Liver biopsy

[GrandmaDylan]

I got a phone call this morning from the radiology department telling me that I'm booked in for my liver biopsy next Monday 17th December. I can't eat after midnight (may be I'll turn into a gremlin). Sips of water till 6am, go on the ward at 9am, have liver biopsy at 11.30 then lie flat till 4.30. Sounds like a fun filled day 😊😵 . I was surprised to get the appointment so quickly

I only saw the hepatologist on Thursday. Mind you after all the delay in getting the right blood tests and seeing the relevant consultant it's still taken 10 months to get here. Deb

[Hidden]

Hope this wotks this time. Wrote a reply minutes ago and then system froze then it got rid of my post with a message you don’t have the authority to take that action! They ARE after me - BRETT WHERE ARE YOU.

Anyway back to reality...

Way to go Debs. Whatever that means. It’s like waiting hours for a bus then two come along at once. No. Wait. It’s nothing like that.

Does sound a Fun Day. Bet you can’t sleep in anticipation Debs! No. Wait. That’s normal. Bet you can sleep in anticipation.

Ah well. Good luck Debs, go for it. No. Wait. Wait. Oh that’s right - Waiting’s finished. It’s a bit like waiting for a bus for 10 months and then....No. Wait....

Miles

[GrandmaDylan in reply to Hidden]

You're crazy Miles but I'm glad you're back. I've missed you're madness. So far three nights with NO sleep whatsoever. Don't they say that if you're deprived of sleep you go mad 😵😵😵

[Hidden in reply to GrandmaDylan]

Indeed. No. Wait. Oh...

[Hidden]

Hi

I hope you go on ok with your biopsy.

I've got s colonoscopy on Saturday 😣hate the stuff the night before, it makes me feel really sick🤢. consultant didn't say I needed one so I phoned up, it's cos my bowel habits have changed, at least he's on the ball. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi

No sleep is awful, as you can see, I'm typing away at nearly 4:00 am , it does drive you crazy 😵 love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hey up Lynno

Does a colonoscopy hurt? I think they’re lining me up for one. Had to go to hospital in an ambulance last Wednesday 4am. This was the first time I’ve been in an ambulance and can actually remember it. 😁.

Miles

[Coralsun in reply to Hidden]

Hi there. I had one nearly 2 years ago. It wasn't brilliant but they said after that mine was more difficult cos there was a lot going on inside and they took lots of biopsies. A few months ago my daughter had one and really wasn't bothered by it and on the go fairly quickly. To anyone who has had problems with the prep I think there is another option available. A lady told she couldn't stomach the one I had and the second time was given something different. Sorry can't member the names of it now. Take the sedative if you can as it will help alot with any anxiety. Most people I know who've had it say it was not bad at all. It doesn't take too long and if you're lucky you might have a nice time on the sedative lol. Good luck.

Coralsun

[Hidden in reply to Coralsun]

Thanks Coral.! I will definitely have anything offered these days having had a wonderful experience- NOT - with a sedative free endoscopy 😪

Miles

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Miles,

I had my first one in June of this year. Tried for one a few years ago and could not keep down the prep liquids. This year I did a different prep- less liquid, more laxatives and it worked. No pain to the actual procedure and, at least for me, I got to watch it.

Best wishes,

Mary

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Mary

Thanks for that - I think I should be OK with the prep (actually I haven’t a clue 😁) it’s the camera bit that I get all in a tizz about😪. Watch it!!! Aaaghhh 😁

Miles

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh Mary

I forgot - Hello Minnesota 😁- brr bet it’s cold -2/3?

Miles

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi MIles,

Actually we are finally going to go up closer to "average" and be in the low 30's thru the week end - maybe LOL.

I thought the camera part was fun to watch, if I remember correctly they give you a relaxer to ease you and the only thing I remember feeling is a little pressure at the very beginning

Mary

[GrandmaDylan in reply to Hidden]

The first time I had to take the bowel prep....I call it the drain cleaner😟 I was retching with every mouthful I made such a saga of ir. The 2nd time I just chugged it down. It was still horrible but I just tried not to think about it. Good luck on Saturday. When I had it done on a Saturday I had a gastroscopy at the same time. I came home soon after, had something to eat then went shopping. Xx Deb

[Hidden in reply to GrandmaDylan]

Chugged it down

So delicately put Debs 😁😁

[Identity75]

Take a good book. It’s a long wait after.

All the best

[GrandmaDylan in reply to Identity75]

My son is going to download a couple of audio books for me. I have always been an avid reader. No matter how late I went to bed I would have to read but for the last couple of weeks I've not been able to concentrate on reading. I think it's because I'm so preoccupied with what's going on with my health.

[Hidden in reply to GrandmaDylan]

Hey Debs!

I haven’t been able to read a book for about a year and still can’t.... and I used to like reading! Still 2/3 way through a book I started about 13 months ago. I blame HE ☹️. Audio books - good idea I might try....

Get to bed Debs!! 😁

Miles

[ENuk]

The lying afterwards is the tricky part! I couldn't sleep with monitors & lights and you may have to lie completely flat which makes reading difficult.

A few days after I felt a little sore but nothing too much so hopefully you are all good for Christmas.

[Hidden in reply to ENuk]

Hi

When I last had one I found it wasn't too nice when they pumped air into me. I always have sedation and I can also have gas and air as well now. The stuff I've got to take the day before isn't too nice but I now put orange and ice in it and just down it!!! I am worried cos I'm so tender everywhere, feels like I'm bruised inside. Take care Lynne

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes - take care Lynne! (Joke - I have remembered I have to say “joke” when I’m trying to be a clever dick cos some people...No. Wait. Most people...don’t have my SOH 😁)

Thanks for advice Lynne, hmm orange juice - everone has now got me worried about the prep never ming the poking camera 😁. I’ll deffo have the orange juice!

Milex

[Hidden in reply to ENuk]

Thing is EN - did they believe your lies?

And can we believe what you say!?

Only jesting 😁

Thanks EN

🇧🇧

[Hidden]

Hey GrandmaDylan. My side is feeling prickled just thinking about it. I think I missed a post somewhere in the middle. I know you finally got to the bottom of your illness being due to Autoimmune Hepatitis. That was the last one I saw. Is the biopsy just to confirm if it's gotten to cirrhosis or not? Or to confirm the diagnosis of the autoimmune? Either or your a tough cookie. We will all be awaiting for your post to let us know your alright Monday! Try not to stress to much if at all possible.

[GrandmaDylan in reply to Hidden]

Hi Phoenix. I saw the hepatologist last Thursday who said it could be due to AIH or NASH but because I have had a previous autoimmune condition and I am covered from the waist up with spider naevie it is pointing more towards AIH...apparently you generally don't get spider naevie with nash. The liver biopsy is just to confirm the diagnosis. I know that my liver is cirrhotic and I have an enlarged spleen with varices and portal hypertension. I also have esophageal varices. So pretty much the full house. 😵 Thanks for your kind words. My grandson age 3 just asked me if I was Mrs Tickle but I just said I'm mrs cryalot. Deb

[Hidden in reply to GrandmaDylan]

Awww 😪

[Hidden]

Yes I remember reading that spider naevie is most common in autoimmune and alcoholic cirrhosis more than any other type. Though I am of course not happy you have this I am happy that at least they are finally giving a diagnosis as you've been struggling to get one out of them for quite sometime. I hope they will get you on any and all treatment to reduce the complications your getting from this.

- much love always

[Hidden]

Hi Deb,

Wishing you the very best and a speedy and uncomplicated recovery!

Mary

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I’ll sign that Mary.

Go Debs go!

Miles

[GrandmaDylan]

Thanks again all for your lovely comments. I honestly would be lost without this forum. Deb x

[Hidden]

Hope your recovery goes well and quickly. Please take care . Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Radnor]

Its wonderful that you are now getting the proper medical attention that you did not get for all that time. All good wishes to you that its trouble free and that you will finally get answers. Not knowing causes serious stress, your a strong woman and once you know everything you can relieve some stress and hopefully work towards improving your health Hazelx

[GrandmaDylan in reply to Radnor]

Thanks so much Hazel. If I could at least sleep I know I'd feel less weepy. American democrat suggested checking my ferretin and as luck would have it I'm going for bloods tomorrow so I'll ask them to do a full blood panel. I've started on beta blockers today as varices were seen last week. They say"may cause drowsiness" so I'm hoping the drowsiness comes when I'm in bed 😂 Deb

[Radnor]

I have ME so sleep isnt a problem, keeping awake is the tough one.My previous GP did a lot of research into my condition. Told me to save my money too, he said there are numerous so called treatments but they prey on people and there is no scientific evidence.. He prescribed amitriptiline for me. I knew it was an ante depressant but he explained that it is also prescribed as a muscle relaxant it aids falling asleep. I can tolerate 75mg a night but know people with ME and Fibro and some are knocked out on 10 mg. I also have a buprenorphine patch . Its good at reducing my chronic pain. My body seems to accept some meds easily, but biologics and methotrexate are out. We are all the same but we are all unique. Getting the correct meds is a major part of us having quality of life, finding the right ones is the challenge. Most people find a warm soak in the bath relaxes them - I get out and PING, I come to life lol. Being weepy is a sign of feeling helpless. Now your being properly investigated fingers crossed you will find the right combination that suits you x

[GrandmaDylan]

I've been on amitriptyline for about 25 years but the dry mouth has always been an issue for me. I've started taking it again. I don't have a bath, I couldn't kneel down to get in and out! Deb