Liver biopsy

Posted by adah @adah, Feb 9, 2019

My son has had a FibroSure test, which came back abnormal, needs a liver biopsy now. What will biopsy tell? And is this test accurate?

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@donnak142

Thank you. I’m new to this.

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@donnak142, New or Old- I am happy that you are here on Connect. You are among others who understand.
I hope that you get a good report and that it explains what is going on. I look forward to hearing from you.

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@rosemarya

@soteloli
Since you have mentioned NASH, I would like to share this link from Mayo Clinic's Patient Care and Health Information. As you read through it, you will find some more about the role of the liver biopsy.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
Liver Biopsy: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-biopsy/about/pac-20394576

During my liver biopsies, I was awake. My abdomen was numbed, and the only thing that I felt was pressure when the doctor inserted the needle for the samples. I had at least 2 and both were at different facilities. The procedure did not tkae long at all. The anticipation and the hospital setting were the most uncomfortable part for me. I was relieved when it was finished. Afterward, I remember that there was a period time when I had to lie on my and be monitored to be sure of no internal bleeding.

@adah, I want to be sure that you see what I have posted about a liver biopsy. And I would like to ask you to tell us little about the fiber test? How long did it take for you to get the results?
Soteloli, When is your fiber test?

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@rosemarya Rosemary l had a liver biopsy and l thought it was to see how much damage and if you would need a liver transplant. I only had one for right now but l had one doctor say l had hepatic encephalopathy and then another say cirrhosis of the liver. And then it started with autoimmune encephalitis so it is a little confusing. I know encephalopathy means liver. And AE if you have a autoimmune disease and hepatic is related to herpes but l asked the doctor how can you have all three,? And l didn't get a really good answer except he said they all have the same symptoms but it can later affect the liver for some people. And cirrhosis is liver failure. But you must take care of your liver with lifestyle changes.

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@soteloli

I have fatty liver and am having the MRI with fiber test , I am hoping this will not lead to further testing
Can you tell me more about the biopsy procedure

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Have not had biopsy yet.
Just curious do you still have gallbladder?

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@adah

Have not had biopsy yet.
Just curious do you still have gallbladder?

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No

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@becsbuddy

@adah Good morning! I can tell from your posts that you are worried about your son and his liver fibrosis. The best thing for you and your son right now is not to worry. You’ll make yourself sick! The doctor will watch the lab/blood values for any changes. Your son should focus on helping/improving his liver function. He should focus on a plant-based diet, eat foods like veggies and citrus fruit, nuts, fish, healthy oils, and drink coffee and tea (who knew!) Also avoid over-consumption of food and alcohol. Focus on a good exercise program. I found this info on sites like WebMD, which is a reputable site. I hope everything goes OK for you and your son. Let us know how it goes!

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Adan, in response to your son, I’m in 3rd stage of PBF, over the years I agree with plant base diet, lots of homemade soup and white fish . Watch your fruits tho, some are very acidic and can upset your stomach ., also Liquid vitamins are best , they digest better . I had to stop eating breads, and sodas. If this helps any at all let me know. It’s been 25years for me.

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@sanai

Adan, in response to your son, I’m in 3rd stage of PBF, over the years I agree with plant base diet, lots of homemade soup and white fish . Watch your fruits tho, some are very acidic and can upset your stomach ., also Liquid vitamins are best , they digest better . I had to stop eating breads, and sodas. If this helps any at all let me know. It’s been 25years for me.

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Thanks for the first hand info!

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@sanai, Welcome to Mayo Connect. I want to commend you for 25 years of committment to what has successfully worked for you. There is no doubt in my mind that you have become an expert on your own body's needs. I am interested , if you care to share, how you established your eating plan, and was it a big change from what you had beec accustomed to?
sanai, What is PBF? I am not familiar with it.

@adah, How is your son getting along? Am I reading correctly that he has not had the liver biopsy?
Some of our members have spoken about HE (hepatic encephalopathy) where the ammonia level increrases and causes confusion. Has ammonia level ever been checked? Hre is a discussion that I want to share in Digestive Health>Elevated ammonia levels
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/elevated-ammonia-levels/?pg=1#comment-274084
@donnak142, I want to check in on you. How are you doing? What have you learned from the fibro scan about your liver disease?

@liaquat, I want to check in on you. Have you been able to start any kind of exercise program? (Walking is good) What is it like for you to adjust to low fat and low sugar? It is a big change for some people, so if you want support, we are here for you.
On Connect, we are patients, and not qualified to know what your scores mean for you. Only your doctor is qualified to explain them as they apply to you and your current health issues. Have you learned anything from your doctor yet?

@soteloli, How are you feeling? Have you been able to resume your exercise as the weather gets warmer?
You are correct that fatty liver (NASH-nonalcoholoc fatty liver disease) is a prevalent liver disease in our society. The Mediterranean diet is a good choice.
Did your recent tests provide you with any more information about your degree of fibrosis? How are you being monitored?

I invite anyone that I might have omitted, or who is new, or interested to join in this discussion with questions, experience, support.

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@rosemarya

@sanai, Welcome to Mayo Connect. I want to commend you for 25 years of committment to what has successfully worked for you. There is no doubt in my mind that you have become an expert on your own body's needs. I am interested , if you care to share, how you established your eating plan, and was it a big change from what you had beec accustomed to?
sanai, What is PBF? I am not familiar with it.

@adah, How is your son getting along? Am I reading correctly that he has not had the liver biopsy?
Some of our members have spoken about HE (hepatic encephalopathy) where the ammonia level increrases and causes confusion. Has ammonia level ever been checked? Hre is a discussion that I want to share in Digestive Health>Elevated ammonia levels
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/elevated-ammonia-levels/?pg=1#comment-274084
@donnak142, I want to check in on you. How are you doing? What have you learned from the fibro scan about your liver disease?

@liaquat, I want to check in on you. Have you been able to start any kind of exercise program? (Walking is good) What is it like for you to adjust to low fat and low sugar? It is a big change for some people, so if you want support, we are here for you.
On Connect, we are patients, and not qualified to know what your scores mean for you. Only your doctor is qualified to explain them as they apply to you and your current health issues. Have you learned anything from your doctor yet?

@soteloli, How are you feeling? Have you been able to resume your exercise as the weather gets warmer?
You are correct that fatty liver (NASH-nonalcoholoc fatty liver disease) is a prevalent liver disease in our society. The Mediterranean diet is a good choice.
Did your recent tests provide you with any more information about your degree of fibrosis? How are you being monitored?

I invite anyone that I might have omitted, or who is new, or interested to join in this discussion with questions, experience, support.

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My son has not had liver biopsy, the dr said he doesn’t have cirrhosis. I’m taking him This Monday morning to children’s for genetic testing. Hopefully they will find out what is wrong with him. He has lost 13 lbs. now. And has to drink Ensure every day, cause appetite is poor. Cat scan showed cysts and lesions on left kidney. Very worried 😟

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@adah, I had to drink Ensure before and my doctor suggested that I drink it chilled, with a scoop if ice cream. I offer that experience if it helps your son.

It is understandable that you are worried. I hope that you find some answers that will lead to a treatment.
I will be thinking of you on Monday. Hugs.

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Thank you so much. Answers is what we need!

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