Liver Biopsy, what to expect

[LauraV2000]

I'm a little concerned about getting a liver biopsy. Can anyone share what its like? does it hurt?

[lalapple]

it's your choice whether you want to get it or not.  i'm 18 and my parents were paranoid about having it done on me so we chose to do tx without having a biopsy first.  if tx wasn't ideal, then we'll consider doing a biopsy.
the purpose of a bio is to determine if you should treat right now.  i know i want to tx right now so i don't need it to help me make that choice.

good luck!

[fretboard]

A biopsy is more waiting than anything else, and is usually uneventful, at least my two were uneventful.  Take a book, you will need it.  They will hook you up to an iv drip and give you a valium or something.  I don't know what's in the drip, I heard there is morphine, but I think it's saline.  They drape the area and what I did was once they drape the area I kept my eyes closed.  In other words, I didn't need, or want to watch.  They sterilize the area, make a mark or something, poke and that's it.  All I felt was a little thud, I mean I felt it, but it wasn't memorable.  That's it, it's really easy and you don't have to worry about it, when your done you have to wait a couple of hours.  God Bless  

[carolannamartin]

i have 2 liver biopsey ,1st was 89 they did not no much then,but the second one i ask is that it over in a minute or less rest assured you will feel much better,knowing what stage
your in maybe none at all if they offer a treatment after that get it
carolanna

[Nannerkinz]

The worst part was the anexity of having it done, but its such a load off Your mind to know the results!

[scratchinghead]

I went back to work 1.5 hours later. Never ever looked at the biopsy location on my side. Didn't want to jinx it. The only pain I experienced was reading the hospital's bill. Insurance covered a lot, but I think Obama and McCain should get a biopsy and have to read their medical bill afterwards.

[Rockerforlife]

I wish everything in this world was as easy as a biopsy.

[mar148]

My biopsy was quick and painless.  I had to wait a long time at the hospital until they did it and they gave me a VERY mild sedative.  For a few days I could not do any heavy lifting.  It was a very easy process for me.

[virgocharm]

i am glad to hear that it is not painful. i have my biopsy wednesday. i am in the bocepervil trial. i have had my screening this past friday, and the team was very nice. did not know they pay you to be in the trials. they pay me every two weeks when i come back for tests. so within 8 weeks i will start. just lining my ducks up. will keep you guys informed. could not have did it without all of you.  peace

[springfever]

I had a very easy time with the biopsy.  I got mine without sedation because my hepatologist didn't think it was necessary.  He had done hundreds of bx's, so I took his advice and only had a local.  It was quick and easy, no problems.  I was happy not to be groggy afterwards.  I think most people do have sedation though, because the recovery nurse's eyes got wide when he heard 'no sedation'.

No, it did not hurt.  Not at all.  
Good luck.

[nygirl7]

You'll have panic attacks the entire time before but then afterwards while you are waiting to be released (they make you stay a few hours to monitor you because it is invasive even if not painful) you'll say wow I can't believe they were really right.

We've ALL been there and it's crucial to have one.

Good luck!

[Magnum]

Trinity is right, but... have the nurse stand by with some Demerol in case you develop severe pain on the right shoulder, the side where the biopsy is performed. It doesn't happen often, but it happened in 2 of my 3 biopsies. There's a nerve that sometimes gets hit while pushing the needle through. Otherwise, it's no big deal and it's over fairly quickly. You'll be fine and dandy...

Magnum

[Trinity4]

No, it doesn't hurt.  I was over in 30 seconds.  I was given a very mild sedative and I don't really remember all of it. The worst part was waiting around 3+ hours after the biopsy to make sure there wasn't any bleeding.  Some people say they have pain but most don't.  A little soreness in the area aftwards, that's about it.  Don't be concerned about the pain, the aniticipation is much much worse than the actual prodcedure.  
Good Luck
Trinity