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Hep C Discussion Forum -> General Discussion -> biopsy??
Post Info TOPIC: biopsy??
Kirstin


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biopsy??
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Pat- Wish they had told me that 6 months ago, would have been alot easier

But where I live Pat, in Sydney Australia, the scan happens not to be widely available as yet, unfortunately. There are 5 up & running in this country apparently but they 1: Don't inform patients of it being available (I happen to be one of those patients) 2: When you ask of that route (Fibroscan) you are told of the lack of machines & the waiting lists of patients they have. I was also told that I was required to undergo a biopsy in order for me to recieve treatment, dont know if that is the truth or not?. It wasnt a big deal anyhow, well perhaps not now anyway lol



-- Edited by Kirstin on Sunday 19th of June 2011 01:40:27 PM

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Genotype 3a Started tx 11 May 2011 for 24 weeks. With scarring. VL before tx= 4 million.. UND@4 weeks. UND@12 
pmrad5


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Kirstin,

I noticed just last week according to hcvadvocate.org noninvasive tests become more acceptable for hep c.

pat



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Kirstin


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Pat- yes you can get treatment without having a biospsy, you can have a scan done. They wanted me to have the biospy, like they do for everyone else who has had a history of heavy alcohol use. A bx is the only way of getting a true reading of what state your liver is in. I wont lie, it was uncomfortable for me, not something I would volunteer to do again but I got through it, was sore for a few days but thats all. Alot of people here have only had a scan..



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Genotype 3a Started tx 11 May 2011 for 24 weeks. With scarring. VL before tx= 4 million.. UND@4 weeks. UND@12 
pmrad5


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Can you get treatment without bx? Just curious.

Pat



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Iris Dragonfly


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hi, don't want to completly freak you out, but my experience was not good. The first time in 1978, was a couple day stay in the hospital. the needle was about the size of a pencil lead, and that alone scared me to death. the procedure itself was slightly painful and you have to lay on your right side the rest of the day. The second time in 1979 the intern broke the specimen and they had to do it again...in the same hole! That did hurt. They would like me to do it again, but for now I refuse. I don't know know if it was because it was so long ago, maybe their better at it now...new tech and all. However it is the best way to determine progress of damage. Good Luck. Iriss



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60 years on planet, Female, diagnosed 1978 as non-a non-b, VL 8mill+, Fibro f-1f-2, Genotype 1a, treatment naïve....UNTIL 7-01-18  !!!! started Harvoni 12 weeks. :)

4 weeks=UND, 8 weeks=UND, 12 weeks=UND (EOT= 09-23-2018)
Hep Me


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Hi and welcome to the forum gbgreg. I see you have the serenity prayer on your side to start with, I use it a lot to get through the rugged parts of life.

When I had the biopsy done they gave me a local so I didn't feel anything but some pressure on my side. They also gave me something to calm me through the procedure. Both of those did a fine job at getting me through the test. I had been practicing eastern meditation for a while prior to that and kind of used it to focus on peaceful thoughts and my breathing rather than what was going on. I'm kind of one to look away when having shots or blood work done, so I did what James suggests and really didn't get too inquisitive about the whole thing. I took the day off work and relaxed that whole day. Went back to work the next day and and was able to go on a week long hunt trip three days later. So for me it went pretty well. They took seven samples trying to get at a lump they were concerned about. Turned out it was nothing. Oh, as far as pain after everything wore off, for me there wasn't much. kind of felt like I had a little bruise on my side for a day or two.

Good luck with yours and let us knnow how you made out.
Take care,
Randy



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beautiful_wrath


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Hi there John. Welcome to this site. I just found it recently so I'm new also. Just today I found out I'm going to need a liver biopsy too. We have a lot in common! I read all of the replies to your question and was grateful for your post. We're going to be like them and go in there and get our biopsy and go home and take it easy and be just fine in a day or two, deal? :) Anyway, just wanted to let you know I appreciated your question. I wish you peace during your procedure.

Your friend, ~wrath

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Kirstin


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Welcome from me too smile.gif

Mine was the same as James, just between the ribs. I experienced some discomfort & was a little sore for a couple of days after but nothing I couldn't handle smile.gif. Make sure that you do no heavy lifting afterwards K.. xx



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Genotype 3a Started tx 11 May 2011 for 24 weeks. With scarring. VL before tx= 4 million.. UND@4 weeks. UND@12 
Ron Gilbert


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Very good James,

Great comedy AND good advise. LOL.

I hated it, but it was NOT uncomfortable or painful.

Some soreness later but it went away.

Ron



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Genotype 1a Diagnosed in 1991. Started tx April 27 2011 for 48 wks. VL before tx  1.6 - 4.6 million. RVR-week 4, UND-week 8 

Vitamin D3 suppliments can increase chances of reaching SVR. See Nutrition section for links.
James10500


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My experience was pretty much the same as Dee's. They numbed the area, and when they stuck me I felt a bit of pressure no real pain. They stuck me twice went right between two ribs. My advice don't watch, don't look at the tool before hand. And for god sake don't move when they stick you !

Good luck and welcome,

James

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Diagnosed 4/13/10; Started Tx 8/13/10; SVR 7/27/11
ty


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Hi Greg,

     Welcome to the forum from me as well! (and if I've welcomed you before, then that's two, lol!) 

     I didn't have the biopsy done when it was offered to me, but I later wished that I had.  They did the scan and said that I was stage two +, but I've since read that the biopsy was by far the better way to tell precisely where your liver is at.   I wish I had that info now that I have finished treatment.

     Some people in the forum say they had some pain, but most say it wasn't a big deal and compared to other discomforts related to Hep C and it's tx, I'm sure you'll do fine.  Take care, tysmile



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Genotype 2 - 24 week Tx - Start 10-8-2010 - 4 week PCR test UND, 12 week PCR test UND, 24 week PCR UND,  SVR Oct. 11 
DGiga


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Hi Greg, (gbjohn), The liver biopsy isn't as bad as you might think. Well, atleast that is my opinion. I was more scared than anything because of the unknown. I did not get any anesthesia, they rolled me into the room and everyone was so nice. They told me step by step what they were doing. They told me to lay on my side. Then they inserted the needle and I felt the moment of pain and the next thing it was over. They rolled me back to the room, gave me a percocet, I rested for about 45 min. and went home. I had no after pain or anything. That was my experience! Everyone is different but I think if you know what's coming, it would be alot easier. By the way, welcome to the forum.handshake.gif  Hugs Dee



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Type 1b with cirrhosis. Started treatment April 9, 2010 for 48 wks. Maintained negative PCR from week 11 during tx but now I am detectable again.
                                                                                                           
gbjohn2026


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So, my Dr. is scheduling a liver biopsy for me with-in the next few weeks. Can someone tell me what to expect and how painful this is? Thank you



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