I had a biopsy done just this past summer. I also was real leery of it. It was no big deal at all. I believe the worst part of it was having to lie on my side watching TV for 4 hours. And the reason I dis-liked that was that although they gave me a remote, I couldn't find a decent station to watch! Hopefully you have better luck! A biopsy is the most accurate way to determine liver damage, if any. I've had Hep C over 25 yrs. I believe and had very minimal fibrosis. ALT and AST and fibro-scans are useful but a biopsy is the gold standard. I've learned that AST is also produced by many other organs not just the liver so ALT, which is only produced by liver inflammation is the more useful indicator. Good luck to you!
Tig said
Apr 13, 2015
Hello RLTS,
Welcome! So happy you're here. Try to not over stress on the biopsy, it's not a difficult process at all. Actually, waiting is the hardest part. I had 3 of them and was concerned the first time too, then realized then they were not to be feared. The information they provide is very important in the process of accurate diagnosis and your quick return to health. It doesn't take much time and before you know it you're on your way home with a band aid. Stay in touch!
Cinnamon Girl said
Apr 13, 2015
HI there Relentless, welcome to the forum, I`m glad you found us!
A biopsy is a very routine procedure these days so try not to be too nervous about it. Many people here have had one or more and it`s well worth doing. It will give you and your hepatologist some very useful information about the health of your liver and about your treatment options.
I see from another post that you have Gen 3a, thanks for that information. It would be very helpful for us if you could add that to your Signature line.
So are you in the process of preparing for treatment at the moment?
Please feel free to ask any questions you many have, you`ll find that this is a very friendly and supportive group and you`re with friends here.
I expect other people will be along to greet you later. Wishing you all the best of luck!
I had a biopsy done just this past summer. I also was real leery of it. It was no big deal at all. I believe the worst part of it was having to lie on my side watching TV for 4 hours. And the reason I dis-liked that was that although they gave me a remote, I couldn't find a decent station to watch! Hopefully you have better luck! A biopsy is the most accurate way to determine liver damage, if any. I've had Hep C over 25 yrs. I believe and had very minimal fibrosis. ALT and AST and fibro-scans are useful but a biopsy is the gold standard. I've learned that AST is also produced by many other organs not just the liver so ALT, which is only produced by liver inflammation is the more useful indicator. Good luck to you!
Hello RLTS,
Welcome! So happy you're here. Try to not over stress on the biopsy, it's not a difficult process at all. Actually, waiting is the hardest part. I had 3 of them and was concerned the first time too, then realized then they were not to be feared. The information they provide is very important in the process of accurate diagnosis and your quick return to health. It doesn't take much time and before you know it you're on your way home with a band aid. Stay in touch!
HI there Relentless, welcome to the forum, I`m glad you found us!
A biopsy is a very routine procedure these days so try not to be too nervous about it. Many people here have had one or more and it`s well worth doing. It will give you and your hepatologist some very useful information about the health of your liver and about your treatment options.
I see from another post that you have Gen 3a, thanks for that information. It would be very helpful for us if you could add that to your Signature line.
So are you in the process of preparing for treatment at the moment?
Please feel free to ask any questions you many have, you`ll find that this is a very friendly and supportive group and you`re with friends here.
I expect other people will be along to greet you later. Wishing you all the best of luck!
~ Jill