going in for liver biopsy tomorrow

[Javi1962]

going for liver biopsy not sure what to expect, any feedback from those that have had this done will be appreciated.

[hcvJames]

I'm sorry it was aircap in 'nam. Bless him and you.

Still it holds, don't worry it's a piece of cake. This time tomorrow you'll be telling us so.

[hcvJames]

You manned up in Vietnam back in 72. It's hard to believe this will phase you, unless there are other conditions you aren't mentioning.

Three months ago was my biopsy. They rubbed on some local anesthesia in the area, hooked up an IV, with some goodie in it. I joked with the nurse about it better not hurt, they put some gizmo I didn't see, on my side. I presume, it was fairly large, contoured inverted saddle like, containing maybe a solenoid with a needle on the end. Snap, in and out in a split second. The nurse said, that's it. I responded, that was kinda disappointing. THEN fell asleep.

Like you I was anxious, but it's one of those things where the dread is far worse than the event.

[Bill1954]

Good stuff, Javi- let us know the outcome—

Bill

[Javi1962]

ok, liver biopsy went good, thank you for all your feedback, it was a ultrasound guided biopsy with a local anathesia, felt only a little pinch with the first needle then a little harder pinch when they were numbing the liver cavity area and it was over, whole process took a few minutes not much discomfort, I waited 3 hours after and now I feel fine, no pain, thank God:) they told me to wait until Monday for test results:) I will let you guys know how the results turn out, (staying positive)

Javi

[nygirl7]

It's really not nearly like you think it's going to be and you'll be surprised that it's just like everyone here says. I didn't believe it and like most almost had a breakdown thinking it would be painful!

It takes a few hours for them to get you set up (blood work, IV) at least for me...I hate waiting!  I was so nervous I was sure it would be dreadful!  Then you lay down and he takes the needle (hopefully you make sure it's ultrasound guided!) Click click click is all you will hear and then it's over. Lasts like two minutes then you lay around and watch tv for four hours just to make sure all is well. Then you go home and take it easy.

I had no pain during or after.

Come back and post after it's over.......it's fun to see people go you were right it was nothing to be nervous about!  :)

Good luck!

[terca]

Hi,I know of two ways they do byopsies.The first one they numb the area where they put the needle in to take a sample of your liver.You have to hold your breath while they do this.The other way they put you in what they call consious sedation.You are awake ,but in lala land.This way you don`t feel a thing,and it is actually enjoyable.This way is the best,ask your doctor to do it this way.Either way it is over before you know it.I hope you get good results.Take care

[Javi1962]

thanks for the feedback I am nervous as you can imagine almost want to back out but for my kids sake, i need to do this and man up as they say, I hope I get a good doctor to do this procedure, I am going to ask for demerol or whatever pain med they can give me before hand, I hope they don't fight me on this and give me the demerol before, this will defenitly help me deal with this and help with the anxiety before the procedure.
I will let everyone know my experience and let everyone know the good news I expect to have with results.

[skersj]

I was given some kind of meds so I don't remember the actual biopsy. I did have right shoulder referral pain afterwards.
I hope you are one that can say "no pain at all" too and that you find out you have no liver damage. Good luck!

[vik97]

I had a liver biopsy done a few weeks ago for the first time and it was not painful.  The hardest part for me was waiting for the doctor to arrive after I got to the operating room.  I didn't have to wait very long.  It just seemed long.  After the procedure, I sat in a recovery room for 3 or 4 hours and watched movies and ate sandwiches.  I was able to leave on my own without anyone having to pick me up because I was only given a local anesthetic during the procedure.  I got unexpected very good news from the biopsy.  I was diagnosed with cirrhosis 5 years ago based on MRI results which showed a cirrhotic morphology.  My biopsy result was: Grade 1, Stage 2 which means no cirrhosis. However, the level of fibrosis or inflammation may be slightly different from one part of the liver to another part so  I'm having a Fibroscan done in 2 weeks to corroborate the results.

Good luck and please let us know how your biopsy went and also the test result.

Vik

[Javi1962]

thank you for your feedback, i have read so much on this procedure and it varies so much from "i did not feel any pain at all" to "it was very painful" I am leaving it in the hands of God and hopefully I will be one of those that can say no pain at all:)

[aircap]

Not to scare you but "my" biopsy did hurt,but just when they pulled the needle out.I had it done at the V.A. hospital so that may explain why>I do not think the Dr> knew what he was doing.I now have 3rd stage cirrosis.I'm 56 and contracted this crap in Nam in 1972.I also have type 2 adult onset diabetes along with some other not so nice stuff.I give it all to God.You should to.You will be OK!I cannot lie that is why I told you my experience with the "slight pain"Hold your breath when he pulls the needle out!It helps,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ALOT! God Bless you Brother

[Javi1962]

thanks for your feedback, I like most people do not like pain:) I am suppose to check in at 8am and procedure will be done around 10:30am they told me that I would be at hospital for at least 3 to 4 hours afterward, the that sound right? all day event? my LFT is normal and my ultrasound looked good, my gastro doctor said he does not forsee any bad news from biopsy, I hope he is right, I am reading alot on these blogs that a normal LFT and good ultrasound does not mean you won't have cirrosis.

im staying positive:)

my viral load was 1.5milliion, this scares me:(

[jdwithhcv]

Its pretty much a non-event.  The procedure is not painful and they will give you an IV to relax you before they start.  It is over with quickly, then you have to lie down for an hour or so to make sure that you don't have any unusual bleeding.  When they send you home they will tell you to take it easy for the rest of the day, nothing strenuous, no lifting etc.  

For me (and most people I know) the biopsy is pretty routine and the uncomfortable part is waiting for the results.

Best of luck.  Let us know how it goes.

jd