First biopsy tomorrow....

[falamanala]

Well, after lots and lots of blood tests and a couple of consultant appointments, they have now called me in for a liver biopsy. Appointment came through very quickly (got the phone call Tuesday and am in on Friday). I have to confess I'm a bit nervous - especially as the nurse tells me its just a local anaesthetic (I was hoping for something to knock me out so I wouldnt remember a thing!). They tell me the results will be a while coming (possibly a couple of months before I hear) but at least it should confirm what is going on in there.

I'll let you know how it goes....

[AyrshireK]

Good luck falamanala, my hubby had a liver biopsy last year and he said he'd rather go through a hundred of those rather than one endoscopy. He felt nothing and had no discomfort after either. He had to lie still for about 4 hours afterwards and had his blood pressure etc. recorded every 1/2 hour just to check there was no bleeding.

Best wishes with it, we also waited about 8 weeks for results but it was probably (as we've since found out) because the sample taken was too small and he's probably going to have it repeated shortly to check whether his AIH is ongoing or has happened in the past but ceased now.

All the best,

Katie

[findasolution]

Hello falamanala,

Best to try and not be too fearful of the biopsy. My own experience was that the local anaesthetic was quite effective and not much worse than a pin prick could be felt when the technician inserted whatever it is they insert to draw the tiny piece of the liver for the analysis.

I have blood drawn from my arms on numerous occasions and that has sometimes been far worse particular if the plebotomist is a bit heavy handed. and thrusts the needle into the arm like a spear.

At least when you are conscious you know what is going on and can also probably control the laying still on your right hand side during the few hours afterwards better than perhaps you might if you were asleep and started flaying the arms around.

That is of course just my personal view.

Good luck and hope it all goes well

[Tatjana]

Hi Falamanala

Everyone is right a liver biopsy is far more comfortable than an endoscopy. I had a biopsy through the jugular vein in my neck. I don't remember any pain.

The good news is that they have told you that you will have to wait some weeks for the results to come through. No news in good news!

Good luck and best wishes.

[Nix105]

Hi, I've had liver biopsy both through my side and via jugular vein. The one through my side didn't hurt at all, the local anaesthetic was very effective and it honestly did not hurt - and I am a big baby with needles!! I had some discomfort via the jugular and would always opt for one via my side under a local.

I did get residual pain in my right shoulder (a bit like frozen shoulder if you've ever had it) afterwards. I was told it is not uncommon to have pain in your right shoulder as there is a nerve connection from the liver to the shoulder. The nurse gave me pain killers and it was gone after a few hours.

Make sure you empty your bladder before the biopsy as you have to remain horizontal after for 4 hours and you can only use a bedpan!!!

Good luck

[gamesmaker]

Good luck falamanala. I read this a little late and by now the biopsy should be over. Let us know how you get on.

[falamanala]

Thank you all for your comments and good wishes. The biopsy went well. As you say very little pain (even the bit there was, was more just discomfort). The nurse & the doctor were both really lovely and I only had to lie around for 2 hours afterwards so not too bad.

I'm home now and been told to take it easy for the next 24 hours so I guess I can spend tomorrow sitting in the garden in the sunshine watching the world go by, rather than the normal Saturday routines!

Now just the wait for the results, but I'm sure if its anything urgent they will contact me.

Thanks again all. The encouragement was very much needed.

[Freckleface]

Saw the consultant for first time yesterday. He suspects either fatty liver or AIH.He is arranging a biopsy in the next fortnight so I was glad to read about everyone's experience as I didn't know what to expect and feel more informed and optimistic.now although was shocked that I won't know the results for so long. Why is that does anyone know? Thanks to you all.

[falamanala in reply to Freckleface]

Hi freckleface. According to the nurse today the results will be back from the lab in about a week. It was my gastro consultant that said it could be a couple of months before I hear so u guess it has more to do with their workload. If it's urgent then I'm sure they'll be in touch sooner. Otherwise I'm taking it as no news is good news! Good luck with yours, you will be fine.

[gamesmaker in reply to falamanala]

Hi. Yes results take about a week to come through. It sounds more as if the out-patient appointment scheduling is where the delay is! Good luck

[Coastman]

I've just had a liver biopsy with three samples taken. It's painless!

First there is a local anaesthetic - about the same pain as the little prick when blood taken from an arm.

The next stage is ultrasound guided, so you can be sure that samples are only taken from the liver.

Then the thin sampling needle(s). There is no pain at all, but you can feel pressure as its pushed to where its needed.

Afterwards, there is just a small puncture hole. In my case, little more blood on the dressing than as for a blood test.

Afterwards, 30 minute observation for blood pressure, pulse, temperature for a couple of hours.

I'm a decent weight.