On a scale of 1-10. how painful is a liver ... - PBC Foundation
On a scale of 1-10. how painful is a liver biopsy? 10 being the high number. Thanks for any feedback.
Mine was ok - 3. Local is not pleasant and sharp pain in shoulder for max 20 secs when biopsy was taken. Had some painful procedures in my time and this certainly didnt rate very highly for me.
Thank you for your reply. I hope this is not as bad as I fear.
Mine was as if been kicked in the stomach so around 8.
My doctor told me that 50% of his patients say they feel as though someone punched them in the gut, & the other 50% say it was not so bad. Mine is scheuled Jan.8, 2013.
I'm very interested in this question since I'm having one any time now - I had an MRI recently and that totally freaked me out and I had to be LET OUT before it was finished but then I am a total baby !!!!
In addtion to PBC, I also have MS, so I must have an MRI every year. They prescribe lorazapm, 1mg. I take 3 & am not aware of what is happening, nor do I remember much about it. That is the way to go for me, since I am very claustrophobic. So next time, ask your Dr. to prescribe something for you. 
Mine was about a 4. The actual biopsy wasn't bad and was over quickly. But, I had referred pain in my back (right shoulder area) and nausea afterwards. That doesn't happen to everyone though and they can give you pain meds. for it if it does happen. I was trying not to take them and should have just given in and asked for them sooner....rather than lay there in pain. So, while it wasn't a fun experience, it also wasn't as bad as I expected it to be either. You will get through it just fine and if you have pain afterwards, I suggest asking for the meds. early!
I have my biopsy Jan.8, 2013. Although I am very frightened, responses like yours do make me feel much better. Thank you very much.
I'll be thinking of you on the 8th, mine should be feb some time
Hi WendyMarie and Nannan,
Thought I would share my experiences with you both. I have had lots of procedures for gynaecological problems after having four children and thought I would be fine with my first biopsy as they explained that it is only the sac surrounding the liver that has nerves in. Therefore the pain would be quickly over with. Like you both I was extremely nervous and was dismayed to have a trainee doctor. The instrument used punches forcefully into the liver and although pain was a 7 for a matter of only about two seconds, the sound and the punching was really scary to me and he did the procedure 3 times - I think the normal procedures are done twice. I was crying like a baby when I came out. Bear with me as the story improves...
When the results came back I was gutted to find that they were inconclusive as the trainee didn't get enough liver! To be honest I probably put the poor boy off!! Anyway my consultant was wonderful about it and told me it would have to be done again and that he would make sure I got the boss of the department and that I would have a sedative. Although I was convinced that the sedative hadn't worked because I didn't feel light headed or sleepy at all I would class pain as a zero - I honestly didn't feel a thing.
Moral of my story - trainee doctors are bad if you are nervous and sedatives are good!!
I hope I have helped - I think it is really important for those feeling nervous to have the sedative and if it's not offered demand it!! Being told your liver is damaged is hard enough to deal with, and therefore nerves are bound to be a factor.
Good luck for the 8th and do let us know how you get on.
Sam x
i had a biopsy and although it was unpleasant i didn't find it painful, the most painful part was the local anaesthetic, which as you can imagine was just a painful injection, it is over fairly quickly, i think the dread and worry about having it done are the worse, but on a scale of 1 - 10 i would give it a 4, good luck with it and i hope you keep well xx
Thank you for your response. I hope I get along as well as you did. I will have it done Jan.8, 2013.
Hi WendyMarie and nannan,
A liver biopsy is nothing to be scared of or worried about. Personally it wasn't the most comfortable of procedures I have ever experienced but it wouldn't put me off having another.
Procedure took about 15 mins from begining to end. Laying down on back with right arm raised up and resting on pillow above head, not a very natural position - actually having my arm raised was the most uncomfortable part of the procedure, I suffer with painful shoulders anyway, so as the time went on my shoulder began to cramp and lock and when my arm was lowered the pain was excrutiating and lasted for about an hour or so after but was given pain killers to cope - so that pain I would rate as a 9/10.
Local anaesthetic injected into skin on righthand side between ribs to let biopsy needle through and more local anaesthetic injected deeper inside I presume into liver - I can honestly say I did not feel any discomfort from the injecting or insertion of the biopsy needle and could rate this as a 1 if anything at all.
Biopsy - you have to breath in and hold breath for a few seconds while biopsy taken - I experienced a sharp pain (which only lasted a second or two) shoot across the liver area into my stomach which caused me to jump, the Dr could not understand why I would have felt this pain and injected more anaesthetic, but exactly the same thing happened the 2nd time - so I would rate the shooting pain a 5 but it was over so quickly. I am not suggesting that the pain I felt is the norm as others have stated they have not felt any pain at all during the biopsy but I can only comment on my own personal experience.
You have to remain lying down for around 4 hours after to prevent bleeding from the biopsy site and your blood pressure and temperature are frequently checked.
Other than the aching shoulder and a small bruise where the needle had gone in I had no other problems.
So please do not worry unecessarily because its really not that bad.
Good luck and a happy new year
Thanks so much, mumofthree for your detailed description of your experience. It helps a lot to read it and know what it will be like.
Hi Firefly
Try not to worry too much, the procedure is not that bad...as I mentioned before the most pain I experienced was in my shoulder because of having to keep my arm raised.
Having already experienced one biopsy if I needed another one done and was offered a sedative I wouldn't bother with the sedative. But only you know what you can cope with so if a sedative is an option and you think you need it....then go for it.
Why the four hours after? I would have gone bonkers, can not lie still that long.
Why 4 hours? I would go crazy trying to stay in bed that long.
Thank you for your candid description. That is what I wanted...someone to be absolutely honest. It sounds like I can take it OK, however, I am still scared. LOL....but more worried about results, I guess. I will be glad when its over.
You are bound to feel anxcious its only natural because its something you have never experienced before and as with every thing else its fear of the unknown.
I did not know what to expect when I went for mine and was terrified...I wish I had found this site earlier because its been an absolute god send for me, everyone is so helpful and willing to share their experiences.....
I hope I have not added to your fear by being so honest and open about my experience because it was not my intention.....I would rather someone be totally honest with me than pretend it is better or worse than it actually is.....
Good luck and best wishes for the 8th Jan.
Not @ all.....you have made me feel better, by being honest & I truly appreciate that.
After reading mumofthree's account of her biopsy, I'm thinking I would ask my doc for a mild sedative or at least a med to calm me down and reduce my anxiety going into a liver biopsy. I sometimes need help for tolerating dental procedures. I'm wondering if that is allowable?
They already told me I would be given a "mild" sedative in an IV....I just wonder how well it works...I wish I could be put into a "twilight" sleep, like they do for so many procedures, but I was told you must remain awake, to be coherrent enought to hold your breath or take deep breaths when asked to.
I had mine done in twilight sleep like endoscopy or colonoscopy no problem no pain no memory. Best way possible to have it done.
I had two biopsies. The first one while I was on my left side, I would rate it 6. But soon after biopsy I had shooting pain in my right shoulder which went away after medicine in one hour.
Second biopsy while I was lying on my back, I would rate 4. Only the aneasthesia injection hurts and then it's a feeling like someone is punching you there but it's not painful.
good luck and be brave.
I would say 6 just the needle part it's self but the rest is easy....
I appreciate your reply. My biopsy is Jan.8, 2013. I pray it's not as bad as I am expecting.
You will be fine. I was really scared to I just keep thinking of the positive side to it. And said to my self I need to do it for my son. Good luck hope you get through it x
Thanks so much
Good luck. The anticipation is worse than the procedure. I would say a 1-2, as things go it's not really painful at all, more uncomfortable and tedious. I am absolutely sure you have been through much worse.
Hi, I didn't have any pain at all with my liver biopsy, the worst bit for me was haveing to wait over 4 hours before they would give me anything to eat, I did not feel and pain whatsoever I just lay there chatting to the nurse and heard a click and it was done.
Thank you for your reply Linda. I was laying in bed this morning, imagining how it will feel, when that needle pushed through the cartiladge between the ribs & its seems it would be horrible, but you have made me feel much better about this,
Well i would go for another one no problem, you don't really feel them going though the ribs, you are aware that they are doing it but thats just because you know they are.
The apprehension was worse than the biopsy as was the aftermath in which I worried about bleeding. For a few days I felt as if I had been kicked by a mule. Am now awaiting another biopsy-after a period of many years- to confirm AIH. It does not take long!
Thank you for your reply. I do pray my apprehension is worse than the reality/
Ask if you can have a fibroscan instead, its a new procedure as far as I know. I had it earlier this year and it only takes a few mins plus you get instant results with no pain.
Thanks for your response, however, I googled it & found that is not approved in the United States yet. 
That figures....everything has to go through so much red tape here, before it is approved.
That's a shame as it is so easy and pain free. Hope the biopsy goes well on the 8th and you don't have a lot of pain.
Thank you K219.
They have one in NYC but I would like to find one in NY State.
Where can I find a Fibroscan in NY state? szukidavis@aol.com/ Thanks.
I had one in October and the worse bit was the pain in the shoulder and the 6hours of complete bed rest! I would say on a scale of 3! It was amazing, after what I was expecting! It was over within 10mins, and the dr even showed me the bit of liver he had taken! As I said I found the shoulder pain was the worst, so don't be afraid to have a painkiller because I realise that I would have been better if I had accepted instead of laying there in pain!
Thanks, I will NOT be shy to ask about a pain killer!
As others have said the anticipation is worse than the procedure. I felt only discomfort (no pain) when I had my byopsy. The worse part of the procedure was being told to try not to move for 4hrs. after.
Allotment
I am going to ask for a sedative, in addition to a pain killer afterwards, so I can sleep those 4 hours, otherwise that would be difficult for me to do. Thanks for your reply.
Hi They don't seem keen to give sedatives in the UK but like you I might ask for one although my consultant knows what a baby I am but didn't suggest anything just patted my knee and said I would be ok ha ha
They told me I can take a lorazapam.
Hi WendyMarie,
My biopsy was about a 2. The worst part was when they put the IV in my arm to give me the sedative (I was surprised to read that they usually don't give sedatives for liver biopsies in the UK). Because of the sedatives, I don't really remember the procedure, but after there was some pain in my shoulder, and a little pain where they put the biopsy needle. They offered me pain killers, but I didn't need them, and by the time they let me go home I was fine (other than still being a little groggy- I spent the rest of the day just napping and watching TV).
Hi Nissa, Thank you for your reply. I certainly hope & pray that I get along with this as well as you did. It really calms my nerves to hear experiences like your. It greatly helps me not to worry as much....I will think positive & relax & maybe I will be as lucky & won't remember the procedure either.Thanks again.
My experience was a 5, it was bearable less painful than i thought it would be, it was a shock afterwards though when you have to lay in bed for six hours and will not be allowed to get up to go to the toilet, so please make sure you go just before your biopsy. And i did not need pain releif after.
OMG....can't go to the bathroom all that time? I really appreciate knowing that. Did you wear jeans, etc...or something very loose fitting to wear home? I don't want anything touching my ribcage, etc., since they go in between the ribs. Are you in the US or UK? Reason being, I want to know how good was the sedative they give you before the test?
I am in the UK, I wore a loose fitting shirt and elastic waisted trousers, the biopsy area is right on the bra line on the right side, so I wore clothes ok, but went home braless and did so for a couple of days thats all, I had no after pain at all, and I was not given a seditive before hand just a local anasetic in the area where the biopsy was going to be, it was all very relaxed and took no more than 10 mins, first of all the doctor does a ultrasound to find the right spot then he asks you to take a deep breath in and hold it for a few seconds then as you blow the breath out he takes the tissue sample, very quick indeed. The mark on the skin looks like a red spot afterwards, it does not need a plaster, it does not bleed. it is nothing to worry about at all trust me. I had to lie completey still for one hour layed on the side of the biopsy to prevent any internal bleed, then after an hour you can have a drink and something to eat, then you have to lie still in bed for a further five hours, you can sit up, I read a book and chatted to my husband, I was offered a bed pan because i was bursting but i refused to use one until i could walk to the toilet. Please do not worry it is very relaxed and it really is not a problem and the hospital staff are great.
Thank you Mandy, I appreciate knowing about your experience & hope I get along as well as you did.
Fascinating topic. I had one but asI had to no prior knoweldge all I felt was like a quick punch and it was over..no meds no pain....lucky me. Be more concerned about the results than the procedure. They only do it to totally confirm the diagnosis and to try and ascertain where you are with PBC ..a lot of specialists dont do it and confirm with the bloods results. I would care if I had to have it again - out of curiosity to see the latest results but then again that too i believe can vary Im told as to where in the liver they take it from!!!!! Never simple is it???
Thanks for the info. I have my biopsy on 16th Jan...... not looking forward to it. I have had a recent ultrasound and the sonographer said that my liver looked ok and she would have expected to see pitting. I had a fibroscan in December and was told my result was 9.1 and a healthy liver is 7 and under. I should have asked what a bad result was!!! The specialist is now struggling with meds to control my itching. I have tried lots of meds and the past year and a half I have struggled with it. Not sure why they need to do biopsy after fibroscan to be honest...... but he wants to do it and then I have to have a chat with the Edinburgh Transplant Team in Feb. I recently had approx 14 days with hardly any itching but it is after my period that I suffer. My periods have been getting worse this past year, especially the last two. I think I am hitting the meno (49 years young!) and have told them this. I did ask them when they took bloods to take my FSH and LSH to see if I am peri meno. GP mentioned that the progesterone coil might help. So after liver biopsy the specialist wants me to try immuno suppressants and maybe steriods. He did mention that the steriods would blow me up. I am a tad confused.com and scared.com!! xx
The replies I've read are from years ago but they put me a bit at ease. I am scheduled for a biopsy September 2015. Did anyone have this test because if high enzyme levels? My levels varied at 119, 120 and 125. They are looking to see if I have primary biliary cirrhosis. Was this what your doctors were looking for and can anyone tell me their results. I'm so scared and working myself into a very bad state. T y for responding
Hello May I ask you how your liver biopsy went? Do you have cirrhosis? My enzyme levels are also high in the 160's and my doctor has scheduled me for a liver biopsy. I am very scared of the results. I hope I do not have cirrhosis. I am only 26 years old. I can't believe there might be the possibility of me having this serious disease.
I too, was so very frightened, at the idea of a liver biopsy, that I cancelled the appointment. However, I rescheduled & it was absolutely painless. I was given an IV sedative, was never aware of anything at all. Felt great afterwards, no bruising, no soreness, no pains, at all. A nurse called me the next day to ask how I felt & did I need anymore pain meds. I never took the meds they gave me at the hospital! Please don't fret. I would do it again, if necessary, & not think twice.
I had mild sedation. Absolutley no memory of the procedure, no pain or bruising. I had postponed it twice, because of fear & it turned out to be uneventful, of which I am thankful! LOL
Ik this is an old post but i read it before my liver biopsy yesterday so i thought i would share how mine went-im 17 and my liver biospsy was done at sick kids in toronto. I have a fear of needles so before hand i was absolutely terrified but the anticipation was way worse than the procedure. I was given sedation and I can only remember bits and pieces of the actual procedure, i can remember very quick pain from the numbing needle but not worse than bloodwork really and after that the next thing i remember is waking up in recovery. The worst part of the procedure that i can remember was me panicking the drugs werent working because i didnt feel sleepy until i was out😂aftercare im kinda sore today but very bearable and i havent needed any painkillers-and i have the lowest pain tolerance of anyone i know lol.
Had my biopsy last week. Not very painful. When I began to get dressed I had an intense pain - like being impaled and went unconcious. Turns out the doctor nicked an artery and I had internal bleeding in my liver. I had to have another surgery to stop the bleeding and was in the hospital for 3 days. It is rare but I does happen. Be be advised that this is not a procedure to take lightly! I am just starting my second week of recovery and have a ways to go before I feel like myself again!
I Hope your feeling better now! you must be the 1 in 1000 i have mine on monday im really nervous two but I guess it has to be done!
The actual biopsy isnt bad. About 3-4, what got me was the shoulder pain afterwards. That was above a 10 and I had it for 3 days. It was so bad the first night. I went to roll over in bed and it triggered the pain and I couldn't breath at all. My husband said my face and lips turned blue. I told my liver doc I want to be put to sleep next time and given pain meds before I wake up! Lol
I was sedated so 0 pain!
Mine was unusually painful. I am only being honest of my personal experience. I was told to expect pain in my right shoulder. About 40 seconds after it the pain started, i had a brief period to be curious to view the specimen. That is when the pain in abdomen started about a 9 as i never use 10 in assumption it can always be worse. It felt like railroad spike being driven into my abdomen after being hit with a cannon ball. I told the nurse who responded with the pain is supposed to be in your shoulder, "well its in my belly and bad" with tears, then the shoulder pain came in at a 3. So after explaing, and enphicising my cross tolerance with other opiod pain meds due to another strong med i am prescribed and presented the info several time to both doctor, surgen, nurse.. After ten minutes of of the most pain I have experienced in my 30 year life. I was given 4mg of Dilaudid. Now for many people that would alieviate pain maybe even make them fall asleep too, but with my tolerance 4mg was 15% of the appropriate acute pain management. So afteronly 5% relife i was given anotger 4 mg, and told 8 is alot; though i knew bette, and is why i briefed them yet they still wouldn't make me comfortable. These thing can happen anywhere so i suggest getting\saving your pain meds to take before, and a friend to give them to you immediately if you have bad pain.
