hi could anyone tell me when they had a liver biopsy done,were you able to drink up until close to the procedure?the leaflet I was given said eat light breakfast but can still drink.on the internet I had read you had to stop drinking a few hours before it was done.also were you in pain much after it?i have been given no information on this procedure so would appreciate any help.i have it done this Wednesday .many thanks didi x
Hi
I had a liver biopsy done in 2013 - a my insistence as at that point my bone mets, which I’d had for 5 years, had now spread to my liver and I wanted my receptor status checked. Thank goodness I did have it done as, after 10 years of being HER2-, my status changed to HER2+ which has now opened up a different range of treatments for me.
Anyway, I’m rattling on here! I can’t remember about the liquids but if your own hospital has given you guidance I would go with what they say. The internet you will get other opinions which may not be correct for you. I know when I have a CT scan I used to be told not to eat or drink for 4 hours before but other hospitals insist on 6 hours - so they are all different. The only thing I would say I’d make sure, if you take any meds at all, including paracetamol and more importantly aspirin, you let them know, you should not take any blood thinning drugs for at least 24 hours in advance. The leaflet I had failed to tell me this so I questioned them and they rapidly told me to stop. However it meant I had a postponement of the procedure.
You will have a local anaesthetic and the biopsy is ultrasound guided so they can get to the lesion that is easiest to access. I was surprised that they went in just under my ribs as I thought it would be lower down. You lie on your side whilst they do it and it can be uncomfortable rather than painful. It’s an odd sensation presumably like having a baby with an epidural - you won’t feel the pain but would feel the sensation if you get what I mean. Afterwards you have to lie fairly still for a few hours in case of bleeding, which is the only risk I think. I wasn’t in any pain after, or none that caused a problem, but I’m sure you can have normal painkillers if needed. From what I remember it’s best not to google the videos about the procedure! It’s not the smallest of needles and I preferred to let the doctor get on with it as you can’t see as you are turned on your side.
Good luck and do ask anything else before tomorrow, I will check the forum later.
Nicky x
All the best for tomorrow …aagh bed pans and commode …
When I had my hip op last year …they kept bringing around jugs of water to flush anaesthetic through and of course knock on effect to the bladder !! Dignity goes right out of window !!!
Hugs xxx
Well done didi
Sounds like you have been a very brave little soldier …so get some rest and relax now at home.
???
Hiya Didi
I think its standard to say to bring relative with you in most letters I’ve had.
Try not to stress too much as cancer thrives on stress …says me that last week spent two days on the loo with the scan results crash diet !!! The one that cried before I went in to clinic etc !
It’s a very hard roller coaster . But we all will send positive vibes and fairy dust for a good appointment.
Hugs xxxx☝