first liver biopsy tomorrow!

[Emdorhayzie]

Hi guys!

I have my first liver biopsy tomorrow and I'm terrified! Can anyone give me some advice?

thanks in advance

[nala1]

sorry I cant help tho have cirrhosis and varices have never had biopsy. Getting varices banded today which I really dread so just to let you know I'm thinking of you incase you don't get a reply before you go.

[dckimberly in reply to nala1]

Napa!

Good luck! I hope all goes well for you sweetie!

I'll be thinking about you!

Cheering you on,

xxxxx

Kimberly

[elenaki]

I had one in May. I stressed so much over nothing. It was such a simple procedure. No pain...no bleeding...no scars. The whole procedure took less than 10 minutes. I didn't feel the needle when they were numbing my liver and only felt a 3 second pain when i heard the sampling gun and could feel the needle pressing on my liver. Good luck and like i said dont stress about it.

[Az_lady in reply to elenaki]

What a comforting reply for all of us that might face a liver biopsy☺️ Thank you so much for the supportive comforting words!

[elenaki in reply to Az_lady]

I believe that waiting for the results is the worst part of the liver biopsy. I was so scared that my blood pressure dropped very low and they kept me in the recovery room for an hour so as to monitor my blood pressure. Once o was given a sandwich and oj i was fine. The procedute itself was really nothing at all. The dr saw how stressed i was and he kept me calm and made me laugh so much before the procedure that i actually forgot i was having it done. I also had a lady that was in the liver research dept escort me to the theatre where they did the procedure and she stayed with me the entire time and then showed me the biopsy liver piece that they removed that was really tiny. She even went and found my husband and showed him too and had a chat to him too. The staff at the hospital were amazing and went out of their way, to make me feel calm and safe.

[Waterman16]

Just try to relax about it, and remember it's a helpful test to have. It's a bit painful but shouldn't last for too long and it's worth it

[dckimberly]

Hi there!

Should be fine..they can go in two ways, through your neck or the belly, on the side, I think. Mine were through my neck.

The two I've had did not hurt. I mean, they use a local pin killer with a needle. I mostly felt pressure. At the beginning. Once they were in, I did not really feel anything. I've nearly fallen asleep a few times during them, lol.

But when they go to take a sample you will hear a loud click in your ear. The first time shocked me. It's loud, almost like a gun, but other folks says it's not that loud for them..I think it depends on the person.

I just had my second one a few weeks ago. I think it's took 30 to 45 minutes?

They will cover you and your face with a blue cover, but it has a hole in it for your face, so you can see what's going on. They will also keep you on the blood pressure machine through out. Then they use a plaster or bandaid and your done!

Oh, try not to wear anything metal or wire, they will ask you to take that off if you are having photos, which normally they do, I believe. They had to awkwardly remove my undergarment under the sheet the first time, as they did not realize I was wearing one with a wire.

Like I said, for me, they was pressure, a decent amount in the beginning but really, no pain.

Good luck!

And no worries.

I hope all the detail wil ease your mind so Excited! I know I personally like to be informed. Maybe someone else can explain what they do if they go in through your side?

OH and you will have to lay down for a number of hours afterwards. For me it was lay flat for either 4 or 6 hours.

I think when they go in your side you have to switch from one side to your back to your other side. Hopefully someone can let you know!

Cheering you on!

xxxxx

[allofatremor in reply to dckimberly]

dc, I think you are so helpful to all on here, you really put a great deal of effect into helping others. I think it's a lovely kind way to be, you come across as having a big big heart. God bless you for all your time and caring nature. Ps it's not my question you answered it's nala1 lol, just thought I'd give you a big hug for taking time to help when someone is worried like nala 1, keep up the good work xxxxxx

[dckimberly in reply to allofatremor]

Awwww, thanks allofatremor!

I think I'm just so blessed from all the help I get on here, I just try and give back..that karmic thing, you're u know?

Hugs you back!

Hope your day is wonderful!

xxxxxx

[Leachy]

Hi I have auto immune hepatitis and have had two live biopsies. I was terrified for the first one but honestly there is nothing to it. The worst part is where they numb your side as it feels like a bee sting other than that u don't actually feel the biopsy 😊 Then it's the boring part of laying still for a few hours. It can be abit painful afterwards but nothing a paracetamol can't handle. Hope this helps 👍🏻

[William55]

Hello. I had a Fibroscan done a few months ago, then saw Liver Consultant last month who said I have Fibrosis of the Liver and he was concerned because the Fibrosis is towards the higher end of the scale, he would like me to have a Ultrasound Scan of my Abdomen in the hope of getting a much clearer picture of my Liver, failing that I will have to have a Liver Biopsy. So, I had the Ultrasound Scan performed last week and now just waiting for a follow-up appointment to see the Liver Consultant. Don't know how long I will have to wait.

[Hidden]

Hi Emdorhayzie

I posted this earlier, a few days ago for someone who asked a similar question, so I hope you don't mind me cutting and pasting the same response.

You will be awake for the procedure and they will anaesthetise the area. I have had two done, one, where they went in through the right side and it was very quick and relatively pain free. The pain came afterwards because the area they went into is connected to a blood supply that goes into the shoulder and so I had referred pain because of that.

The second one they went in through the front. I didn't find it that painful; you are aware of a slight pinch when the sample is taken and I was done by someone who was being supervised (so I guess learning), which meant it took quite a while to complete. So if you are concerned, it might be wise to say you want an experienced practitioner. There was no pain afterwards and the whole thing was relatively pain free. I personally don't find them traumatising and just try to lie back and get on with it, as I think the more relaxed you are, the easier it is.

You will be left in a bed for a while (I can't remember how long) while they monitor your blood pressure etc and after that you....... Not really sure on this one since I was in hospital both times so staying in hospital anyway.

I personally don't worry about them and tend to look at them more from the point of view that they will get a better picture of what is happening and therefore clearer as to how to move forward with my treatment.

Try not to worry about it and I really hope it all goes well for you.

[bustabo]

hi do you have liver failure???. If not that's a good start i have severe liver failure still in my 30's.I have had a biopsy done and they are extremely unimposing and intrusive they are very good at what thy do and prob have done these so many times before. It may be a little uncomfortable for a few days but that is normal. it is actually done very quickly. are you terrified about the biopsy or what they might find ??... either way you will be fine and it will be over and done with in a blink of an eye . (Good Luck not that you need it,)

and Kind Regards Jackie

[Nhaamor51]

I had a liver biopsy about three years ago. Like you I was terrified of the procedure because your wide awake.

The nurse will bring you in ask questions then start an IV. Then they take you to a room with an ultrasound machine so they can visualize your liver before they numb you. Then they numb the outside area which can sting a little and then very quickly they stick you. I was really surprised at how pain free it was. About 10 mins after the procedure I began experiencing ruq abd pain. He had me laying on my right side to I think put pressure on the area to help decrease any bleeding to the area. When I got back to the recovery room they medicated me with some kind of pain medicine which took away most of the pain. Then they watch you for about 4 hours. They take an X-ray and draw blood for your hgb. Again to make sure you aren't bleeding around your liver. My doc wanted to keep me over night because I did bleed around the liver and that's why I had so much pain. But after the 4 hours was up I felt better so he said I could go home. Like someone else said I had some pain for a few days afterward but it was relieved with Tramadol. I was encouraged afterward when I got my biopsy results back and they found Sarcoidosis but no fatty liver disease which is what the radiologist said it was. Now three years later a fibroscan said I have stage 4 liver disease which totally surprised me and my doctor so on Wednesday I will be having a laporoscopy to get really good biopsies of my liver and see if they can find out a reason for my continued pain.

Kinda long winded sorry! All in all this test wasn't anymore painful then having an IV started.

[Hidden]

I had a liver biopsy 3 weeks ago and was worried myself. You won't feel any pain at all from the biopsy itself but some stinging from the local anesthetic. However you will feel slightly sore for the next few days, you will be given painkillers for that if needed. Just relax and try not to worry

[Jeaniep]

Hi there ☺🙆

I am having treatment tomorrow I'm having a E.R.C.P which I too am very worried and concerned about😯

So we can both be thinking of each other and be thankfull when it's all over, lets Both try and stay strong.

Please let me know how it goes.

😊🌹🌻🌼X

[wheresknott]

I had one about a year ago. I stressed about it for weeks thinking it would hurt and when I had it done I didn't feel any pain. Its really fast and easy. I was given a sedative and whatever other numbing thing they did, and I really felt no pain. The IV they put in my hand (a pinch) was the only thing I ever felt. I wish I didn't stress about it for weeks. Good luck and it will happen really quick. From Prep (which was most of the time) to finish was about 25 minutes and then I had to lay down and be monitored for about 4 hours. Good luck and don't stress about it.

[Emdorhayzie]

Thank you so much for all of your lovely help and advice!! Unfortunately for me it was really painful and still is! but that doesn't mean it is that way for everyone!. I hope everyone is well!

[RodeoJoe in reply to Emdorhayzie]

I didn't think I'd mention it before you had it done (had to bite my lip). I've had 4 of them, 3 normal and 1 trans-jugular(neck). The trans-jugular was fine, the others were agony, having to lay still while the push a needle in for the longest 15 minutes of my life was torture. I had one done without ultrasound once and they missed the liver, it was so painful that after I was shaking, sweating and threw up. I was told after transplant that I have a fairly high pain threshold because I didn't need too many pain killers.

[bantam12]

My biopsy was also agonisingly painful especially afterwards, I needed morphine because he nicked my diaphragm, needless to say I will not be having another !

Hope you feel better soon emdorhayzie.

[LAJ123]

Hello, I'm surprised that only one person mentioned sedation. I've had two one pre transplant which was external and another post transplant which was trans-jugular. Both times I was so nicely sedated I hardly noticed either procedure. If you're really worried. discuss sedation with whoever does the procedure.

[Elisin]

Hello there,

I have had a liver biopsy last year and it was OK slightly painful but bearable i would say.! Some people say that it is not painful at all but this was not the case for me, so it all depends on your pain threshold, which for me is low.

I would say prepare yourself to take it easy for a few days after the biopsy and do not plan to go back to work for about 5-6 days.

I wish you the best of luck and most of all the best outcome on the biopsy.

My thoughts are with you. xxx

[Alicja_mb]

I had one after my transplant and I was freaking out about it, I hate needles and IVs. It wasn't too bad as the local anesthetic numbs it and is probably the worst bit, just a loud click and my partner came in to distract me, as I didn't want to look at the needle, the lady doing the procedure demonstrated the noise so I wasn't so surprised and I think they went in between the ribs using an ultrasound. I should of been less afraid really considering everything I'd already endured. Good luck. Xx

[Catfishjumpin]

Mine was awful, I almost bled to death. My liver contracted like I was in childbirth for 2 hours. There was nothing they could do so I became as quiet and still as possible, eventually it stopped bleeding but theykept me in Intensive Care for 48 hours. I was only able to endure the contractions quietly because I had two natural childbirthsand was taught to breathe with contractions. Its very rare how badly mine went.

[Barf]

I hope you went on ok. I had to have a liver biopsy recently and was really worried as my Dad had a couple years ago and said they were ‘bloody agony’.

I have a problem with adhesions, they have caused a number of small bowel obstructions which I’ve needed surgery for, surgery led to MRSA in 2004 which nearly killed me. I ended up with an open wound from my breast bone to my bikini line, on a ventilator in ICU, isolated and barrier nurses. I have had chronic pain since but recently I have had some worrying symptoms. Jaundice, frantic itching all over and a deep ache under my bottom rib right through to my back.

At first I thought they were just adhesions pain spreading.

I’m not judging but I made a choice as a youngster never to drink alcohol as my Dad and a couple of his Brothers were alcoholic, and my Dad was an absent Father. When he was present and sober, he was lovely. Present and drunk (most often) he was a nasty, hostile, cruel and aggressive and in his latter years suffered greatly with symptoms due to his alcoholism. First ulcers, perforated ulcers, seizures, varicees, bleeding varicees, broken hips, arms, skull due to drunken falls, and although he didn’t deserve my care or concern, I always did my best to visit him, in hospital, care for him at home and financially. Even though he never visited me when I was dying. I digress.

I see my GP with these symptoms and he sends me for a scan then to a hepatologist and trouble begins. It’s the same doctor who tried to treat my Dad. He asks me how much I drink and how long I’ve been drinking. I say ‘I never have, alcoholism runs in my family, as you know Doctor’ he actually smirks at me! Says ‘I don’t believe you’ I say ‘Ask my GP then, I’ve been at the practice since I was 2. He personally has known me since I was 14 and believes me’ this liver doctor didn’t and really annoyed me. I said ‘how can I prove a negative to you? Don’t you have alcohol monitors for the wrist or ankle like you see on US documentaries’ he said ‘no, even if we did, people like you and your Dad would take them off’ anyway, I had this biopsy, liver was fine, showed I had not drank and he apologised. I was tempted but wasn’t smug, just advised him we are not all the same.

Not everyone lies.

Turns out I have a problem with my bile duct and may have cancer of the ampullae. Now he is all fluffy and kind with me. I feel sorry for anyone who is alcoholic. Meanwhile, I await further tests.