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liver biopsy,scared!!

Posted , 5 users are following.

kim47360
kim47360

Due to have biopsy July,very scared and im a big wimp with needles etc

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • carina62
    carina62 kim47360

    Posted

    May i ask why you need a biopsy?  is it for a cyst?  i have a liver cyst and had an MRI scan done 2 weeks ago and still waiting for my results and am very nervous
    • kim47360
      kim47360 carina62

      Posted

      Hi,my Dr said they aren't related,but he would as he said i prob had ibs!,severe disabling fatigue and severe pain between n under right shoulder blade and raised alt for five years,which as you prob know that is with any liver damage
    • kim47360
      kim47360

      Posted

      Sorry,too add.i know the pain was my liver/gallbladder,somethin to do with bile anyway because the pain went immediately when i started Ursodeoxycholic acid.i mean it was severe pain,day in day out and especially as soon as i put food in my mouth for three years i suffered with this.i urge anybody with these symptoms esp combined with raised alt to insist on a full liver blood screen not just a liver function test,which i had so many times.i was actually on omeprazole for 5 years,Dr referral to gastro,had gastroscopy was clear then gastro did full liver screen and it showed primary biliary cirrhosis
    • carina62
      carina62 kim47360

      Posted

      I have had full LFT's and they came back normal. Have not heard of full liver blood screen, what is that?
    • kim47360
      kim47360 carina62

      Posted

      It is extensive.includes ama which was positive for me.all else i know is its a lot of blood vials! My lft have been high for five years and only just had full screen now
    • carina62
      carina62 kim47360

      Posted

      Thanks.  I am awaiting results from my MRI scan re my liver cyst and fatty liver so not sure what the next stage will be for me to sort it all out.  I was told that it was good that my LFT's all came back OK.
  • nandrews
    nandrews kim47360

    Posted

    Hi kim47360,

    Sorry you have to have liver biopsy.

    I won't pretend it's a pleasant experience, but it is not that bad, tho' my memories of mine are 22 years old.

    Firstly, at the point of entry (between your hip and lower rib on the right) they will numb the area thoroughly. So you won't feel any pain, just a little discomfort.

    When you analyze it it is no worse than you would feel if you accidentally knocked yourself against something and even less than if you stub a bare toe against something hard. It's more about the thought of what they are doing.

    Firstly convince yourself that it is important to have the procedure done. Then try to distract yourself by thinking of something else. I had some music playing on headphones until they said they need to ask me to hold my breath. It should take no more than 5 minutes and will probably be less. Afterwards you will have large pressure dressing on the site and you will likely be asked to lay on your right side. Until the staff are sure there is no chance of a bleed.

    Take courage - it is a small amount of time and a just a little discomfort, but it's an important procedure.

    Nigel

    • kim47360
      kim47360 nandrews

      Posted

      Thankyou,i know it has to be done im just also worried about the result as i have had liver damage signs for five years now,im on Ursodeoxycholic acid but often wonder what damage has been done with it left so long
  • Zsuzsi
    Zsuzsi kim47360

    Posted

    Was it not possible to have a Fibroscan or Fibrosure? I am sure it will be worth the small amount of discomfort!
    • kim47360
      kim47360 Zsuzsi

      Posted

      I had an ultrasound and more recently a ct scan.these will not show the quality of tissue,eg scarring
    • moonlightin
      moonlightin kim47360

      Posted

      Hi, am just wondering what the

      outcome of your biopsy was?

      My GP told me my Autoimmune test came back. And I am positive for anti

      Smooth muscle antibody.

      And that the only forward is a biopsy.

      Can the GP send me for a biopsy

      Or do I have to be referred to a specialist.

      Please advise.

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