Hey ChelseyAnn, don't worry you are not alone. I've never had a biopsy either. Last month I went through an initial transplant evaluation with Emory Hospital and they didn't ask for one to be done. I did have to have an MRI though.

If you are confused, spare a thought for the cross-eyed milkmaid who was in a permanent state of udder confusion.

:-)

Craig

ALthough biopsies are the only 100% error proof way of diagnosing, cirrhosis can be diagnosed by the symptoms and blood work and, in some cases, a biopsy might be considered too risky.

A biopsy is the gold standard in determining cirrhosis since a pathologist analyzes the tissue under magnification. The disease occurs uniformly throughout the liver so even though an isolated area of tissue is taken, ignoring sampling error (small probability), the pathologists examination is conclusive.

In my case, a CAT scan, blood work, and stool samples all failed to show signs of cirrhosis. After being rushed to the emergency room for varicel bleeding, I had an MRI again results were not conclusive. A biopsy was taken and the doctor showed me the tissue as he placed it in the vial for examination. He indicated that the tissue looked healthy and that if I had cirrhosis, the tissue would break up or dissolve after placing in the vial.
So, even his observations were wrong.

As stated, a biopsy is invasive and may be considered too risky for some. I have become skeptical of the medical profession since their opinions vary too greatly. However, I would still trust their prognosis and follow their advice without a biopsy, as everyone is different.

At first, for me, the bloodwork, ultrasounds, CT scans didn't show signs of cirrohsis, but the biopsy did. In fact the biopsy of my liver after my transplant showed my liver to be much worse then my MELD score indicated. Thank goodness I found Dr's that were willing to investigate, as my first Dr's didn't want to find out why I didn't feel good.

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for you comments and advice. One would think that after a year I'd be OK with asking my doctor such things, but he's....odd. I respect him as a physician, but really he's a very formal and cold person, not like my other docs. So, in any event, I'm not comfortable with broaching certain subjects.
Your comments really helped me to get some things in order and I appreciate and thank each and every one of you for your help.
God bless you,
CA

Hi ChelseyAnn -- I have the worst coldest uptight GI doctor I have ever met & his office assistants are very close behind, but he's the best. I had a colonoscopy recently and as usual good ole doc was late. As soon as the nurse & others assisting heard he was in the hospital finally, they turned up this rock & roll music. I asked if he always does these procedures with loud music. Through the assistants, I found out my doctor is actually very shy & that he has been nervous lately because he's been preparing himself for a special event. He was taking dance lessons & trying to lose weight so he would fit into his tux. It took me over 5 yrs. to realize he's actually human. I know his personality will not change, but my outlook about him has. Best advice I can give you is to make sure your primary doctor is someone you are very comfortable with & will be able to explain what you do not want to ask your GI. This is your life & you have to be agressive as this desease is. Hope this helps...

My hubby has end stage cirrhosis,he has never had a biopsy. His symptoms were so sever,blood tests indicated cirrhosis,that they didn't want to put him through the proceedure. But apparently blood tests and severe symptoms are accepted as diagonois.

My husband never had a liver biopsy. I asked why since my dad had a few of them due to PSC. I was told that they may someday decide to biopsy hubby but for the time being it wasn't necessary. After cancer developed it decided to be too risky. As I understand he have one post transplant.