Liver Biopsy

[Dabbit]

Anyone who has to have a liver biopsy needn't worry! For me (I've had two) the worse part is the doctor informing you of what could possibly go wrong!

So arriving at the hospital early in the morning (about 8am) what can you expect? Firstly, you will have some blood work done to ensure your clotting factor is OK and various other things. You'll then be free to read, do puzzles, watch TV or do anything else you want until your biopsy time arrives. At this point you will be wheeled down on your bed to the department doing the test - former that was ultrasound.

Next you'll be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, then an injection puncturing the liver is done which takes a tiny part of your liver. It doesn't hurt, although you may feel some discomfort around your shoulder area or/and feel slightly winded.

Following the procedure you will need to rest on your right hand side - not moving from there for about 2 hours. Bed rest is then essential for a further 6 hours or so. At the end of your day you will be allowed to go home.

I was also informed that unless I had my own lift home I would have to stay in over night, I organised a taxi - rather than stay.

So overall you really have very little to worry about pain wise, though you might get a slight discomfort.

[Mark]

Ouch! Doesn't sound like a lot of fun, Dabbitt. But I think the worst thing for me would be waiting for the results.

[Dabbit]

Actually laying on your side for a couple of hours without moving is quite difficult...

[Mark]

Or in any position without moving for any length of time can be unnerving and uncomfortable. I've had a couple of MRI's. If staying still doesn't get to you, the noise will.

[Dabbit]

I recall when my son had an MRI scan I didn't even go in with him (due to my artificial leg) and the noise was horrendous from the waiting room alone - like a pneumatic drill

[Mark]

Yes, it's an awful ka-thunk, ka-thunk, ka-thunk and one can't move while it's ka-thunking. Could drive one mad. At least that's the excuse I'll use....

[Dabbit]

Good excuse Mark...I can't use that one though...

[Mark]

Go ahead, Dabbit....perhaps we can trade excuses....LOL

[Dabbit]

We could set up a new elite club perhaps Mark for people with senior moments to exchaneg excuses

[Dabbit]

And maybe we could let those who can't spell in (see above post)

[Mark]

Spelling isn't all that important as long as we can tell what each other is saying, LOL. I try to be accurate, but make the occasional typo anyway - no big deal. Besides, you can always do an alt+c to spell check.

[rita]

What were the results fo your liver biopsy, Dabbit? Was this a recent event?

[Dabbit]

Oh I've had two they discovered problems through my regular diabetic checks. The official name for my condition is Non alcoholic steato hepatitis (or NASH for short). It's not particularly anything to worry about when it is controlled well - which mine has been to the enxtent I have been discarged from the hospital and kept an eye by my own GP (doctor)
(see: British Liver Trust)