Still a little nervous

[jerialice]

but doing better with the upcoming biopsy.
(did anyone else feel like a wreck waiting to get data on their prognosis?
i have been feeling like a pressure cooker)

tuesday is the big day and friends are driving me 100 miles to the bx.
i am assuming i'll be ok coming back to the country once i am released from the hospital?
i will stay the night with my friends close to my house, but not real close to ER.

any comments would be welcome as to post bx advice!
take care and thanks everyone.

[jerialice]

ho karen! after this test as far as i know, i will be ready to look at my future: to tx or not to tx. it all depends on labs & liver condition. even tho all the liver panels have been within range and VL is low, low; after being on here, i can see i need the real facts to make some decisions.
i really am a big baby- but two rounds tx, has made me gun shy cause it was so much harder for me than the doc appreciated or supported. being single is not the best combo in the SOC and having a drill sargent for your doc was not the best!
thanks for all your help....
jerialice

[jerialice]

again thanks soooo much. i am taking a few days of "take it easiness" to be relaxed for next week. i know it will be fine. the ax disorder can really distort my emotions, which a prob of it's own.

(i am also going to an endocrine specialist to see why my adrenaline seems to be surging and ebbing. have had some negative thyroid tests, but maybe that's all part of the hep c package. also post meno- so who knows?!?)

after this test, i will waiting for my consult 9-12, for results and actions if needed. i am willing to be on one of the all oral trials, but no more SOC unless it's life or death. i must be allergic to something in that mix, as i had major malfunctions.
i have great respect for those of you who are plowing forward!
if i have to to SOC, i will likely have to sell my place and move- just too far to get that sick again, be alone and so far from support.

i'll let you guys know how i am post bx!
blessings,
ja

[PJ1966]

  I have had 3 over the years.  The first one I hate to mention this but I had radiated pain into my shoulder for a few hours after.  It was really bad nerve pain.  But the other 2 were fine and no pain whatsoever.  I guess it's because there are a lot of nerves that can get tweaked but it's not that common.  I was just lucky. ha ha..... On the second one, I braced myself for the worst, but nothing happen and it was so pain free.  I've never had any bleeding or pain at the site.  It is really an easy procedure and don't be afraid.  I'm no longer afraid of them.  It's a necessary evil for this disease.  Good luck.

[crossroadsec]

No one warned me that I would have soreness. You might plan on some pain for a few days. I bruised really bad and couldn't get comfy to sleep for a few days. I went back to work in 2 days, so it won't keep you waay down. I hope you can lay around for a few days and definitely let people take care of you. That 4 mos of getting all the test done seemed to last forever! Are you almost finished with endos n all that stuff? Best wishes to you. Karen :)

[orphanedhawk]

The biopsy itself is quick, count to 5, it's over.
Because of what they use to relax you and just to be sure there are no problems they keep you in the hospital to be sure you're not up and jumping around.

[jerialice]

Good news!
The hepatologist actually does the BX, not a student! and it's three hours from start to finish, they do put us out at this facility....

okay almost done :)

[jerialice]

Thanks, i am sure i will be fine, information always helps....
(altho my doc said i'll be "out" )

hope you day is ok or even GOOD!
JA

[orphanedhawk]

It helps if when the actually do the biopsy you simply do some slow deep breathing.
I was reluctant to get one but now, they're a piece of cake. My only complaint is having to have an empty stomach.
Really, they are simple and easy. No need to stress.

Good luck.

[jerialice]

thanks to ALL!! you guys are so helpful. it's great to hear what to expect from ones who have been there. it's one thing when the doc says this or that, but i have noticed they usually speak from a theory perspective. After knowing what everyone has been thru, altho this is minor, i appreciate the continuing advice and support, i wasn't sure about the post-recovery.

with my anxiety disorder on high alert, i am working on soothing that reptilian brain, so every "pat on the back" is adding up to success! i guess i won't be hard-balling myself on the ax meds! losing my cat a few weeks ago, the shingles + sciatica did not help-  LOL.

9-12 is my date to go back and get the news. taking a friend that day too...

hoping we all get off this dragon soon,
blessings,
jerialice

[jerialice]

bean i talked to the doc about the hemangiomas, he says no problem as they do a guided bx and they have done "over 500 a year" for years with no probs. he is at a liver-lover research center and a trial doc.
i am going to call the hospital and make sure they know all the facts.
thankfully i have a ride and friends to help. i have never really had surgery, just a few tiny tests like this one. it's just weird that they are taking out pieces :)
however, I WILL BE SO GLAD TO GET THE FACTS...
as always, thanks and i hope you are doing great?

[frijole]

jeri

what did you ever find out on those hemangiomas?  Can the doctor see them on the ultrasound?  That would be my only concern about being 100 miles from the hospital.  You have a greater possibility of bleeding than most of us. -- Be careful on the drive back and stay as calm as possible.  You should be fine.

bean

[belle19]

believe me i was nervous but it ended up being a piece of cake.  i'd want to go home after.  don't worry about it, it's unhealthy to be stressed.  take care.  belle

[burned74]

ditto to the above comments.
I had my first biopsy 8 years ago and another just last week. They have to tell you about all the bad things that could happen and that's enough to make anyone nervous.
However its very rare to have any sort of complication and they do give you drugs to relax you so its no big deal at all. You will have to lay on your side for 2 hours and on your back for 4 hours after that.

[Advocate1955]

I know it's scary, but it is a relatively pain free procedure with very minimal risk.  Try to think about other things between now and then.  As Hector said, once they start the IV line and give you something to relax, you won't be scared or nervous any more.  Once they start the sedation, chances are you will doze off and feel nothing.  After the procedure, the effects of the sedation will likely make you sleepy, so you won't feel much if any discomfort, you'll probably just feel drowsy.  You should be fine to go back to the country because they will have monitored you in the hospital for a few hours before releasing you, so that they know that your vital signs are fine and you don't have any internal bleeding or complications.  You'll do great, and it's a good idea to stay with your friends the first night so they can check on you from time to time during the night.  Plan on taking it easy for a day or two as you may still feel tired from the sedation.  You'll be back to normal fairly quickly.  You may want to plan ahead on some light meals that are prepared and easy for Wednesday and Thursday so that if you are feeling tired you don't have to think about grocery shopping or standing and cooking.
Advocate1955

[HectorSF]

Good advice from everybody here.
If you are nervous when they are preping you, tell the nurse you are nervous and would like something to relax you. They should comply. It is more of a mental thing. It is pretty painless and a simple procedure. But better to have them "take the edge off".

You have to lay on your side for a few hours anyway afterwards. So hopefully your friend can be there with you or bring an iPod or whatever. It gets real boring! So just chill on your gurney and realize that the biopsy will give you very invaluable information about your liver status. So you have accomplished a lot.

Cheers!
Hector

[BoceprevirGal]

   Yes, of course I was so nervous, I knew Ihad Hep C for 20 yrs, but
never had a bx until last dec., because of nerves, etc.
    Usually, if there is going to be a problem with the biopsy, it will be very apparent during and right after the bx.  They will keep you in the hospital, and observe you for any internal bleeding, for at least 3 hrs, after the bx.
    I was also given an I.V. drip for Ativan, as well, which was very relaxing
and I took the best nap afterwards.  But Imade sure I was awke, and asked the Doctor if I could see the tissue they removed, in the test tube, right after they took the little pieces out. They looked healthy and red, so I was relieved some-what.
   I didn't feel any pain at all. But we areinstructed not to lift afterward,
anything over 10 l bs, for one week. You will be fine.

[Idyllic]

Given what I know now after having two biopsies that went off without a hitch I would chose being with a friend over being close to an ER. Besides a decent enough friend will make sure you get to the hospital if necessary - plus ambulances drive fast. Ha just kidding with you. If it were me I would want to go home and I pretty much live in the country too :)

But truly based on what you have said and I have read in your posts I can see why you might be nervous but it really is looking like things will be A-OK. Trust me waiting for the results is more frustrating than anything. But you aren't having your procedure over a major holiday like I foolishly did. Wait, when is Labor Day....

Just be sure to follow the pre-surgical directions and get there on time. The staff will give both you and your friend directions and things to look for when you go home. You may or may not get a prescription for a minor pain killer. I did but didn't really need them. I was not sore in the least either time I had mine.  I can't remember if I had to take an antibiotic or not. Be sure to ask any questions you might have in advance. In fact, ask when you can call &/or have send the report.

Hang in there! Everything will be OK♫