Liver Biopsy? - Hepatitis Message Board

moni57 · 09-28-2003, 09:45 PM

Hello all,
First of all...I have not been diagnosed with Hepatitis (altough the Docs are continuing to test me for B and C thinking that the antibodies are just not showing up yet). But I know that I will probably find my answers to my questions here.

I am a 24 year old female. I have had elevated liver enzymes since at least mid-July. The numbers have ranged from 350-800, and the ratio of AST to ALT has been ~ 1:1. My Bili and alk phos were also elevated, but have both returned to normal. I have had numerous tests run (Hep panel, CTscan, Ultrasound, lots of bloodwork). However, the Docs cannot figure out what is going on with me. On Friday my AST and ALT were both well over 600. The GI specialist has determined I need a liver biopsy done to determine the cause of the elevated enzymes. I have a biopsy scheduled for this Wed Oct 1st.

Is it to early to consider a biopsy?
What can I expect from the biopsy?
Will I be in a lot of pain?
Will I need to take time off of work?
Will I scar?
Will they need to use stitches to close up the point of entry?

Any information on what I can expect will be helpful.

Thank you for your expertise!
~Moni

pablito · 09-29-2003, 06:17 AM

Moni,I too have elevated liver enzymes but had a biopsy that only showed mild inflamation and mild fibrosis. I finish my pegasys treatment this week and have been undetected since week twelve. My Doc said that the biopsy is the only true way to see the condition of your liver no matter what your tests say. Medicines and other things can cause elevated tests. If you GI thinks it is time for a biopsy, follow his advice. There is some minor pain but tolerable, you will need the day off of work because you have to recover for 4-6 hours in the hospital. The anticipation of the biopsy is probably worse than the test itself. I dont notice any scarring from where I got the biopsy.

[This message has been edited by pablito (edited 09-29-2003).]

sean · 09-29-2003, 06:55 AM

Hi Moni

yes, the biopsy is a minor inconvenience more than a major procedure. You do indeed need to rest a day, some people need two (I went back to work the next day and regretted it, but my reaction was apparently unusual). But the pain is small, the residual mark disappeats after just weeks, and like that.

Don't worry. And, you'll be getting some answers, which will I'm sure be better than the uncertainty.

sean

moni57 · 09-29-2003, 05:08 PM

thank you for your responses and support