Liver biopsy

[Guest guest]

, for this kind of a report, I will gladly do it again! Pain and all.....I am thrilled! Well, maybe not THRILLED, but extremely happy!!!

Debby

[Guest guest]

Jerry,

I have a question for you. In my biopsy the report said that the

sample showed a distinctly nodular character. Portal areas appear to

be connectd by fibrous bridges. Portal to portal fibrous bridges and

sparse bile ducts. It also mentions I have ductular proliferation. I

am still confused by what a nodule is, and I am curious as to what it

means by portal to portal fibrous bridges. The scoring was one I am

not familiar with either, the report said I had a Mayo Clinic stage 4

biopsy. I have seen the MELD score but I don't know what the Mayo

Clinc scoring means.

Ruth

> Jerry

>

> Thanks so much..made perfect sense to me...nothing lost in the

translation.

>

> You have a way with words.

>

> Tracey

[Guest guest]

Debby

Glad to hear the good news!

Patty

[ ] Liver Biopsy

Hi...please forgive this group mailing. I have stayed home one more day....I think the pain is under control now, but didn't want to get it going again! Don't believe that the liver has no feeling.....IT DOES! LOL...heck, the best thing about this all is that I don't want to eat and that is NOT going to hurt me at all!!!

Well.........here we go! The biopsy was not completely normal, BUT the liver IS

RESPONDING to the medication I am taking, so I am going to continue the oral chemo and still try to cut the prednisone totally now. It still will take some months to wean me off totally. After being on it for 18-19 months, one can't just go off immediately. I have gotten it to 3 mg now, and am going to drop to 2.5 in a few weeks. Or....whenever I feel my body can tolerate it.

There was minimal inflammation, BUT THERE WAS NO NECROSIS!!!!! The first biopsy show necrosis so this just proves that the liver can reginerate!!! This is totally awesome. God is working on my liver through the medication! PRAISE GOD!!! Prayer DOES help!!! My GI didn't have a copy of the old biopsy report, and I read it to her. She was thrilled with the improvement! So, for now, I will continue with the same meds like I said above. As for the elevated liver enzymes, it appears that it could be from another medication that I am taking. So....now we have to see if the plaquenil that I am taking could be the culprit. We will just keep check on the elevated enzymes and see what is up.

So......I am going to LIVE! Not that I was going to die, but at least we KNOW the treatment is working for the Autoimmune Hepatitis!

Hope this all makes sense!

Debby

[Guest guest]

a, When I had my biopsy it felt like I had broken ribs for about a week. I'll pray for a quick recovery and a good diagonisis from yours. May the Lord take your pain. terri

a <mcnutt@...> wrote:

Hello everyone,

I had a liver biopsy today, and must say I don't remember the last one hurting this much. I was diagnosed with AIH Nov. 2000. I recently had some blood work that indicates the possibility of Lupus as well. I am wondering if anyone has or knows much about Lupus? Any information is appreciated.

I really enjoy and appreciate everyone who posts and shares their experiences and knowledge. I mainly observe and learn from all of you. You are all awesome! Thank you for sharing.

[Guest guest]

Well, the biopsy results show that I have to stop methotrexate right

now. I am on Enbrel, 2 injections a week and 2400 mg of ibuprofen a

day. No antibiotics without rheumy clearance and no Tylenol and I

am a total teetotaler. There are fatty deposits on my liver.

Does this reverse itself. I see my doctor next week and am

wondering what my options are now.

The psoriasis in my scalp is returning and cortisone based products

are out.........help!

Suzy

[Guest guest]

Suzy - so sorry to hear that. Is it because of the fatty deposits, or

something else that showed on your biopsy? I ask because a sonogram

recently showed that I, too, have fatty deposits in my liver but my

rheumy did not take me off MTX.

thanks,

sherry z

[Guest guest]

Hi, Sherry,

I just had a toxic reaction to another med and to be safe my

rhematologist took me off methotrexate (had elevated enzymes which are

now back to normal for several weeks). The methotrexate was best for

my psoriasis which is returning. I'm feeling better but I do worry

about the liver damage.

Thanks everyone for your input

>

> Suzy - so sorry to hear that. Is it because of the fatty deposits, or

> something else that showed on your biopsy? I ask because a sonogram

> recently showed that I, too, have fatty deposits in my liver but my

> rheumy did not take me off MTX.

>

> thanks,

> sherry z

>

[Guest guest]

,

I have been on MTX for 18 years now and have had 2 liver biopsies. To me,

they were no big deal. I was put to sleep and woke up when it was over. I

never really had any pain. Both times, my biopsy was fine. Good luck with

yours.

[Guest guest]

<<Hi All, I go in Monday for my first ever liver biopsy. I'm a little

nervous as I have read from others that it can be terrible, but then

some have also said it wasn't a big deal.>>

I'm a very rare poster, but I just had to respond to this.

I don't mean to scare you, . My experiences with the two liver

biopsies I've had have been: for number one, horrible. Number two was

horrible squared. I've been on mtx for ten years now at various

dosages, along with different biologics.

Both biopsies were CT-scan guided. I know someone else previously

described this experience, so I won't elaborate here. They gave local

anesthetic on the first one, and despite the anesthetic, I was in

horrendous pain. I was screaming at them to take the needle out

NOW!!! When I got back to my recovery room for the several hours of

lying on my side to stop the liver bleeding, I was hysterical from the

pain and they gave me multiple doses of morphine before I was able to

lie comfortably. It took a few days to feel normal again, not that I

expected it to not hurt after that, either...I mean, I am realistic

about that. Honestly, with PA, are we ever pain free? I never expect

to be. What scared me about it was I have a pretty high pain

tolerance, and for me to feel that way during and immediately after

the biopsy terrified me. I told my rheumy do not EVER expect me to do

that again. It was a running joke of ours for years....

Until I had to have my second one last year. I only did it for him,

to be honest, because I adore him and I knew he thought it was

necessary. I reminded him of the previous experience and asked if

they could knock me out. He said I'd have to talk to the hospital

people about that. So every single person I encountered that morning,

I told them of the previous experience and begged to be sedated. They

said it was up to the radiologist doing the procedure. I finally got

them to consent to twilight sedation along with extra local

anesthetic. This time was even worse, if that was possible. I again,

unfortunately, felt everything they did and was screaming throughout.

When I got back to the recovery room I was clammy/sweaty, cold, high

heart rate, hysterical. They told my husband they had *never* seen

anyone have this kind of reaction. They were very concerned. Many

doses of painkillers were given and they held me almost eight hours

instead of their usual four to ensure I was going to be okay. And

again, many days after of misery.

Incidentally, my husband has autoimmune hepatitis, so he has to have

liver biopsies too. He had the audacity (I'm trying to be funny) to

have had a biopsy without any local anesthetic or painkillers after

and was fine with it, no pain. (He said he wanted to see what it felt

like without sedation!!!) On his most recent one, he said it only

hurt after, when he laughed. So this is a contrast study for you of

two peoples' experiences.

He told me after my second biopsy that he had been very scared for me

because he couldn't believe I had such a different reaction than he did.

I told my rheumy that I sincerely will never have another. I would

sign a waiver relieving him of any liability if I had to, but never

again. It isn't worth it to me. In all my years of mtx, I have only

ever had one abnormal liver function result, so it's a risk I'm

willing to take. Maybe that is foolish on my part, but I just can't

do it. I have had four major surgeries in my 37 years of life, and

this outpatient procedure is honestly the worst thing I have experienced.

This got long, I'm sorry. But I thought this might be helpful to

someone out there, as a possibility -- informed patient and all that.

But I hope no one else experiences what I have with liver biopsies.

[Guest guest]

I can't imagine what a horrible experience you went thru and, frankly, do not

understand why they couldn't have done more for you to relieve the pain second

time around. Your rheumy should have been an advocate for you and not just left

it up to the radiologist. The ones I've met (and I know it's probably not a

good idea to generalize) have been arrogant and totally unconcerned about

patient care/comfort. He probably thought you were just exaggerating and being

a " wuss " . I know certain tests have to be done when you're awake but sure don't

understand why this one had to. If it was guided by a CT scan, they didn't need

you for anything, it would seem.

Good doctors listen to their patients!

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361

[Guest guest]

HI List,

When I was in my twenty's I had a liver biopsy catscan

guided. I believe they used a staple gun to do mine... or it souned like

one. I had to have a full bladder I believe and also they gave me

Valium. I was quite restless. I have know idea why they kept me awake. I

had fevers and other issues that were worse than the test. For me it was

Psychological. In the same month I had a bone marrow test that was not

finished. MY hubby was in the waiting room, and their were more than

several people waiting. Anyway the doctor gave me NOTHING, and I was so

ANXIOUS. Well, the most disturbing part was the size of the needle and

the fact that I SCREAMED in agony.. one by one the people in the waiting

room according to my husband left. Well I never had the test finished.

Maybe an 1/8th of an inch and they would of gotten to the bone. It

disturbes me that they could not knock me out to this day.

Anyway on this note... Have a Happy Easter and find your true

blessings... like who makes you smile and what parts do not hurt today!

I am going to squeeze my hubby and Cat.. DO NOT ASK WHO COMES FIRST..

> 4

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone,

I've gotten a brief reprieve, as there was a scheduling snafu. So now

I'm scheduled for Wednesday. I appreciate all the info. I certainly

hope I fall into the " no big deal " category, as this will be my last

biopsy if I don't.

I'm a bit anxious and nervous, but not freaking out. In fact I'm

fairly calm, after all it is will be whatever it will.

I can't change that.

Stay well,

[Guest guest]

Hello Joanna,

I'm guessing that your post is a response to my experience, so I

thought I would reply to your comments.

My rheumy is indeed my advocate; he proved this beyond a shadow of a

doubt recently by appealing several times to my insurance company

(UHC) when they repeatedly denied my prescription for weekly-dosing

Humira because their guidelines only allow that exception for Crohn's

or rheumatoid arthritis. He finally sent them a scathing and

sarcastic letter (that I will treasure my copy of forever) that ended

that stall tactic on their part at long last. He has been a friend

for many years.

However, to address your concern that he should have done more in this

instance -- he could not have, in my opinion, or I believe he would

have done anything for me. Although I am treated at a major medical

university, the outpatient procedures are done by the affiliate

hospital 15 miles away, and as he is not physically there -- but more

importantly, not the ultimate person in charge of the procedure -- he

cannot demand such action of sedating me in whichever fashion we deem

fit. It's the radiologist's responsibility, not my rheumy's. I don't

blame him for this, nor hold him responsible for the outcomes. It's

simply my unfortunate experiences, and I can only hope someday that if

I am ever forced to do this again that it will be more comfortable.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your response and I'm so glad he has been your friend/advocate in

other ways. I think he's technically right that Humira - at that time - had not

yet been approved for PA but it just has, according to my rheumy.

I am really curious about liver biopsies after reading all these posts. Still

don't understand why an anaesthetic of some kind was not possible - and still

don't like radiologists particularly. I was on a committee once with one and

when I went up and introduced myself and said, " and your so and so " (using his

first and last name) he immediately corrected me and said I am DR. so and so!!!!

And he was like that for the entire time all of us had to deal with him!!! They

do tend to think they know everything - even more so than other doctors, I fear.

I hope you can find someone more sympathetic if you ever have to go thru this

again. I just cannot imagine the agnoy.

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361

[Guest guest]

I have a question about the liver biopsy ... my hubby's rheumy told him a liver

biopsy would not be necessary unless blood labwork showed there was a problem

with his liver...are those of you saying it is necessary even though you blood

work says your liver is fine?

Amy Brown <tynerra@...>

[Guest guest]

Dave hey stay calm, it will all work out!! If you'd like to talk to someone on

line or phone let me know. Ive been there but I didnt have to do the liver

biopsy!!! my name is as you can tell Bill And you have my email address, my # is

479-419-5667 take care guy, we all know how this feels!!!

Bill

[Guest guest]

Thank you for letting me know, . . . I am glad you are doing so well! I

just know the reports will come back fine . . . My husband has been on MTX for

about 8 weeks and is taking 15mg once a week . . . I think??? He is adamant that

he WILL NOT do the liver biopsy when the time comes . . . BUT he said he

wouldn't do the self-injections either and he just completed his first Humira

injections last week. Thanks again for sharing your experience!

Amy Brown <tynerra@...>

[Guest guest]

Thanks . . . My husband is a mess about things like this. He is one patient a

doctor dreads to see coming although he has been good with his rheumy thus far.

He does not see a dermatologist either . . . we have been down that road already

and has far more luck with a rheumy . . .

Amy Brown <tynerra@...>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,I would think if your not going to treat it doesn't matter how much damage is done to your liver. The biopsy is to find out what degree of damage is already done, myself I have med damage but I am on treatment and doing knock on wood good so far.... I hope you consider all the options before you opt out of treatment BarbaraFrom: Lynn Mc

<lynnrd57@...> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:18:29 PMSubject: [ ] Liver biopsy

I've never posted, but I have a question.. Has anyone ever had a doctor tell them if they weren't going to take the treatments there was no point in having a liver biopsy? Just curious why the doc. would tell me that...

Thanks for all the info. posted here.

[Guest guest]

I really don't know very much about your medical system in the States. Needless to say, I'm from Canada. However, we don't have it so much easier up here even though we have a medical system in each province and here in British Columbia we have a Pharmacare Plan that is based on a family income from the year before.Fortunately however, even though we didn't have a Hepatologist or Gastroenteroligist in the very small city where I live, the Internal Medicine Specialists filled that block until just this year when we finally got a Gastro. It was already too late for me by the time he came, because I was being sent for this clinical through Vancouver General Hospital. That means a 1-1/2 hr drive to the ferry, then another 1-1/2 hr ride on that ferry and then about 1 hour from

there to the hospital. It would then take about 30 minutes to give my blood, talk with a clinical assistant and then repeat that trip backwards again. It would take no less than 12 hours for each time and for awhile that was weekly. Fortunately, it's down to once a month now. I could not have done any of that without the super support from my husband.I am also a geno 1B. I have been approved for our federal Disability Plan which is about $675 and that's supposed to start before the end of this month. However, if I was single then I could apply for a Provincial Disability which would put me up to about $950 per month.Well our mortgage etc. on a mobile home is over $800, so I would have to move if I didn't have my husband and couldn't get a roomie. Then again, I still work part-time from my home as a bookkeeper for small businesses and perhaps make about another $200 a month when all is said and

done. It's just that, having that work and with my assistant - I have a reason to get up at least 4 days a week.By the way - what do you mean your not sick yet ??? What do you call being mostly bedridden??? My liver has never bothered me much at all and I would probably have gone on not knowing whatsoever about my Hep C if not for the Insurance Health check. I had sporadic fatigue spells prior to treatment and even then, nothing I would even talk to my doctor about. After treatment the first time - I was left with a very good case of Fibromyalgia which has actually bothered me more than my liver. From what I understand, liver disease and fibromyalgia almost go hand and glove; but, most doctors don't know that yet. In fact, one of my brothers who also has Hep C, and hasn't even been told he qualifys for treatment yet is being sent to a Arthiritis specialist in the fall for his

pain.From: Christ <ludichrist2000@...> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 6:44:21 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Liver biopsy

I, too, am a bit worried.

I was told last year I have Hep C, and I am a 1B, with a low Vload.

I have not had a liver bio, nor do I have a Heptologist nearby.

I would like to know more about my liver, but theres no one to ask.

I have many questions too, but again, no one to ask.

My primary doc is aware of Hep C, but I know more about it than he does.

And I know nothing.

Ive been managing this group, member of many more, and listening, and studying all I can.

Ive been trying to take care of myself while I wait on good news about new TX meds.

Im pretty much bedridden, so moving someplace else would be extremely taxing.

Plus Im on SSI, and cannot afford to rent elsewhere, or make the move due to financial.

My rent here is 300, in KC or Denver it would be 1000.

I get 670 a month.

Dilemma. I have to eat too.

I wonder how many other people are not TX'ing because of simular situations.

Im not sick yet, and wonder how long that will last.

love

don in ks

From: Gloria <gadamscan (DOT) ca>Subject: Re: [ ] Liver biopsy Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 8:23 PM

The liver biopsy gives them a better read on how much damage has been done to the liver so that they can give you a more accurate dose of medication. You don't really want to go through the torture of that test unless you are going to do the treatment. In fact, my first biopsy told them my liver was a lot more damaged that anyone imagined. That was in 2004 and I was at level 3 out of 4, which means full fibrosis moving to cirrhosis. I did the treatment after that; however did not attain the Sustained Viral Response. Then in early February this year, I had another biopsy prior to going into a Clinical Trial and my liver had slipped by then to a level 4 ! However, my liver enzymes had actually dropped dramatically which will happen in cirrhosis. My only regret is that they don't do a liver biopsy on a non-responder after the 48 weeks of tx, although there was nothing else out they could

do anyway. All that was left for me in 2005 when the tx didn't work, was to wonder how long my liver would hold up. I'm just grateful that I was asked to participate in this Clinical because there is no telling how long my liver had while I was waiting for these new meds to become available to the public. I'm also extremely grateful that somehow I seem to be able to tolerate the meds quite well. I have a friend that could not tolerate tx and now has been diagnosed with liver cancer and they still are not sure they can operate because of where they think the cancer is. Well, he wouldn't even be a candidate for a transplant.

From: Lynn Mc <lynnrd57 (DOT) com> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:18:29 PMSubject: [ ] Liver biopsy

I've never posted, but I have a question.. Has anyone ever had a doctor tell them if they weren't going to take the treatments there was no point in having a liver biopsy? Just curious why the doc. would tell me that...

Thanks for all the info. posted here.

Canada Toolbar : Search from anywhere on the web and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now!

Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers.

[Guest guest]

Well Gloria, maybe I am sick, and just dont know it.

I think of being sick, as feeling sick, vomitting, pain, dizziness, etc. [flu]

I have none of that really.

My being almost bedridden is because of four things.

- 'Extreme' tiredness, [perhaps Hep C and/or COPD-emphzma].

- CHF [congestive heart failure]. I black out sometimes when I exert myself.

- Chronic back trouble making walking any distance near impossible.

Without good doctors how can I know?

How can I work on fixing stuff?

Its guesswork, and touch and go for me.

I feel without hope a lot of the time, and that I wont live to see 60. Im 58 now.

I keep my spirits up by knowing that I have had a wonderful life, and have 2 sons to carry on.

I believe in God, and am not afraid of death.

I just wouldnt wish it anytime soon. lol

I think most people with major health issues are limited in their options and assets.

It makes me sad.

Those of us in western countrys are lucky.

People in 3rd world countrys have it a lot lot worse.

I wish I had THE FIX BUTTON, I would sure as hell push it.

All I can do at this point is to carry on trying to help others [like this group] as much as I can, and hope medical science catches up fast.

There is hope in the wind.

Also I have a saying that I live by....'Never Give Up. Get mad and fight instead'.

Well, Ive wah wah'ed enough.

God bless each and everyone out there.

love

don in ks

From: Gloria <gadamscan (DOT) ca>Subject: Re: [ ] Liver biopsy Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 8:23 PM

The liver biopsy gives them a better read on how much damage has been done to the liver so that they can give you a more accurate dose of medication. You don't really want to go through the torture of that test unless you are going to do the treatment. In fact, my first biopsy told them my liver was a lot more damaged that anyone imagined. That was in 2004 and I was at level 3 out of 4, which means full fibrosis moving to cirrhosis. I did the treatment after that; however did not attain the Sustained Viral Response. Then in early February this year, I had another biopsy prior to going into a Clinical Trial and my liver had slipped by then to a level 4 ! However, my liver enzymes had actually dropped dramatically which will happen in cirrhosis. My only regret is that they don't do a liver biopsy on a non-responder after the 48 weeks of tx, although there was nothing else out they could

do anyway. All that was left for me in 2005 when the tx didn't work, was to wonder how long my liver would hold up. I'm just grateful that I was asked to participate in this Clinical because there is no telling how long my liver had while I was waiting for these new meds to become available to the public. I'm also extremely grateful that somehow I seem to be able to tolerate the meds quite well. I have a friend that could not tolerate tx and now has been diagnosed with liver cancer and they still are not sure they can operate because of where they think the cancer is. Well, he wouldn't even be a candidate for a transplant.

From: Lynn Mc <lynnrd57 (DOT) com> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:18:29 PMSubject: [ ] Liver biopsy

I've never posted, but I have a question.. Has anyone ever had a doctor tell them if they weren't going to take the treatments there was no point in having a liver biopsy? Just curious why the doc. would tell me that...

Thanks for all the info. posted here.

Canada Toolbar : Search from anywhere on the web and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now!

Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers.

[Guest guest]

Don,You tell it like it is, people who has Hep C can and does have other illnesses that affects there daily life!!!!! Isnt there a liver research clinic in KS?? I go to UNC in Tuscon and they have excellent doctors, does the university of Kansas have a liver research clinic?? I am blessed to have a very supportive husband who goes to work and takes care of me, I want for nothing but a healthy liver guess money can't buy you everything huh!!!! lol, Don if you ever need to vent or just someone to talk to I am here my email addy is wbarbarae@... and if you write to me I will give you my cell number. I believe everyone needs a support group and if you want I am here for you my friend..... just rember all is possible in God

and in God all is possible....... BarbaraFrom: Christ <ludichrist2000@...> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 9:00:18 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Liver biopsy

Well Gloria, maybe I am sick, and just dont know it.

I think of being sick, as feeling sick, vomitting, pain, dizziness, etc. [flu]

I have none of that really.

My being almost bedridden is because of four things.

- 'Extreme' tiredness, [perhaps Hep C and/or COPD-emphzma] .

- CHF [congestive heart failure]. I black out sometimes when I exert myself.

- Chronic back trouble making walking any distance near impossible.

Without good doctors how can I know?

How can I work on fixing stuff?

Its guesswork, and touch and go for me.

I feel without hope a lot of the time, and that I wont live to see 60. Im 58 now.

I keep my spirits up by knowing that I have had a wonderful life, and have 2 sons to carry on.

I believe in God, and am not afraid of death.

I just wouldnt wish it anytime soon. lol

I think most people with major health issues are limited in their options and assets.

It makes me sad.

Those of us in western countrys are lucky.

People in 3rd world countrys have it a lot lot worse.

I wish I had THE FIX BUTTON, I would sure as hell push it.

All I can do at this point is to carry on trying to help others [like this group] as much as I can, and hope medical science catches up fast.

There is hope in the wind.

Also I have a saying that I live by....'Never Give Up. Get mad and fight instead'.

Well, Ive wah wah'ed enough.

God bless each and everyone out there.

love

don in ks

From: Gloria <gadamscan (DOT) ca>Subject: Re: [ ] Liver biopsy Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 8:23 PM

The liver biopsy gives them a better read on how much damage has been done to the liver so that they can give you a more accurate dose of medication. You don't really want to go through the torture of that test unless you are going to do the treatment. In fact, my first biopsy told them my liver was a lot more damaged that anyone imagined. That was in 2004 and I was at level 3 out of 4, which means full fibrosis moving to cirrhosis. I did the treatment after that; however did not attain the Sustained Viral Response. Then in early February this year, I had another biopsy prior to going into a Clinical Trial and my liver had slipped by then to a level 4 ! However, my liver enzymes had actually dropped dramatically which will happen in cirrhosis. My only regret is that they don't do a liver biopsy on a non-responder after the 48 weeks of tx, although there was nothing else out they could

do anyway. All that was left for me in 2005 when the tx didn't work, was to wonder how long my liver would hold up. I'm just grateful that I was asked to participate in this Clinical because there is no telling how long my liver had while I was waiting for these new meds to become available to the public. I'm also extremely grateful that somehow I seem to be able to tolerate the meds quite well. I have a friend that could not tolerate tx and now has been diagnosed with liver cancer and they still are not sure they can operate because of where they think the cancer is. Well, he wouldn't even be a candidate for a transplant.

From: Lynn Mc <lynnrd57 (DOT) com> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:18:29 PMSubject: [ ] Liver biopsy

I've never posted, but I have a question.. Has anyone ever had a doctor tell them if they weren't going to take the treatments there was no point in having a liver biopsy? Just curious why the doc. would tell me that...

Thanks for all the info. posted here.

Canada Toolbar : Search from anywhere on the web and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now!

Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers.

[Guest guest]

I'm thinking of going back on MTX. My dentist for 25 years and a very

good friend told me that I really needed to try and get off of 'that

poison'....hmm..refreshing.

So, I have been off it and use my Humira. However, even though MTX

might be poison it did seem to make me feel better 'overall' --- but

it did give me a bit of stomach upset on day 1.

So, liver biopsies. Are these common? Needed every year or so when

taking MTX? What is the procedure? Kind of freaks me out. My Humira

shots seem like nothing compared to a liver biopsy.

Thoughts?

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Liver biopsies are cause for concern, BUT talk to your rheumatologist.

Depending on what amount of MTX you take they are not needed that often. I take

10-12.5mg of MTX per week. It is recommended that you have a liver biopsy after

ingesting 1 GM. At this level it takes about 1.5-2 years. With my rheumys advice

I waited until I reached almost 3gm ingested before I had a biopsy. After 4.5-5

years of taking it. Now i know some folks have had bad biopsy experiences, and

maybe i was lucky, but it really was a non-event. I went in at 8am in the

morning and was done by 10am. I was advised to take the day off from work, but

got bored sitting at home watching Oprah, and " as the stomach turns " So I ran

errands cleaned house, and had a very productive day with no ill affects

whatsoever.

But it is a surgical procedure.

Just my experience.

Stay Well,

[Guest guest]

Speaking for myself, I've been on MTX for about 6 years now and have never

needed a liver biopsy. Liver enzymes are always within specs. I should mention

that MTX might even be considered one of my " minor " medications (even at 17.5mg

per week.)

" rustytinman2 " <Jrdoubleyou@...>