Liver Biopsy

[GGRR]

Hello,

I am scheduled to have a liver biopsy 10/10/14 and I'm totally terrified. Any advice? How bad is the pain? :/

Thanks!

[Jaycee]

Hi There, Please don't worry, there is no real pain involved, only the initial injection, it is a little uncomfortable while you are on your side but that's all, you will be fine, just follow the advice you will be given, enjoy your wee sleep afterwards, so don't worry, let us know how it goes, Best Regards Jaycee

[GGRR in reply to Jaycee]

Thank you for your kindness. I feel better going into this with your reassuring note.

[Alley27]

I had a liver biopsy 2 years ago and to be honest it was a little uncomfortable, but not unbearable. With me they went in at the front not the side. I felt the initial injection and when they took the biopsy I felt like a punch in the gut, but honestly it's not unbearable. I say whats a few minutes discomfort for knowing what is happening with your liver. I would have it done again If I had to so please don't worry too much xx

[GGRR in reply to Alley27]

Thanks so much. This helps.

[PBCRobert Partner]

I am wondering why a biopsy. What information do you seek and is biopsy the best way to obtain that information?

If you want to talk it through, give us a call.

[Anne123_45]

As the others said it's fine.. A little bit sore in the days after.. But just take pain killers and you'll be grand x

[Annac]

Hi I've had two biopsies one from front one from side. No pain whatsoever. just a dull sensation on both occasions. However the one from the side did leave me with an aching arm for a few hours which I had been warned about by my specialist - so do not be alarmed if that happens. Just remain calm and lay quietly afterwards, with a little nap, you will be fine.

[Godfrey1]

Hi GGRR, I had a biopsy about 6 weeks ago. Yes there was some discomfort after but it's really not that bad. Just relax, stay calm and it will all be over before you know it. You will have to lie on your side and keep still for a number of hours after but just take a good book and let the time pass. I was diagnosed with AIH through the biopsy so it was the right thing to do but at the time I questioned the need for it because of all the reports of how unpleasant it is. Good luck x

[June9961]

Hi, I wont lie to you, its not the most pleasant thing but just stay still, when they tell you, let them take the miniscule sample, you will hear a click, and you will be fine. You then have to lie flat on your back for a few hours and thats it. Simple really. You will be fine.

[Lucylongstockings]

Really try not to stress. I had a biopsy last Christmas. I was so worried, and it was fine. You feel the local going in like at the dentist, but it goes numb in seconds. When they take the biopsy you hear a loud click, but feel nothing but pushing in you abdomen. Apparently the liver doesn't have a good nerve supply, so it can't feel pain! The actually biopsy is over in a minute, it's just the ultrasound guidance but that takes time. I had pain in my abdo afterwards, it felt a bit like trapped wind. Due to bleeding within the liver which stretches the capsule around the liver... But a couple of paracetamol was fine. You ll need to take it easy for a day or two to let the liver heal. I felt a bit rough after....I think it was due to the stress of not sleeping the night before, and the emotional tiredness you get when you ve been worked up. I had myself convinced that I would have every complication going ....but none of that happened. had it done on a Thursday, had a duvet day Friday, pottered around a bit Saturday, felt better on Sunday, back to work Monday. It was still a bit sore Monday, I didn't like to stretch to far or pick something heavy up but it got noticeably better each day. By mid week it was fine. There was no scar, it's a tiny needle. Good luck x

[GGRR in reply to Lucylongstockings]

Thanks! I had it last week and it was just like most of you said. I was pretty scared as they were starting with a nice nurse holding my hand. lol The shot was the worst of it, especially when she said it was half way in, but not very painful. I did not feel anything at all after. I heard the click and was surprised when they said it was over.

[Gleision]

Hi, as everyone has said, uncomfortable but not unbearable. I have had a few biopsies, the nurses are lovely they check you BP every 15 mins, so you have a chat as well.

Please don't worry. I will be thinking of you. Xx

[GGRR in reply to Gleision]

Thanks so much! xx

[GGRR in reply to Gleision]

Thanks so much. I did it!

[Gleision in reply to GGRR]

I am so glad its over for you and you are smiling about it. Xx

[NotorDJP]

The anticipation of it was far worse than the test. I had mine in the front too and it was more of an " ohh". Than an " oww!" If you get my meaning. I was a little sore for a couple of days but i went back to work the next day. It really wasnt bad and I wouldnt be scared to have one again. I was more hung up on my results than the test

[GGRR in reply to NotorDJP]

Oh thanks! I'm so gald I joined this site because now I have a better understanding of this procedure. I've always enjoyed good health so this is all new for me.

[Hidden]

Have to say GGRR I've never had a biopsy and I was diagnosed with PBC Dec 2010 due to first of all presenting to my doctor with itching and fatigue (latter I no longer have, tired at times due to the itch yes). I had abnormal LFTs and it was taken from there. I had the AMA (antibodies) test at the start of November 2010 and from that with the symptons, abnormal LFTs and the 'high titre' of AMAs I got diagnosed.

In the UK it isn't the norm to have a biopsy if you can be diagnosed without the need for one. Sometimes something is questionable and it is recommended but it is entirely at your own discretion if you have had diagnosis. I know for a fact I'd not have had a biopsy after diagnosis as it wouldn't change the treatment nor do I want to know whatever stage I would be informed I am with PBC as not intersted to know at all. (I have doubts about a biopsy as the liver is a large organ and one area could be healthy, another showing signs of inflammation.)

Did you ask your doctor why the need for a biopsy if you have been diagnosed with PBC?

[GGRR]

Hi I was diagnosed with fatty liver a few years ago and now my liver enzymes are up and down. They are at 500 as of last week. Thanks for sharing your information.

[NotorDJP]

While its true that in the UK they don't usually do a biopsy, in the US its the gold standard of diagnosis. I am glad I had mine, despite the expense, so I know what stage I am. Some people don't care what stage they are in, and thats ok too. I'm one of those pesky people that has to know. I still think once you start on Urso though, all bets are off on staging. Some people will stay in one stage a long time and some will progress rapidly. But I'm sure that is more information than you already wanted! I'm sure that since you already have a liver condition they want to be sure what is going on.

[GGRR]

Thank you. I do want to know, although very apprehensive.

[pomice]

I did not experience any pain during the procedure, it was quick and really nothing.

[GGRR in reply to pomice]

Thanks!

[ranrace]

So I'm a huge wimp when it comes to premeditated stabbing of my skin. Blood draws, dentist, needles of any kind really. My doctor put me half under during the biopsy. The ride home I was in some pretty bad pain, and the following days after. The doctor asked why my ribs didn't feel right. Well I spent my life racing karts, cars, and ski racing. My ribs have been broken many times, so the pain was from them going past all the scare tissue. Three days and I was back to 100 percent.

All and all I spent a month worrying and 2 days a bit sore. All and all pretty easy!

[GGRR]

Good to know. Can you tell me how much time it takes for the needle to go in and out? Thanks!

[Karaliz in reply to GGRR]

Hi GGRR,

I've had 2 liver biopsies and I would describe the moment the needle goes in and out as instantaneous. It is a moment only while you are asked to hold your breath, needle in and out and breathe again.

It gets bad press but it's not too uncomfortable or painful.

Good luck from Down Under !

Karaliz

[GGRR in reply to Karaliz]

Hi Karaliz, big thanks! That gives me a better idea of what I had in mind.

[GGRR]

Good to know. Can you tell me how much time it takes for the needle to go in and out? Thanks!

[NotorDJP]

Its very very quick. The need snaps back and makes a clicking noise. That made me jump more than the stick. It was almost like getting a quick jolt of electricity.

[GGRR in reply to NotorDJP]

Cool! Thanks!

[witchiegirl]

It's perhaps worth some of you on this site remembering not everyone using this site will have a dx of straight PBC. I for one needed a biopsy - on two occasions - as a diagnosis could not be made on bloods and symptoms alone.

I found the actual biopsy okay. The clunk sound when the trocar goes in is weird, even when you know to expect it. I was bruised and a bit achy after, but not too bad. I was on bed rest for 6 hours and mostly slept, then they kept me in till next morning. I'm glad I took a sandwich in my bag as the hospital food was rubbish, and I was hungry after fasting. I had a book and an MP3 with me too. I hope it's okay for you too.

In the first biopsy I was given light sedation without asking. Next time was a different hospital and I had none. Definitely I was less aware the first time If you feel very worried maybe you can ask for it.

[teach_2_learn]

I had a biopsy in Jan 2014 which confirmed diagnosis of PBC. I was extremely nervous about procedure. I was upfront with nurse and doctor that I get anxiety. I remember being wheeled down to procedure room, the doctor asking me to raise my arm and nothing after that till I woke up about 2 hrs later. I was a tad sore when being driven home. Unfortunately I felt fine the next day and did not listen to the 24 hours of bed rest part, day 2 I was very sore and tired. I would recommend taking it easy the next day. Other than that no worries. They did give me something kind of like the dentist when they need to interact with you but you remember nothing.

[teach_2_learn]

I had a biopsy in Jan 2014 which confirmed diagnosis of PBC. I was extremely nervous about procedure. I was upfront with nurse and doctor that I get anxiety. I remember being wheeled down to procedure room, the doctor asking me to raise my arm and nothing after that till I woke up about 2 hrs later. I was a tad sore when being driven home. Unfortunately I felt fine the next day and did not listen to the 24 hours of bed rest part, day 2 I was very sore and tired. I would recommend taking it easy the next day. Other than that no worries.