Anyone had a liver biopsy for Primary Biliary Cholangitis diagnosis?

@lbo615, I'm tagging a few other members like @jandgritz001 @rosemarya @athenalee @pjkb1health @saundrella @jackieg who have had a diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and can share their experiences of liver biopsy with you.

You may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Questions to ask new Dr about my PBC https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/questions-to-ask-new-dr-about-my-pbc/

When will you have the liver biopsy?

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@lbo615, I have had several liver biopsies in the past during my journey with liver disease. A liver biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of liver tissue to be examined under a microscope. This information is used to show signs of liver disease or damage. It is used to determine the severity of liver disease and it helps guide treatment decisions.

I have had several liver biopsies over my liver disease/transplant journey at 3 different health centers over a time span of 2004 - 2009. My local hospital, University of KY, and Mayo Clinic Rochester. At each one I was awake, and given a local injected numbing medication. I might have has a sedative before my 1st one. But I do remember being nervous, and in calm conversation with the doctor. I remember his saying to take a deep breath, and that I would feel some pressure when he inserted the needle. I heard a click as the sample was taken, I felt no pain. Three samples were taken. It was a surprisingly quick process.
Afterwards, I had to lie flat as my vital signs were monitored, and as the nurses checked my for bleeding. When discharged, I had to take it easy for a short period and to not lift. I could take Regular Tylenol for minor pain.
Will your own Gastroenterologist be the one doing the biopsy?

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@lbo615, I have had several liver biopsies in the past during my journey with liver disease. A liver biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of liver tissue to be examined under a microscope. This information is used to show signs of liver disease or damage. It is used to determine the severity of liver disease and it helps guide treatment decisions.

I have had several liver biopsies over my liver disease/transplant journey at 3 different health centers over a time span of 2004 - 2009. My local hospital, University of KY, and Mayo Clinic Rochester. At each one I was awake, and given a local injected numbing medication. I might have has a sedative before my 1st one. But I do remember being nervous, and in calm conversation with the doctor. I remember his saying to take a deep breath, and that I would feel some pressure when he inserted the needle. I heard a click as the sample was taken, I felt no pain. Three samples were taken. It was a surprisingly quick process.
Afterwards, I had to lie flat as my vital signs were monitored, and as the nurses checked my for bleeding. When discharged, I had to take it easy for a short period and to not lift. I could take Regular Tylenol for minor pain.
Will your own Gastroenterologist be the one doing the biopsy?

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Hey there pretty lady. This is Jackie @ blfdgurl
How are you? I hope all is well with you and your family.holidays around the corner .time is supersonic.not just flys by...never heard anything from Althelea.wish I did I go for my 7 mo ck up nx two weeks to Mt Sinai
Just wanted to say hi.

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Oh, My dear Jackie! What a nice surprise to hear from you! I am doing well and my transplanted liver and kidney are happy!
How did you find me in this Autoimmune Disease Group? I mostly hang out in the Transplant Group where we have shared our liver transplant stories😊.
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To make it easier for you to locate me - and other liver transplant members - Try this:
On top of this page - open GROUPS by clicking on it.
Scroll down the list of groups and when you get to Transplant Group - click
FOLLOW.
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Jackie, While we are here - Have you ever had a liver biopsy?

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I had a liver biopsy in 2021 and diagnosed with cirrhosis from that. Starting in 2017 my Dr kept saying my liver enzymes were high and I had NAFLD, then PBC then sent me to a Gastro Dr who ran more blood work couple more years and decided I needed the biopsy. I was awake for the procedure, the Dr numbed the area and I laid on my left side, he was very kind and talked me through it and I was told to hold my breath a few times. There was no real pain and I had been so scared for no reason! The nurse then took me back to my room to rest and monitor my BP and told me I would probably have some pain in right shoulder area. I did have some pain there and was happy she had informed me of that! Had a cracker and some soda and sent home for a day of rest. I now see a hepatologist and take Ursodiol. I hope this helps, best wishes!

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Hello, thanks for letting me know your story. Are you diagnosed with PBC..if so, what stage are you? I’m not sure why I’m so nervous about the liver biopsy! I’ve had many tests the last 10 years trying to figure things out. I think I’m afraid I’ve had this disease for a while and that it’s a higher stage.
After reading other’s stories I realize the biopsy isn’t too bad. Thank you for the info!

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