liver biopsy experiences?

[beckms]

Hi all--

I'm going in for a CT-guided liver biopsy tomorrow. I'm being given the option of sedation...I don't want to spend all day recovering from a 1-minute procedure, but on the other hand, I'm a big weenie.

For those of you who have had this done, did you get sedated? Did it hurt? Can I get a proxy, please?

Thanks

[wallycat]

Sorry...haven't had any biopsies--yet..knock on wood.

I've been thinking about you and am wishing you the utmost best for procedure and results.
(((((((((((beckms)))))))))))

[mcgeiger]

I'm no help either, but I just wanted to send good thoughts that your liver is that 2.5% that's normal with high values!!

[Kyra]

Sending healthy thoughts and a big hug your way. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow! Do let us know how it goes.

I've never had a liver biopsy, but I can offer you some thoughts on the sedation. (Disclaimer: not a medical professional.) If they are offering you IV sedation, also sometimes called MAC sedation, partial sedation, or consicous sedation, you will not need all day to recover from it. A few hours, quite possibly less, remembering that everyone reacts differently. If you have a chance, talk to the anesthesia people, they can give you more information. Another advantage of this type of sedation is that although you are not completely unconscious, you won't remember the procedure. The only part of IV sedation that hurts is having the IV needle placed in your arm. Whether or not this is worth it is a decision only you can make (some people would hate the IV needle worse than the biopsy needle). After that, you won't feel a thing.

I'm sure there are more people on the BB who can tell you more about this, including a few medical personnel.

Again, we're thinking of you.

[beckms]

I'm no help either, but I just wanted to send good thoughts that your liver is that 2.5% that's normal with high values!!

Thanks for the thought. I tried to convince myself of that, too, but then my levels kept going up and up. I went from 2x normal to 4x normal in a couple of months. Haven't been checked since before Christmas.

Still feel fine! Maybe I'm one of those 0.00000000001% of people who actually doesn't need a liver. :rolleyes:

[beckms]

Sending healthy thoughts and a big hug your way. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow! Do let us know how it goes.

I've never had a liver biopsy, but I can offer you some thoughts on the sedation. (Disclaimer: not a medical professional.) If they are offering you IV sedation, also sometimes called MAC sedation, partial sedation, or consicous sedation, you will not need all day to recover from it. A few hours, quite possibly less, remembering that everyone reacts differently. If you have a chance, talk to the anesthesia people, they can give you more information. Another advantage of this type of sedation is that although you are not completely unconscious, you won't remember the procedure. The only part of IV sedation that hurts is having the IV needle placed in your arm. Whether or not this is worth it is a decision only you can make (some people would hate the IV needle worse than the biopsy needle). After that, you won't feel a thing.

I'm sure there are more people on the BB who can tell you more about this, including a few medical personnel.

Again, we're thinking of you.

Oooh, I'd like some of that, please! I do remember hearing something about conscious sedation. I'll ask about it tomorrow.

The big question is, will I be awake enough while I'm recovering to finish reading the 3rd book in the Outlander series? I'm at a really good part. This is a serious consideration. Hmmm. :p

[mbrogier]

I've had one. It's not that pleasant. Take the sedation. You'll still be awake, and Fentanyl doesn't last that long. It's not like general/twilight anestesia where you feel wonky for a whole day. They're taking a piece out of a deep organ, and it is a deep down pinching pain. I don't know if they'll just take one sample or not, but I do know that they don't like to give Fentanyl for pain AFTER they're done. :rolleyes: I felt like I was bruised pretty bad, and it was uncomfortable. I could go back to my room where there was pain meds. You won't have that option. Just keep all this in mind and talk it over with the doctor doing the procedure. I had some great doctors that were gentle and numbed me up pretty well, others just poked right in. :eek:

I hope it goes well for you. Knowing what really is going on will make you feel a lot better.

[colleency]

(((beckms))) owie!

[imloulou]

Rebecca...I have never had one done but wanted to send good thoughts to you and your liver ;) ...I hope it goes well!!!!!!

[beckms]

I've had one. It's not that pleasant. Take the sedation. ...and it is a deep down pinching pain.

Alrighty, that's all I needed to hear. Thanks. :o

[Jazzmatazz49]

Good luck. If it helps, my DH had off-the-wall liver counts and it turned out to be his gall bladder. Even though he had had no attacks or pain, he had a huge stone and since having his gall bladder removed everything is fine. I'll send good thoughts your way.

[mbrogier]

(((Rebecca))) It's not the worst pain I've ever experienced, but I wouldn't do it without sedation if I had a choice. You also need to be very still during the procedure... easier to do with sedation.

[Robyn1007]

Hugs and prayers for good results and not too much pain.

[sararosalie]

I've had a liver biopsy.. It was in January 2001 so my memory of the ins and outs aren't very fresh in my mind.

I was sedated and I think they may have even given me some morphine (maybe that was the sedation, or maybe it was sedation and morphine).
I have very vague memories of the whole thing. They did give me a pain pill afterwards and I took the first dose, but not the second. With the sedation, the whole experience isn't too bad. I wasn't in much pain the day of or the next day.

Good luck and I hope you get good results!

[Canice]

Oooh, I'd like some of that, please! I do remember hearing something about conscious sedation. I'll ask about it tomorrow.

The big question is, will I be awake enough while I'm recovering to finish reading the 3rd book in the Outlander series? I'm at a really good part. This is a serious consideration. Hmmm. :p

Sorry you have to go through this, Rebecca! I don't have experience with a liver biopsy but I did have conscious sedation a couple of months ago for a procedure. The hospital was very clear that not only could I not drive home afterward, I couldn't even take a taxi; I was told to have my driver pick me up inside the hospital as I would be delivered in a wheel chair. In the event, I walked out, hung with my friend after she drove me home, and walked down to Whole Foods to pick up a few things. All that to say, if your experience were to be anything like mine, you could definitely finish your book! :D

[Beth]

I've had a biopsy, but not liver. I am sending you all my best thoughts. I'm hoping your explanation will be at least as positive as Margaret's DH's, that you will get through as pain free and easily as possible, and that you can finish your books without delay. ((( )))

[jenniferW]

Good luck. If it helps, my DH had off-the-wall liver counts and it turned out to be his gall bladder. Even though he had had no attacks or pain, he had a huge stone and since having his gall bladder removed everything is fine. I'll send good thoughts your way.

I had the same experience. A couple of days after the gall bladder was removed my numbers were still really high and they did a liver biopsy. I was sedated and never experienced any discomfort. I have to go back in the summer for another liver biopsy. This time they'll give me the choice. I've heard it can be painful, so, sedated I shall be.

[JenniferJJ]

Rebecca,

I didn't have any sedation for my liver biopsy, and I was just fine. They numbed me up real good in the liver area. Then I had to lay on my right side for four hours for it to clot up. If anything, I was just bored. It was hard to read because I had to lay on my right side and so had to hold up my magazine with only my left arm. After a few hours, I got tired. I had no pain whatsoever. If my memory serves me correctly, you can't drive with the sedation, so not having it allowed me to drive.

I had to keep my bandage on the area for a few days just to remind me that I had had a procedure done so that I would remember not to lift anything over 10 pounds since there was no pain to help me remember.

Just relax. I was really nervous in the days leading up to the biopsy, but it really was an uneventful event.

[dreamer]

Rebecca,
Lots of us will be thinking of you!! If you get nervous tomorrow at any point, just remember that caring thoughts are probably being sent to you at that very moment by someone! -dreamer

[beckms]

Rebecca,
Lots of us will be thinking of you!! If you get nervous tomorrow at any point, just remember that caring thoughts are probably being sent to you at that very moment by someone! -dreamer
Thanks, that's really sweet.

I have to be there at 7am, for an 8am procedure. For anyone who's watching the clock. ;)

[Peweh]

Thanks, that's really sweet.

I have to be there at 7am, for an 8am procedure. For anyone who's watching the clock. ;)

Will be thinking of you as I grudgingly get out of bed for work in the AM, reminding myself "at least I'm not having a liver biopsy." Sometimes I lose perspective.
Best of luck and warm wishes for positive diagnostics!!!

[Gecko]

Sending good thoughts your way!

[gabbyh]

Rebecca,

Thinking of you this morning, and hope all goes well!

~Gail

[Beth]

Rebecca,

Thinking of you this morning, and hope all goes well!

~Gail

Me too!

from Texas -- where everything is bigger, but short posts still won't post ;)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Sorry I didn't read this yesterday but it sounds like you are going to take the IV sedation. When I had my liver biopsy (and lymph node biopsy and colonoscopy) I had Fentanyl and Versed (SP) and was fine about an hour after the procedure. They wouldn't let me drive - something about DUI - but I was functioning well within 2 hours each time. As for recovery I slept but could have stayed awake if I had wanted to (but being sleep deprived most of the time I took the opportunity to sleep).

I feel that things went well and that you'll be fine - just something to perplex the doctors.

Peace,
Les

[Valerie226]

This is probably too late to be helpful, but I had the same combo as Bob, Fentanyl & Versed, but for a colonoscopy. Everyone reacts differently. I was totalled. Could not stand / walk after the procedure & had to be wheelchaired out. slept in the car for an hour at least while DH had his annual physical. Could converse semi normally after the hour ( I'm told) but have only hazy recollection of the next few hours. They are correct in insisting that you not drive for that day. DH had the same combo for a major dental procedure & he remembers nothing about the entire day. So you may think you're operating OK but maybe not. Both of thought at the time that we were "fine". Good luck with the biopsy!.

[donnamp14]

Good thoughts and fingers crossed for you, Rebecca!

-Donna

[Gracie]

Rebecca, please post when you're able and let us know how you are. We're all thinking of you! ((((((((((((Rebecca)))))))))))))))

Loren

[seathyme]

((((Rebecca)))) Thinking about you today. I hope the procedure wasn't bad and more importantly, that you get an easy-to-deal-with result. You've got a big fan club here!

[imloulou]

Rebecca...just checking in to see if you posted an update. I hope everything went well today!! We are here for ya!!!!!

[jmarie]

Wishing you the best and hope everything went well. Biopsies aren't fun, speaking from the thyroid point of view. :(
Joyce

[Andrea_2]

Biopsies aren't fun, speaking from the thyroid point of view. :(
Joyce

Ugh.. I agree. Mine was definitely not a pleasant experience.

Good luck with your test Rebecca. I hope everything turns out fine.

[beckms]

Thanks everyone, for all of the well wishes. :)

The biopsy was uneventful, as biopsies go, even though I was a nervous wreck...I don't know, there's something about hospitals and needles and people messing with my organs that freaks me out.

I got a Versed/Fentanyl combo, but I swear it didn't kick in until about 5 minutes after the biopsy was done. I was NOT a happy camper, and practically hyperventilated myself off the table. I told you I was a weenie (and I told all of the nurses, too...I think they agreed by the end)...I started crying as soon as the IV was put in and bascially didn't stop until after the biopsy was done. And every time I composed myself, someone would ask me if I was OK and I would lose it all over again. :eek: It wasn't so much the pain, which there wasn't much of, considering; I just got so anxious. It didn't take long, and I felt pretty nicely drugged for about an hour afterwards, but for the next five hours I was fairly awake and only had intermittent bouts of discomfort. The nurses were so nice and took very good care of me.

I'm home now and just taking it easy. It's kind of uncomfortable to walk around or really use my torso, so I'm just going to hang out on the couch. I sort of feel like I got kicked in the stomach, or like I have wicked indigestion. Or like someone stuck a huge-@ss needle into my liver. Twice.

I've got my knitting, my Outlander, my video iPod with all of season 7 of Buffy...and oh yeah, my textbooks... :rolleyes:

So all told, it wasn't a horrible, painful, traumatizing experience, but it wasn't one that I'd care to ever repeat. Thanks to everyone for all of the advice and good thoughts. It's a good thing you guys were sending me calming vibes, because otherwise they probably would have had to strap me down! :eek:

[Lauren]

Rebecca,

I'm glad it's behind you and you're resting at home. Hope DF will take good care of you this weekend. ;)

[Beth]

Well, I am certainly glad is behind you now and that you have lots of reasons to prop your feet up and take it easy.

I've been through a couple of medical situations with a lot of tears like that. I'm sure it wasn't the first time the nurses or doctors have seen it. I hope the next tears will be ones of relief. ((( )))

[wallycat]

Oh it's nice to know I'm not the only one who freaks going to the doctor.
It's gotten so bad I only go to my gyn once every 2 years..at best :o :o .

When do you get results??


Best to you...you brave gal you!!!!

[dreamer]

Rebecca,
I totally understand the anxiety response to doctors, hospitals and procedures. It can be so scary. I went to a conference about a year after I had serious surgery, and went to the nearby hospital's cafeteria for lunch, and wished I hadn't. Just walking through the corridor gave me the heebie-jeebies! :eek: And my surgery had gone well- and this was a different hospital!! :rolleyes:
Like Beth said, I'm sure the nurses etc. see a lot of anxiety. Anyway, it's so good that you got through it- you're done! Can you reward yourself in some way?
Take care,
dreamer

[sararosalie]

I'm glad you are home with the procedure behind you. Sending you hopeful thoughts for good results!

[mbrogier]

I'm glad you're home, and it didn't hurt that bad. It isn't fun at all, is it? :o

I had a doctor start doing the procedure before the meds kicked in--including the numbing. I even told him. I tried to smack him with my IV pole, but I couldn't reach it. :mad:

[Leslie Ferguson]

Glad the procedure went well even with all the anxiety. The doc should have waited a little before the quick procedure. Luckily it went without issue even though the IV hadn't kicked in. I too hope that DF is taking good care of you this weekend. Rest, relax, and recuperate.

And oh, please let us know what the results of the biopsy are ok?

Peace,
Les

[Jazzmatazz49]

The main thing is that it is OVER. The waiting is the hardest part. :(

[CindyWeightWatcher]

Good luck and we'll be thinking of you.

[Robyn1007]

Rebecca, Any word yet? Did they give you an estimated date for results? You are in my prayers as I know the waiting is the worst. Hugs!

Robyn

[beckms]

Hi everyone--

My biopsy results came back today, and they showed signs consistent with autoimmune hepatitis. My doctor said it appears to be fairly early, since there was evidence of only mild fibrosis. So he's going to monitor my liver enzymes for the next several weeks to see if anything changes, and if they continue to be elevated, he will start me on a course of low-level prednisone. He was very reassuring and upbeat, so I am not too worried about it. I had started to convince myself that I had liver cancer that had metastasized to my lungs (the logical conclusion, I'm sure) because I coughed once yesterday. :rolleyes: So I'm glad it's not that.

He said this tends to have a higher incident in young females, of which I am one. There is no known cause, althogh it may have a genetic component.

So thanks for all of your good thoughts, I really really appreciated them.

I didn't realize how worried I was until after I got off the phone, and I suddenly felt so relieved, like a weight had been lifted.
:o

[mcgeiger]

I'm glad to hear that you were more worried than you needed to be...good luck with the future pokings (ie blood draws ;) ) and hope that this resolves on it's own...

[Beth]

I was sure you were feeiling that way about cancer, and it would be hard not to. (it wasn't my biopsy and I had goosebumps as I opened this thread :p) I'm so glad that proved not to be the case. I hope the stress of not worrying about it will help you swing back to normal. Take care.

[donnamp14]

Oh, what a relief! Take care of yourself, and try to get away for a weekend!
-Donna

[dreamer]

Hi Rebecca,
Yes I too opened this thread worried, and was relieved it wasn't cancer! Still, it's never 'fun' to find out there's anything at all. I don't know anything about autoimmune hepatitis; can it go away on its own without much problem?
Wishing you the best! -dreamer

[Robyn1007]

Rebecca, I am so glad to hear the news. I'm sure the coming time will still be challenging but knowing its something like this and not cancer is huge! Prayers still coming your direction.

Robyn

[beckms]

Thanks everyone...glad I'm not the only one who jumps to the worst conclusion! :cool:

I did a little reading, and it looks like there are various stages of autoimmune hepatitis, and I seem to be in a very early/non-severe stage. if left untreatred, it can and usually does progress to cirrhosis after several years, but a high percentage of patients go into remission after a course of treatment (approximately a year of prednisone). It's not uncommon to relapse after drug withdrawal, but it's also no uncommon to not relapse. So bsaically, treatment seems to be the way to go, it doesn't seem like it would be horrible or too expensive, and it seems like I'm in the best position for someone with this condition. I'd rather not have it, but if I have to have it, I'd rather find out early before any signigicant damage is done, so I can treat it and halt and progression.

In a nutshell, my immune system decided to attack my liver cells. Unchecked, my immune system could continue to destroy cells until scarring of the liver occurs, which is known as cirrhosis. Prednisone is an immune-suppressing drug that would stop my immune system from attacking my liver, hopefully forever, but potentially requiring long-term steroids.

Eh. There are worse things. ;)

[dreamer]

Rebecca,
Glad you were able to fill us in on some of the details. You certainly have a very positive attitude. I have chronic medical problems and know how hard it can be to stay upbeat. But you sound like you are doing well.
Keep us posted, and let us know how things are when the doctor checks you again. Take care,
dreamer

[Gracie]

Rebecca, I'm glad things went relatively well, everything has been explained, it's not life-threatening and you are on your way to recovering from your ordeal. I'm a huge chicken so I can completely relate to your tears. I also think the physician might have waited an extra bit of time but that's over now.

God invented drugs for a reason ;) - so use your treatment as it was meant to help! That's the theory I used when opting for an epidural when I had Erin - the drugs wouldn't harm her or they wouldn't use them so why not? ;)

Loren

[Jazzmatazz49]

Best wishes as you begin your treatments! I'm so glad it something that they understand and can control!

[mbrogier]

Well, I'm glad they found out what it was--so you didn't go through all that for nothing. I hope the treatment works quickly. I'm glad it wasn't worse. and it sounds like it won't interfere with your studies. :)

[beckms]

Unfortunately, the treatment is usually about a year. That's why my doctor didn't want to jump right into it, preferring to approach it conservatively. Fine by me...if I can avoid a year of steroids, that would be great.

[seathyme]

So relieved to hear you got a result you can deal with, Rebecca! I hope this won't interfere with your life much, and you can nip this thing in the bud. Good luck!

[Leslie Ferguson]

I too am glad that the biopsy didn't turn out as bad as it could have. I'm also a fan of not starting steroids until you have to - conservative at this stage of the game is warranted. Please let us know how things continue to shape up and I'll be saying a prayer for remission without 'roids.

Be good to yourself and let DF take good care of you this weekend - you deserve it.

Peace,
Les

[imloulou]

it doesn't seem like it would be horrible or too expensive, and it seems like I'm in the best position for someone with this condition. I'd rather not have it, but if I have to have it, I'd rather find out early before any signigicant damage is done, so I can treat it and halt and progression.

Eh. There are worse things. ;)

Rebecca...YES, YES, YES!!!...you are young and it was detected early!!!...Catch it early, treat it/or get it under control and get on with your wonderful life!! You have a wonderful positive attitude...not to mention a list of books to read and a bunch of knittin' to do!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

I am sorry you are going through the stress of this but glad to hear the relief in your "voice".

Love ya!!!!

Lisa

[Cherise]

Rebecca, I echo everyone elses sentiments when I say that I'm glad that it's not as bad as it could have been. Good luck with the treatment. I just wanted to give you a word of caution about prednisone. My mother was on prednisone for many, many years and my mother-in-law for several years and I believe that it was responsible for deterioration of their joints. If you only need to be on it for a short time (like a year), it may not be an issue, but if I were you I would make sure to ask your doctor about long term effects. My mother had knee and hip problems, which led to knee replacement and hip replacement, and I think it was mostly related to taking prednisone. I don't want to be an alarmist, but think it's definitely worth asking questions about. I hope everything goes well for you. Good luck.

[beckms]

Thanks, Cherise. Prednisone can have a veriety of unpleasant side effects, which is why my doctor and I both want to approach this very conservatively. Hopefully it won't be a big deal. :cool:

[wallycat]

Just got back from our trip and signed on to see if there was any word.
Beckms...soooooooooooooooooo sorry that your immune system is too good for its own good :( but sooo happy it is not cancer.
THank you so much for sharing your experience, fears, outcomes....
I wish you best of luck on this course of treatment. I will keep good thoughts that it goes into remission on its own.

You have given chickens like me incentive to go for physicals.
I worry they will "find something" all the time...but with your generous sharing of your experience, finding something EARLY is better than not looking for it.

Again, the best to you and your future!!

[beckms]

Beckms...soooooooooooooooooo sorry that your immune system is too good for its own good :(

Well, at least some part of me is overachieving! :D (I am supppoed to be studying for a test...instead I am bouncing between here and The Knot!)

You have given chickens like me incentive to go for physicals.
I worry they will "find something" all the time...but with your generous sharing of your experience, finding something EARLY is better than not looking for it.

Again, the best to you and your future!!

Thank you for your sweet words. I'm glad you can take something positive from my experience. I'm a big fan of finding things early so you can do something about them, rather than finding things after it's too late. :o

Here's to not finding anything at all! :cool: