This site is simply amazing and thanks to everyone for their posts. I am having a lot of anxiety regarding having a transjugular liver biopsy. I went to a hematologist in December who felt it was not my liver after talking to a med student that examined me. I shared the following symptoms: palpitations, chest pain/discomfort, especially when I take a deep breath, neuropathy increasing in hands and feet, pain under ribs, spasms-cannot lie on sides, head and neck pressure-feel like something drops pressure wise in my head, nausea, lightheaded, heartburn, umbilical hernia, dry eyes, vision fluctuates, and itching. The doctor did not examine me. He was the same doc that diagnosed me with fatty liver in 2019. I asked about a fibrascan which was performed on that day. My score was a 4. He said I needed a biopsy and left. I am getting a second opinion on Monday. The biopsy is scheduled for Wednesday. I am seeking info regarding if other procedures/tests could be performed first such as a MRE. I am frustrated that he did not talk with me about the plan of care. I was hoping others could share about their transjugular biopsy to help with my anxiety. Lots of tears as I do not feel well. I truly appreciate all of you and hope you all find wellness on your journey. I posted in detail about the experience in an earlier post. Thanks again!
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My hubby has had two liver biopsy's - one was through his side and one was via transjugular. Transjugular was used on the 2nd occasion because it was the safer option when he had low platelets and clotting issues - also, it has less risk of bleeding & tends to be more accurate as it's ultrasound guided. It is a quick and relatively pain free procedure and gets the samples more accurately than through the side.
Hubby remembers they numbed the neck with a little local anaesthetic. He recalls the teeniest bit of mild discomfort when they inserted the needle and when they took it out but this was all he felt. He says there was a slight pulling sensation when they retrieved the samples and that was it. He never felt any pain in his liver either during or after. I have heard of people getting a little referred shoulder pain but hubby never had that during or after his biopsy.
In common with a biopsy through the side he then had to lie still for a few hours afterwards and receive regular monitoring just to check there was no bleeding. So, be prepared for that. Make sure you use the loo prior to the procedure because it's very awkward to use a bed pan whilst not moving also take something with you to fill the time whilst you are prone. A book, music or something to just pass the time.
You'll be fine and hopefully results will reveal what you are dealing with and then you can take next steps.
Katie, thank you for your reply. It is greatly appreciated. I have had another rough night with abdominal pain and feel like something is dropping in my head. I almost went to ER. I wonder about an MRI or MRE. I feel like they need to look at other organs too, pancreas, spleen. kidneys, and liver. They are basing the biopsy on one test, fibrascan. You have helped ease my anxiety. I hope your husband is doing well. Thank you again for your time and info. Just scared. I am going this alone. I feel I am going downhill quickly.
Hi, I've had 2 liver biopsy 1 through my side and a trans jugular, there really is nothing to it just have to lay still whilst they do it I honestly didn't feel much and then bed rest for 12 hours. Talk through any fears you have with your doctor they can possibly give you sedation or meds to relax you.Good luck
Alright Hilary, so they just do a little incision. I'm back at the hospital tomorrow and if the bloods aren't right the consultant says I may have to have a biopsy (they have said that for the last 4 weeks). I thought that I would have to be opened up again..... also, were you home the same day because I was told to bring some clothes. Thanks Hilary
Whichever type you have you have to have complete bed rest mine was for 12 hours so you can be monitored for blood loss, so it depends on when you have it done as to whether you stay overnight. Very, very tiny incision through your side as its only a needle goes in, when I had trans jugular I had a plaster on my neck but nothing to see when I took it of next day.Hilary
Not entirely sure but the consultant did say that they would only take a tiny bit of the liver for testing. It was the spare clothes that through me.I had visions of a 3rd scar across my tummy. I have a few incision scar's on the right from the ascites drains (16) and the tubes inserted.
Thank you for your reply. Greatly appreciated. I got a second opinion today. Suggested an EGD and go ahead with biopsy on Wed. May have to move it because they never got it precerted with insurance. Ugh.
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