Guest guest Posted February 21, 2004 Report Share Posted February 21, 2004 Welcome, Cora. For most people the biopsy is nearly painless. For me, it was almost exactly like getting a flu shot. Some people aren't as fortunate. My doctor performs a lot of these biopsies. He says things generally go best when one is relaxed, as the muscles don't tense against the needle. After the biopsy, I think most people are sore. Others report that they are not. However, even those of us who feel fine afterwards are supposed to avoid driving, dancing, lifting, etc. for a couple of days (don't remember how long) to lessen the chance of internal bleeding. One source I read says we should stay within an hour of a hospital, in case bleeding should occur in the first few days (again, I don't remember how long.) Harper In a message dated 2/21/2004 9:34:30 AM Pacific Standard Time, writes: Message: 1 Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 17:03:33 -0000 From: "turtlemomma71" <cbenoir@...>Subject: New member - newly diagnosedHi. My name is Cora and I am 32 years old and newly diagnosed with Autoimmune hepatitis. I had a liver biopsy on Tuesday and that did not go well at all. Still in a great deal of pain from it. Am wondering if others had bad experiences with a biopsy.Cora Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2004 Report Share Posted February 21, 2004 Thank you all. Just getting back from the ER. They say they probably knicked a nerve when doing the biopsy. There is no free air or blood in the abdomen or anything. They said most don't experience the kind of pain I have, and that I must have a low pain threshold. Hmmmm news to me - after all I did deliver a 10 pound kid with no drugs (piece of cake!) Anyone who knows me will attest that I have a HIGH pain threshold. I hate it when doctors treat you like you are a hypochondriac, or that your just looking for drugs. Personally I hate taking meds - so I don't like taking pain killers - but I find myself taking them now to deal with it. I went in to the procedure thinking I would be back doing all my normal activities in 2 days - no big deal. I thought it was going to be a walk in the park - how wrong I was Anyone else here from Vermont? Cora Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2004 Report Share Posted February 21, 2004 Dear Cora, I am so sorry about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with AIH in February of 2002 and I am doing extremely well. I had orange fingernails and yellow eyes... Initially, I had to take a high dose of prednisone that was tapered down gradually over one year. In addition to that, I had to take 50 mg of Imuran. I am only on Imuran now and will have to take it for the rest of my life. I have had no problems with the Imuran and I received coupons to get a rebate on the costs. I looked up http://www.needymeds.com and looked up the drug and it tells you how to get reimbursement, if you qualify. The drug companies all have different programs. I get $30 off the cost of Imuran each month. Hopefully they will continue the rebate program with Prometheus Laboratories. My first liver biopsy was a horrible experience like yours, and the second one was better, but I had severe arm pain for three days. I think it depends on the skill of the doctor and I know next time I will demand the most numbing of the area possible. The liver biopsy is very important for the diagnosis of AIH and to access the effectiveness of the treatment one year later. Everyone here is very helpful and supportive! Feel free to ask any questions you desire. Sincerely, New member - newly diagnosed Hi. My name is Cora and I am 32 years old and newly diagnosed with Autoimmune hepatitis. I had a liver biopsy on Tuesday and that did not go well at all. Still in a great deal of pain from it. Am wondering if others had bad experiences with a biopsy. Cora ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2004 Report Share Posted February 22, 2004 Cora, I had my biopsy in 01 and although initially it did not hurt. I had tremendous pain through my shouylders and side for about 3 hours and then sore for one day. I don't think you should have more pain than that unless they hit something else by mistake. Make your inquires and dont hesitiate to want an x ray for your own satisfaction. Feel better and I hope your pain ends soon. Pat NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.