These forums are hardly active but I'll try asking. Has anyone ever had a liver biopsy done? If so what was your experience? I have some marker for Autoimmune Hepatitis. Elevated Actin Antibody IgG? My liver function tests are normal. Afraid to have a biopsy done.
2014-11-12 11:18:34
Yes I've had a bunch of liver biopsies (it's a long story ...) and they do provide a wonderful wealth of information for sure. And as you must already know finalizing the AIH diagnosis is key in letting them be aggressive with the treatment programs and will hopefully lead to a relatively uneventful future - liver health wise anyway. They used the "core" needles with a larger outer cannula inserted first to minimize the drama of multiple samples and reduce any seeding along the needle tracts during extraction. They also used US guidance several times and CT once as well for extremely accurate targeting needed at the time. Pain wasn't a problem since they did use some IV injected pain meds as needed and to help during the recovery time as well about 3 hours or so. No internal bleeding to deal with and everything went along smoothly for the most part. A bit of soreness for a few days or so but one needle insert location (between the upper ribs what a lovely spot) has remained slightly painful when pressed for almost a year now. They concluded that it probably injured a surface nerve and maybe mildly painful for a considerably longer time. Odd about your normal liver function tests but that's not unheard of with AIH (but is uncommon) and periodic remissions do happen - just to drive the doctors crazy I'm sure. Good luck if you decide to do the procedure. But remember it's your choice not your doctors!
2014-11-12 11:19:27
