Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
Well today was my liver biopsy day.
First, I learned the answer to some questions posed on here.
I started a thread a couple of weeks ago asking questions about what to expect with a biopsy. There were a couple that replied and their doctor did as mine did and put us completely under. Then others said their was done with just a local. The question then was asked about what they would do about getting me to lay on one side for three hours as they do with the local route.
The doctor explained to me that the liver when punctured or cut bleeds a lot. Having to lay on one side, perfectly still is apparently the only way to address that issue. My doctor said he prefers going in with a scope and he is able to address the issue of bleeding before he closes. He stated that the bleeding is enough that he is surprised there have not been more cases with complications from this. Made sense to me.
PAIN: Oh man. I may be a sissy but when I woke up the psi was 10 out of 10. Not until they for the max allowable amount of Demerol in me did it start to subside. But there was a little thing called a gallbladder that made my pain worse.
He got in and found my gallbladder to be in horrible condition (his words). He could tell that it was only a matter of time before I would be back in having it removed so he decided to take it out now.
Now as to my liver. Since he used a scope he was able to get a good look at my liver plus get the section for biopsy. He said my liver looked great, the news I was praying to hear. As long as the results of the biopsy line up with what he saw then I will be waiting on the new treaent options for type 1's. hopefully next year.
Now I have suffered from acid reflux for a number of years. I wonder if the gallbladder was the possible source of the problem. Ill find out when I go back to meet with my liver doctor about the results of
The biopsy. He had planned on running a scope down my throat in that day to see what my issue is causing the reflux.
They sent me home today with Lortabs for pain. It is midnight and I am sitting on the sofa not able to sleep. Pain has been pretty intense. Not as bad as when I first woke up in recovery, but bad enough.
Would I so it again if suggested. Sure, I always want to know exactly what is going on but at least I know that it hurts like hell
First, I learned the answer to some questions posed on here.
I started a thread a couple of weeks ago asking questions about what to expect with a biopsy. There were a couple that replied and their doctor did as mine did and put us completely under. Then others said their was done with just a local. The question then was asked about what they would do about getting me to lay on one side for three hours as they do with the local route.
The doctor explained to me that the liver when punctured or cut bleeds a lot. Having to lay on one side, perfectly still is apparently the only way to address that issue. My doctor said he prefers going in with a scope and he is able to address the issue of bleeding before he closes. He stated that the bleeding is enough that he is surprised there have not been more cases with complications from this. Made sense to me.
PAIN: Oh man. I may be a sissy but when I woke up the psi was 10 out of 10. Not until they for the max allowable amount of Demerol in me did it start to subside. But there was a little thing called a gallbladder that made my pain worse.
He got in and found my gallbladder to be in horrible condition (his words). He could tell that it was only a matter of time before I would be back in having it removed so he decided to take it out now.
Now as to my liver. Since he used a scope he was able to get a good look at my liver plus get the section for biopsy. He said my liver looked great, the news I was praying to hear. As long as the results of the biopsy line up with what he saw then I will be waiting on the new treaent options for type 1's. hopefully next year.
Now I have suffered from acid reflux for a number of years. I wonder if the gallbladder was the possible source of the problem. Ill find out when I go back to meet with my liver doctor about the results of
The biopsy. He had planned on running a scope down my throat in that day to see what my issue is causing the reflux.
They sent me home today with Lortabs for pain. It is midnight and I am sitting on the sofa not able to sleep. Pain has been pretty intense. Not as bad as when I first woke up in recovery, but bad enough.
Would I so it again if suggested. Sure, I always want to know exactly what is going on but at least I know that it hurts like hell
I've had several biopsies, but they were all transjugular biopsies, where they go in through the jugular vein. They say it's much safer, and I had a minimal amount of pain afterwards, mostly just a sore spot on my neck for a few days. I'll be having another one in a few weeks.
Sorry you had so much discomfort, but glad you're liver looks well enough to wait for easier treatments.
That's the BEST news I have heard in here since I joined back in2009!!! I'm so HAPPY for you Marilyn!!!!!
I feel like screaming out loud!!! Now do you see how blessed you are and in the care of some of the best liver specialists around???
This is one of the best examples of keeping the faith that you'll be protected no matter what happens!!!
It couldn't have happened to a better person!!!!
Hopefully, my ship will come along too soon enough!!!
May God continue to bless you always dear!
Respectfully,
Henry
Even if the pain was this bad just for the biopsy, I would do it all over again.
I hesitate to say the endoscopy will be a breeze for you. It was from me, no pain and over quickly but who knows what else he may have in mind ..lol
FYI friends -We do not all get to choose how our biopsy is performed.
For people who haven't yet had biopsies & are afraid, I had one done several years ago with a local anesthetic & did not have pain upon the initial jab, and just some soreness around the spot for a couple of days. They don't always hurt.
I'm happy to hear you are able to wait for the newer tx's.
Rest, and hope you will soon be feeling better!
Marilyn, what's happening? Sounds like something really good - I hope so.
The funny thing about that is this... You're the only one that commented my mistaken celebration! Lolololol Hahahah!!!
Too Funny!!!! Oh well,nobody's perfect!
Respectfully,
Henry
It is a good omen for our dear Marilyn.
And it affirms that I still have a few marbles left.
:)