Liver Biopsy - does it hurt?

[amandalee]

Hey everybody. I am having my liver biopsy on Jan. 16th, just over a year after of me being diagnosed with AIH. I am a little nervous though. My doctor tells me that it doesn't hurt, but some people experience complications. I know my liver enzymes are not up to par right now and I guess I am just worried that my blood won't clot. Right now, my ALT and AST are around 100 each. I was told normal was around 35 or so.

Has anyone had any complications? What should I look out for. I don't want to go home with a little stomach ache when it is something more serious.

thanks!

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7cm cyst on spleen
Autoimmune Chronic Active Hepititis
Epilepsy w/Temporal Lobe Seizures
Kidney Infection
mild arthritis
goiter on thyroid
inflamed liver
I'm 23 and I'm falling apart! Advice???

[karenweston]

AmandaLee,
I was only diagnosed on Monday, so I am very new to this. I had a liver biopsy on Dec 27th. I was put to sleep as I also had to have an ERCP to remove a stent from my bile duct. The liver biopsy left about a quarter sized bruise and tender spot on my right side. It really didn't hurt unless you touched it. It is still a little tender if you touch it.

I also have systemic lupus and a clotting disorder caused by lupus. My liver enzymes have ranged anywhere from high normal to almost 800. My ALT was at an all time high of 770 shortly before the liver biopsy. My WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, and platelets have been low most of the time for the last few months. I had no problems with the liver biopsy. The only bad part was that I had to lie on my right side for two hours. That was uncomfortable because the ERCP caused severe nausea and pain under my right rib.

There is always the risk of complications with a liver biopsy but I don't think complications are common.

Karen W

[amandalee]

That's good to hear. Thanks!

When I first got sick, my ALT and AST were around 800 as well. Now I am down to about 100. Still high, but much better since I started.

After Thursday, I'll let you know how the biopsy went.

------------------
7cm cyst on spleen
Autoimmune Chronic Active Hepititis
Epilepsy w/Temporal Lobe Seizures
Kidney Infection
mild arthritis
goiter on thyroid
inflamed liver
I'm 23 and I'm falling apart! Advice???

[amandalee]

Okay, I got my liver biopsy today and it wasn't too horrible. The freezing was the worst part.

The only thing that the doctor said was that my liver didn't look "consistant" on the ultrasound. I don't really know what that means, but I won't find out for sure for a few days.

------------------
7cm cyst on spleen
Autoimmune Chronic Active Hepititis
Epilepsy w/Temporal Lobe Seizures
Kidney Infection
mild arthritis
goiter on thyroid
inflamed liver
I'm 23 and I'm falling apart! Advice???