Liver biopsy pain

[Gidget234]

I need to have a biopsy in 3 weeks and I'm really terrified.  What is the procedure actually like?  I know there will be some pain after the pain killers wear off and that I can handle.  It's pain during the actual procedure itself that has me panicking.  What do you feel while the biopsy is being performed?  
Any information you are able to provide would be very greatly appreciated.

[louisep]

Hi there,
Just wanted you to know that I had my first biopsy this morning.
Like you, I have never been so scared!  So much so that my GP put me on valium last week to help get me to today.  She also gave me sleeping pills as I couldn't sleep which was making my panic attacks even worse.
Anyway, I was admitted in the hospital at 8.30am(UK) given 2 valium to calm me down, by 10.30am the biopsy started.  First I had the local anaesthetic, which stung a little, but certainly wasn't unbearable, a few minutes later they took the biopsy which took all of 10-20 seconds, slight pressure but no pain and I'm the biggest wimp you'd ever meet!
I got slight pain in my right shoulder but was given paracetemol which got rid of the pain within minutes, apparently we have a nerve that runs from the liver up the shoulder.
The whole procedure took around 10 minutes and when the doctor said he'd finished I couldn't believe it!  All that worry for a pretty painless, routine procedure that I didn't even have to go to theatre for, it was done on a ward!  And I was home by 5pm!  Feeling fine and very relieved, just a little tender.
All I'm trying to say is.."If I can do it, anyone can!"
Keep smiling!
Louise

[LvdByGod]

I HAD THE BIOPSY AND WAS SO SCARED JUST LIKE YOU SO I ASKED FOR A LITTLE HELPER. THE DR. SET UP THE IV AND I HAD DARVESET AND VERSED. I DIDN'T FEEL ANYTHING BEFORE OR AFTER. I ACTUALLY DID NOT REMEMBER IT AT ALL. IT WAS NICE TO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT POSSIBLE PAIN DURRING IT. SANDI

[Gidget234]

Hi, Thanks everyone.  After I read your messages, I felt so much better.  I'm still nervous (fear of the unknown is natural, I guess).  I have to have it to see what's going on in there because I intend to fight this disease and after reading your messages, it makes it much, much easier.
Thanks again.
Gidget234

[tigerdream]

I have'nt had one for awhile but what everyone says sounds just like mine, the procedure itself was pretty quick and quite painless except for a slight pressure. After awhile it hurt a little but that quickly went away. It really is surprisingly easy, the apprehension about it was alot worse. I'm going for another one soon, I'm not worried, so in short, no worries!  :) ~tigerdream~

[baby4cakes]

i had one done about 2 months ago. piece a cake don't worry about it i had no pain anywhere.

[dee40]

to Gidget, Ihadmy first biospy today also guided by an ultrosound it wasnt that bad I to had some shoulder pain but it didnt olast long at all alittle discomfort after but not bad at all, it wasover quickly. Its the results Im terrifyed about. good luck keep in touch.dee40

[jonihs]

What GreatBird said about the ultrasound guided biopsy was good. I also had mine that way and in the future would insist on it. I think most places do it that way now, but I would make sure.   Joni

[GreatBird]

My experience was very similar to jonihs, except I did have something that they gave me IV ahead of time--sure made me blabber--I forget what they call it but it effectively makes it so you don't remember the procedure very well. I had referred shoulder pain too, but it wasn't bad. They didn't give me anything for it. Tried to feed me an awful turkey sandwich for lunch (yuck) and let me go a couple hours later telling me to use Tylenol if I had any pain.

I felt tender in that spot for a few days afterwards. I don't think most people do. I also felt exhausted about 48 hours afterwards, but that could likely have been because I was so nervous (maybe even terrified) about the procedure. In retrospect, it was no big deal. I wouldn't look forward to having it again (I don't like to be in hospitals) but I wouldn't have that anxiety about it again ever.

BTW, I had an ultrasound guided biopsy which was done by a radiologist who does them all the time.

[jonihs]

I had my biopsy less than a year ago and I was terrified. However I soon found I had no reason to be. I had no drugs before except local at the site. I felt a little pressre, no pain. The sound when they take the sample could be disconcerting, but they let me hear it before so I knew what to expect. I had a little shoulder pain after( this is common) and my Dr. gave me a pain pill, watched for 2 hrs. to make sure I was ok, then let me go. I don't recall any discomfort the next day or days, so it was all good. Good luck, Joni