Liver biopsy

ivamae

10 years ago

I have to have one next Tuesday.Have any of you had one and if so, what can I expect?
Thanks

Comments (38)

kayjones
10 years ago
Iva, I've not had one, but I have found Webmd.com to be very explanatory about all things medical, and it terms anyone can understand. We will be praying for a great report from the biopsy.

Here is a link that might be useful: WebMD
socks
10 years ago
No experience, Ivamae, but I wish you well.
Related Discussions
Benign tumors inside liver
Q
Comments (8)
The third leading cause of death in U.S. Now it is published in JAMA which is the most widely circulated medical periodical in the world. The author is Dr. Barbara Starfield of the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health and she desribes how the US health care system may contribute to poor health. ALL THESE ARE DEATHS PER YEAR: 12,000 -- unnecessary surgery 7,000 -- medication errors in hospitals 20,000 -- other errors in hospitals 80,000 -- infections in hospitals 106,000 -- non-error, negative effects of drugs These total to 225,000 deaths per year from iatrogenic causes!! What does the word iatrogenic mean? This term is defined as induced in a patient by a physician's activity, manner, or therapy. Used especially of a complication of treatment. Another analysis concluded that between 4% and 18% of consecutive patients experience negative effects in outpatient settings,with: * 116 million extra physician visits * 77 million extra prescriptions * 17 million emergency department visits * 8 million hospitalizations * 3 million long-term admissions * 199,000 additional deaths * $77 billion in extra costs Most comments I make are to make people aware of alternative treatments because the medical cartel is not working I don,t fear cancer because I know how to stop it.
...See More
Atypical Cushings ?
Q
Comments (12)
No, the ACTH stimulation test checks only for increases in steroid hormones and does not measure the sex hormones, so it cannot be used to diagnose atypical Cushings. I don't know what a 7200 profile is either, but any vet can send a blood sample to the Tennessee Endocrine lab. Screening tests for Cushings only test for typical Cushings; they cannot be used to diagnose atypical Cushings. They are: Urine cortisol:creatinine ratio- determines if there is enough extra cortisol being produced to spill into the urine. A negative test here pretty much rules out typical Cushings, but a positive test is not conclusive. ACTH stimulation test- pretty good diagnosis for Cushings, but 5% of tests are falsely negative Low dose dexamethasone suppression test- False positives occur frequently with stress or other diseases, but a negative result pretty much rules out typical Cushings None of these are helpful if steroid hormones are not being overproduced as with atypical Cushings though. All of those tests can be normal, but the adrenal gland would still be producing too much sex hormones. There is no way to diagnose a specific liver disease just on lab work. All those results mean is that there is some sort of liver disease present, but it does not tell you exactly what is going on. In fact, those kinds of numbers are pretty commonly seen in Cushings, typical or atypical! Has a CBC been done? Usually dogs with typical Cushings have characteristic changes in the CBC, commonly referred to as a "stress leukogram." A non-invasive way to maybe help determine what is going on in the liver is an ultrasound. While you can't make a specific diagnosis with it, livers that have steroid hepatopathy (as from Cushings, typical or atypical) have a characteristic vacuolar change on ultrasound. Ultrasound may be suggestive of other liver diseases that could explain those lab results as well. You can also look at the adrenal glands for changes in size and/or shape and see if there is evidence of Cushings that way. I can't remember any specific changes in atypical Cushings but we didn't see that many cases, even in school. But with typical Cushings you can almost always see changes in the size of the adrenals, with pituitary-dependent Cushings (most common in dogs) showing both adrenal glands enlarged, and adrenal-dependent showing one enlarged and one small adrenal gland. I am a *huge* fan of ultrasound-guided liver aspirates. While it would require heavy sedation, unless your dog has any medical reason that he can't be sedated, I personally would do it. I would do a coagulation profile first, because the liver makes most of the coagulation factors and since your dog definitely has evidence of some sort of liver disease I would need to know if he can clot properly before sticking a big needle into his liver. But if the coagulation profile was normal and he doesn't have other problems that make him unable to be sedated, I would go for it. Using ultrasound guidance on the aspirate is very helpful especially if there are any lumps or bumps that specifically need to be sampled. Aspiration with a large needle for cytology has been shown to be a very sensitive and specific means of diagnosing liver disease; there is no need to get a larger sample such as with exploratory surgery. But even if you couldn't do a aspirate I think and ultrasound would be incredibly helpful. None of the medications you are currently giving your dog are harmful, and it is possible that they may be helpful even if he doesn't have chronic active hepatitis, since he definitely has some sort of liver disease. Those medications are good for generally helping the liver no matter what the cause. I think that feeding him the human grade food is great for every dog, but especially for dogs with liver disease. You are doing a great job managing his joint disease without aggravating his liver with NSAIDs. We got cases like Jet all the time in school. The vets know there is a problem, and Cushings was strongly suspected, but could not be proven conclusively. Even with all the wizz-bang toys and incredibly smart, board certified specialists, we couldn't always get a definite answer either. Since the Tennessee endocrinology lab started offering their sex hormone profile we have been able to get more cases figured out, but some are just mysteries and we don't know how to treat them. Anyway, I would strongly suggest an abdominal ultrasound first, plus aspirates if possible, to help diagnose the liver problem. To specifically diagnose atypical Cushings, you need to measure the sex hormones which is most commonly done through the University of Tennessee lab. Any vet can submit a sample to them, and the results come back with a potential diagnosis and suggested treatments; it's a no-brainer for the most part. I know how frustrating it is when you know there is a problem with your pet that isn't being addressed. Keep on bugging your vet until all of your concerns are addressed. It's their job. It sounds like you are doing everything in keeping Jet happy and healthy, and besides the panting he seems comfortable, so that is good. Good luck with a diagnosis. Here is a link that might be useful: Diagnosing Liver Disease
...See More
Here we go again ...
Q
Comments (17)
Beverly has done well today. She had outpatient surgery around 9am today, and is home resting with Tim and her daughter in attendance. I'm sure she'll be posting by tomorrow!
...See More
Gastro Gave me the Diagosis I didn't want
Q
Comments (28)
All I know at the moment is that a liver biopsy is a thing to avoid if at all possible. Supposedly the results will be in in "three days or so" and hopefully I will find out a bit more. The Doctor has told me it is autoimmune hepatitis. It will be treated with steroids and azathioprine if I can take the second med...I don't yet know if I had the appropriate enzymes to process it or not. It protects against some of the bad effects of steroids (glaucoma, brittle bones etc). The aim is to slow the attacks on the liver by decreasing immune response. But you are more prone to infections etc...not a good diagnosis, but there are worse ones. And, as Brad said, the steroids will give me energy....unfortunately they keep me from sleeping well, but that is life, you deal with it. I got Sweet Isabella planted, so that is a plus. Of course the recent rains (today a drizzle) will keep me out, but it was a real spirit lifter to spend a couple hours in the garden.
...See More
Nita__AZ
10 years ago
I had one about a year ago. Not painful, the worst part was having to lay on your side for 4 hours afterwards. Good luck to you.
ivamae
Original Author
10 years ago
thanks to both of you and I will check out the site you posted, kayjones.
I was sick in Dec and went to emergency by ambulance. They were very thorough and called me back for some more tests. The results showed renal carcinoma( a malignant tumor in the right kidney) and metastisized cancer in liver lesions. I was referred to the cancer clinic 1.75 hours away and since have had a bone scan, and will have the liver scan on Tuesday. They called it metasitised cancer in liver tumors. Yesterday I got an appointment for march 12th for a thorax CT scan and then on march 20th I go back to the cancer centre to get all the results. I have been warned that it is not good, but hope it hasn't spread into these other organs as well. I don't know if treatment will be advised or not. Three years ago I had 30 radiation treatments for breast cancer but was living right in the same area as the treatment centre. A spot behind one eye is also being monitored, as they say it also could turn malignant but is all right at this point. I'm keeping a very positive attitude as doing otherwise would serve no purpose.
sjerin
10 years ago
Ivamae! I had no idea you had been sick and are living with this trouble. I'm very sorry to hear it but glad to know you have a good attitude and are doing all you can. I do apologize if you posted this before and I didn't happen to see it. I will surely keep you in my prayers!
ivamae
Original Author
10 years ago
No, I hadn't posted about it before but thought that it was time that I did.
I can't believe I'm going to have to lie on my side for 4 hours! That is a shock but I did want to know what to expect. Nothing ever seems as bad in my opinion if you are prepared. I feel sorry for my daughter who has to drive me.

Thanks again everyone! I have a lot of faith in prayers, so appreciate every one.
nanny98
10 years ago
OhMyGosh.... I am wishing you well, and sending along some prayers that this journey will take a better direction. Glad that you have a positive attitude, that helps.... as well as our prayers. (((((HUGS))))).... some for DD too!
tami_ohio
10 years ago
I am keeping you in my prayers.
katlan
10 years ago
Ivamae, I'm so sorry to hear this news. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us. Please know that you have a ton of prayers coming your way from your many friends at the KT.

Please stay strong and I wish for the best possible outcome for you.
glenda_al
10 years ago
ivamae, thank you for sharing.

Sending my love and positive thoughts for you!

Ivamae, you are mighty special!
cheryl_ok
10 years ago
Prayers for you
Rosebud_MS
10 years ago
You don't know me, but I have long admired your grit and determination and kindness to others. God bless you.
gadgets
10 years ago
I have added you to my prayer list, Ivamae. I pray that all goes well in all the tests/results/treatment.

Shirley
Marilyn Sue McClintock
10 years ago
I have had no experience or know of anyone that has had this done, but I do hope and will pray for you that all goes well.

Sue
JennaVaNowSC
10 years ago
My thoughts and prayers are with you also.
pkramer60
10 years ago
I am sending you best wishes and saying prayers that all goes well.

Peppi
ivamae
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks so much everyone. Iit means a lot to me.
alisande
10 years ago
Ivamae, I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. Adding my good wishes to the rest, and sending a hug to you.
Georgysmom
10 years ago
Oh dear. I am so sorry you have to go through all this Ivamae. I, too, am saying a prayer for you. I'm so glad for you that your daughter will be with you.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
I am so sorry to hear this. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. I will certainly keep you in my prayers. Staying positive is the best medicine. I hope your procedures go quickly and pain-free.
lindaohnowga
10 years ago
I don't always post that I say a prayer too, but I did silently pray for you earlier today after reading your post and will continue to pray for God's healing powers for you.
heather_on
10 years ago
Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. If you find the biopsy room crowded, it is because all of us at the KT will be there in spirit holding your hand.
donna37
10 years ago
Keeping you in my prayers.
Lily316
10 years ago
I will be keeping you in my thoughts. Hang tough. Keep us informed. Know that we're all behind you.
Jasdip
10 years ago
My good thoughts are with you as well Ivamae. I loved what Heather wrote!

Are you going to Hamilton?
luckygardnr
10 years ago
Hugs and prayers from me in Stratford, Ivamae! You know we'll all be with you in our hearts.
ivamae
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, I love what she wrote too. You are all such a caring group. I lived in London area until moving down onto Lake Erie, so will be going to London. I'm familiar with the cancer clinic there so that also helps - had my 30 radiation treatments there 3 years ago.
yayagal
10 years ago
I'm joining in prayer for you. You're an amazing person and you have a wonderful attitude. It stinks that you have to go through this, I feel bad for you. We're all in your corner and here for you when you need a safe place to talk.
jannie
10 years ago
I'm so sorry you are sick. My Dad went through a biopsy when he was sick with the liver cirrhosis (sp?) that ended up killing him. I'll say prayers for you. Every Monday I say the Rosary with my church group.
wanda_va
10 years ago
I will keep you in my prayers. Keep the good attitude--that and the power of KT prayer are the stuff of miracles. Hugs!
nizza
10 years ago
I had the test done and as Nita said it was not painful and the worst part was having to lay on your side for 4 hours afterwards. I'm sorry that the you have had to go through so much and will keep you in my prayers.
dances_in_garden
10 years ago
Big hugs!

Dances.
lydia1959
10 years ago
Putting you in my prayers Ivamae!
fran1523
10 years ago
I am sorry you have to go through this ordeal and wish you the best. My thoughts and prayers go with you.
patti43
10 years ago
Another hard part is waiting for the results. Seems like it takes forever. Saying lots of prayers for you, Ivamae.
FlamingO in AR
10 years ago
Best wishes, sweet lady!!!
kittiemom
10 years ago
Ivamae, you are in my prayers. You certainly have an amazing attitude! Best wishes!
lisa_fla
10 years ago
You will be in my prayers. Sorry you are dealing with all of this.

Liver biopsy

Comments (38)

Related Discussions

ivamaeOriginal Author

ivamaeOriginal Author

ivamaeOriginal Author

ivamaeOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

ivamae
Original Author

ivamae
Original Author

ivamae
Original Author

ivamae
Original Author