I have previously posted details of the mystery surrounding the cause, of the of the non alcoholic cirrhosis, with which I have been diagnosed.
In September I had a fibroscan, which showed a marked deteriation, when compared with the previous taken 31/2 years ago.
My consultant conferred with other experts & has recommended I have biopsy. Has anyone reading this had this procedure. If so what result did it clarify, was there any ongoing after effects etc. Any any other input, which may help me to decide if this invasive step, is going to be worthwhile, would be most helpful. At present I am undecided as to whether or not to proceed, as not sure how dramatic a step this biopsy is, or if it will help in anyway, with a diagnosis / future treatment.
I still await the results of a recent ultra scan & blood tests, which may also help in making a decision
Written by
JimmyJackson
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Biopsy is a relatively straight forward and in most cases completely painless procedure. It enables doctors to look at your liver on a cellular level. If your liver has taken a massive step for the worse then the only way to find out what is causing your liver ill health is a biopsy. Without identifying the cause they will never be able to put appropriate treatment in place so the cause will still continue on attacking your liver - if identified they can prescribe appropriate meds or suggest other lifestyle changes, administer treatments to prolong the life of your liver. If this doesn't happen and your liver continues to deteriorate then you are possibly facing liver failure or if fortunate a liver transplant. In some cases even biopsy proves inconclusive and then it doesn't help much.
My hubby has had 2 biopsies - one via the conventional through the side route and one via transjugular. Neither caused him any anxiety of issue and he's always said he would rather have a 100 liver biopsies over a single endoscopy.
His tests confirmed the cellular changes of cirrhosis although proved inconclusive as to cause - which doctors eventually decided was a rare presentation of burned out auto-immune hepatitis. His diagnosis eventually being Auto Immune Cirrhosis.
If doctors say you have to have it then you really must go with their advice, it's the only way they can perhaps prevent your liver from eventual failure.
I had s liver biopsy 2 years ago , they went in the side and yes I too would rather have a biopsy than an endoscopy!! I was diagnosed with Nash and a little fibrosis all caused by meds from my drs. I would definitely go ahead with the biopsy. Take care. Lynne
Katie of the others in my ward two had biopsies. Not wishing to put off jimmy (because I think you must go ahead with tests proposed where sensible) both of them would say it hurt a lot - I saw the after effects when they came back to the ward 😐.
I agree with Lynne re endoscopies. I made the mistake of having my second one without sedatives. Never, never, again. (Although the first one I had without sedatives was fine - very odd)
Miles
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Hi Jimmy,
You may find the information we have on liver biopsies useful to read. It is part of our 'Liver disease tests explained' publication, here is the link, see pages 32-36
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