Anyone had a liver biopsy done? in The AnswerBank: Health & Fitness

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Oh I see! Lol - thanks for saying.
No - do you see what I mean though? An epidural, which was supposed to numb the lower regions didn't work at all. Even the small bit which DID eventually numb (the bit as big as a 50p piece), was sited away from where it was supposed to be! So being as though it was useless and I had my baby without any other type of anaesthetic, I did the same with the second one - only minus the attempted epidural of course. I was fine on both occasions.
However, now when I visit the dentist, after 5 shots of whatever not numbing me at all, I have IV sedation which - lol - actually puts me right out! When I went 3 months ago, I woke up to find my dentist shaking me awake and asking if I'd enjoyed my long sleep!
I find all this very strange, but it's also worrying because I know an incision'll have to be made when I have the biopsy. I have visions of incredible pain as the needle goes down into my liver and out of range of any anaesthetic that MIGHT work, and friends haven't made me feel any better about this, due to their own experiences! By the way Squad, I DO understand what you've told me. I have a brother and sister who're both doctors, and they've said the same thing......but they haven't got to face it! Is there no way that I could opt for a general anaesthetic, as is given to children? Someone at the endoscopy unit says there is...my consultant says not....but even if that can be done...will it work???? : (

GINGER BIRD

its probably old news by now. but i had a liver biopsy a few years ago . they anaesthatised the skin and i just had to breath in so my ribs were out of the way . then they did it and i didint feel a thing. what you should remember is that the nurse/ doctor does it every day and they have techniques to relax you. itl be fine honest xxx

Ice.Maiden

Question Author

Thank you GB. I haven't had the biopsy done yet as I'm still in talks with my consultant re. some other tests as well.
I think the problem of anaesthetic not taking on me is one of my prime concerns - plus any possible adverse effects such as internal bleeding and the puncturing of other organs! : (

Thank you everyone for your help. If and when it's done, I hope I'll be able to come back and say that I was fussing for nothing.

daffy654

Hi again Ice.Maiden.
Is there any way you could afford to go private for this procedure(if you aren't already)? It may well be that a private consultant would agree to do the biopsy under a general.

Ice.Maiden

Question Author

Hi Daffy - just been alerted to your reply. The procedure will be done privately hun, whatever, and I've spoken to my consultant about the general anaesthsia, but she doesn't think it's necessary! I have to trust that she's right and conquer my own fears. What makes it wose is that doctors in the family agree with her, but before a biopsy'd be performed at all, there are a a few more tests which have to be done, so the waiting's causing me quite a bit of anxiety. I've been prescribed some anti-anxiety tabs, which I haven't taken, because I don't like the thought of putting such chemicals into my body - and my doctor actually agreed with me on this, despite offering them to me. I just feel that I'm going round in circles with it all, and the sooner it's all over and done with, the better. Thanks for your help hun. x

Ice.Maiden

Question Author

Hi Daffy - just been alerted to your reply. The procedure will be done privately hun, whatever, and I've spoken to my consultant about the general anaesthsia, but she doesn't think it's necessary! I have to trust that she's right and conquer my own fears. What makes it wose is that doctors in the family agree with her, but before a biopsy'd be performed at all, there are a a few more tests which have to be done, so the waiting's causing me quite a bit of anxiety. I've been prescribed some anti-anxiety tabs, which I haven't taken, because I don't like the thought of putting such chemicals into my body - and my doctor actually agreed with me on this, despite offering them to me. I just feel that I'm going round in circles with it all, and the sooner it's all over and done with, the better. Thanks for your help hun, and to everyone else. I appreciate it. x

fredpuli47

Interesting that you say it's being done privately.I'm an alcoholic, though not a practising one, and alcoholics' livers take quite a battering! I've had such a test done privately, and I was a 'self-pay' (no insurance) and therefore the specialists weren't preferring local anaesthesia to general just to save money . I had the choice, but they were much in favour of local. Their reasoning was that general was medically unnecessary and that general presented more risk (slight perhaps but more) to the patient than local did.It may be uncomfortable but under local it's not painful.

daffy654

Have you thought about visiting a hypnotherapist to learn some tips to combat the anxiety.I have never visited one myself but I do know a couple of ladies who conquered quite crippling phobias that way.They teach you to put yourself into a self induced semi trance and you are able to be a lot calmer in many situations.
Much better than taking the anti-anxiety drugs if it works!

Ice.Maiden

Question Author

Cheers fred, and best of luck with how you go on.
I don't drink alcohol, but USED to, so maybe something's caught up with me!
What you say seems to be right. I've been told that general anaesthetics can be administered - as when children have to have it done - but my consultant is against the idea. However, because of the probs with anaesthetising me, I don't know what's going to happen yet. I might HAVE to have a general if the local doesn't work, but how will they know until they give it a go??? Horrors!!
Hi again Daffy (and oops - didn't know my last post'd come up twice!!). Not a bad suggestion about a hypnotherapist. Never gave that a thought, and we have a friend who runs his own clinic!! I'll bear that in mind if I get any more agitated. Thanks. x

caththecrazy

Ohh Ice hope it all goes well - haven't had a liver biopsy so can't comment.

Ice.Maiden

Question Author

Thanks cathy - nor me - hence the dithering!

Anyone had a liver biopsy done?

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