bx

how often can we get a bx? iam curious just in case my dr wants one after i go Nov 11th.. I had one over a year now .. just curious

[Trinity4]

What is your current liver health now?  What Stage and Grade were you given from your last biopsy which you stated was over a year ago.

[Trinity4]

The interval of 3 years may be inadequate to measure disease progression. This progression seems to accelerate in later stages which is why I asked what stage you were at. I've heard some say biopsy every 2 years if the liver shows advanced stages of disease.  The longer you have the disease, the more fibrosis develops and once we reach a certain age liver disease starts advancing more quickly.  It can take many many years to reach stage 3 but after that it starts to accelerate and you can go from stage 3 to stage 4 between 3-5 years.  Age also plays a role in how quickly the damage can advance.
Trinity

[fretboard]

Here's an example, I'm old and I think I'm rotting rather quickly. lol  I had my first in 2003, my second in 2005 and my last 10/08, I'll be 55 this month and for this Boceprevir trial I'm starting they required that your bx not be older than 18 months.  Trinity is right on spot.  


fret    

[FlGuy]

Too many biopsies and the meds will just leak out of all the holes.

[FlGuy]

If he recommends a biopsy, ask him what information that he expects to gain and what he would do with such information. For example; what would his recommendation be at for each stage 1, 2, 3.  

If I remember from your prior posts, you were stage 2

[sfwandwow]

iam stage 2 grade 2 stage alittle over ayear ago..

[charm27]

If you just had biopsy last year I dont see any reason for it.
If you will be txing again in a year  or two then I would say yes.

Otherwise my opinion only- there is no point.

See what your hepatologist says........

[helpnikki]

Is there a change in the stage after treatment? I would assume the grade would be the same as that is damage.... Has anyone had a biopsy after? I am scheduled for one but not sure if I neeeed to do it.