HA HA! I actually heard him speak candidly once on a chat show and he seemed to be a nice guy, he realizes he doesn't have any talent...but what the muck, he's got house payments and kids too...he's prob all smiles he has a career at all...he's a dang sight better than watching those take these pills and add a few inches to your member commercials, horrible!!!!
I stupidly brought in a book on child psychology to my biopsy last time, and I was too out of it to turn the pages...all I remember is that it was turned to this page with the word "insanity" on it and I asked the nurse to take away the book, it got me trippin...
Pigeon: I didn't want to crowd you just because we are neighbors, but yeah, would like to hook up on your terms ....don't want to crowd anybody though, I respect privacy....I'm just having a hard time with this, don't know about you...I keep on thinking with time it'll get easier, I'll be able to go Zen on it at some point...but menopause and this together is kicking my a$$!!! ha ha! Any time you want to reach me, just go to Janis and Friends
http://www.janis7hepc.com/our_chat_room_and_message_boards.htm
and look up Forseegood on the search engine, and you'll get my profile, email me from there...sorry it's so complicated, but they don't allow you to post your email at this board...any time you want, no hurry or pressure...I always watch for your posts and hope they have better news, the same goes for everybody here...
I stupidly brought in a book on child psychology to my biopsy last time, and I was too out of it to turn the pages...all I remember is that it was turned to this page with the word "insanity" on it and I asked the nurse to take away the book, it got me trippin...
Pigeon: I didn't want to crowd you just because we are neighbors, but yeah, would like to hook up on your terms ....don't want to crowd anybody though, I respect privacy....I'm just having a hard time with this, don't know about you...I keep on thinking with time it'll get easier, I'll be able to go Zen on it at some point...but menopause and this together is kicking my a$$!!! ha ha! Any time you want to reach me, just go to Janis and Friends
http://www.janis7hepc.com/our_chat_room_and_message_boards.htm
and look up Forseegood on the search engine, and you'll get my profile, email me from there...sorry it's so complicated, but they don't allow you to post your email at this board...any time you want, no hurry or pressure...I always watch for your posts and hope they have better news, the same goes for everybody here...
Tony Danza is definitely worse than most any surgical procedure. Forseegood, actually I go to Kaiser on Sunset, which is the good Kaiser (I've learned thru experience to avoid the one in West L.A.). I had eyeball surgery there, wide awake, when the doctor shattered the lenses and replaced them with new plastic lenses that had my prescription, more or less, and I survived that via the coolest drugs-- I was way too stoned to mind. Cedars is good too. I truly believe that anticipation hurts way more than any operation. You can do it, girl.
My sister-in-law and many friends have had amnio when they were pregnant, and supposedly that's similar in fearsomeness to a liver biopsy. What I'm scared of is the results of the biopsy. What if my liver is fossilized or something? Well, it is what it is -- but I'm anxiety-ridden worrying that it's bad.
Love,
Pigeon
P.S. Forsee, if you need someone to hold your hand when you get your biopsy, I'd be happy to help, since we are neighbors after all.
My sister-in-law and many friends have had amnio when they were pregnant, and supposedly that's similar in fearsomeness to a liver biopsy. What I'm scared of is the results of the biopsy. What if my liver is fossilized or something? Well, it is what it is -- but I'm anxiety-ridden worrying that it's bad.
Love,
Pigeon
P.S. Forsee, if you need someone to hold your hand when you get your biopsy, I'd be happy to help, since we are neighbors after all.
My big question was do you want drugs or not? Duh yeah... woke up a couple hours later and another hour on my way home. And yes they send the biopsy off and wait. Had one without the drugs too and tolerable...but given a choice? They won't let you go for a few hours anyway just in case so why not snooze,lol
Thanks for the advice and encouragement. Revenire, sorry about your autoimmune hep. What I've got is a weird skin condition called morphea, a type of scleroderma that makes the skin develop scars that look like healed burns. Fortunately, 'cause I'm a rather vain chick, it hasn't happened anywhere that shows under normal clothing other than a couple spots on my hands. But my bikini days are over - lol, because I haven't had the figure to wear one since my early 20s. However, the issue is whether interferon will cause the morphea to spread or, even worse, to develop into systemic scleroderma, and nobody seems to know for sure since the combination of morphea and hep c is very rare. However, I have several pet guinea pigs, so I'm gonna join them. Will keep ya' all posted.
pigeon
pigeon
They gave me demoral. I suggest a good book or crossword as it gets boring laying there for about 3 hours before you can move. The biopsy really does not hurt (of course with the demoral is probably why). I would take their suggestion and get some auto immune tests done before tx too. Good luck and nice meeting you.
Pat
Pat
I know which one a mine to blame, ha ha! Will be thinking of you, wish I was so sanguine about getting a biopsy, why doncha break off a piece of your bravery for me? I'm a big time wus...I think I secretly hope that the bravery of many on this board will rub off on me...I might be needing one sometime soon too, but Cedars is a good hospital, you might be getting one there too...I hope your situation works out for the best, I can relate on having the contra-indication deal with the tx...be well...
Of course I want drugs! Doc won't let me drink, smoke pot or eat fattening food, so I may as well get high when the getting's good. Actually, I've had so much dental work and surgery in my life that the procedure itself doesn't freak me very much.
Regarding autoimmune markers, when I first got the morphea they took blood and said I do not have any autoimmune markers, which is why I suspect the morphea was caused by the hep c. Will probably never know, though, just as I'll probably never know where I got the hep. Medical science still operates in the dark a lot of the time. Perhaps one of these days they'll be able to figure out these things and even tell us which parent to blame for the wrong dna.
pigeon
Regarding autoimmune markers, when I first got the morphea they took blood and said I do not have any autoimmune markers, which is why I suspect the morphea was caused by the hep c. Will probably never know, though, just as I'll probably never know where I got the hep. Medical science still operates in the dark a lot of the time. Perhaps one of these days they'll be able to figure out these things and even tell us which parent to blame for the wrong dna.
pigeon
wishing you all the best, as it's been said here a million times, most people have it worse off with the anticipation, then the actual procedure....good luck, sending you healing vibes and nice thoughts...
Generally, the material from the biopsy is sent to a pathologist who then reads & grades/stages the tissue. I think the time between the biopsy & getting the information back was at least a couple weeks. I know the waiting is tough and in my experience it doesn't get easier over time. Hang in there:)
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