"There's a myth that anyone who has a liver problem has brought it on themselves" This quote is from a Crohn's disease patient living with a blocked portal vein hoping for a liver transplant (Independent 31st Oct 2010)

Friday 28 January 2011

If you are squeamish look away now

My Multi Disciplinary Team have decided the best way forward for a diagnosis of liver damage is a fresh liver biopsy (no jokes about onions and gravy please!). So Friday 4th February I have one of these stuck into me and then lie around keeping as still as possible for 6 hours trying not to think about needing to go to the loo.



Anyhoo ... Tuesday 1st I go for a pre-biopsy check. I have my blood group tested in case I need a top-up, a full blood count including platelet level and my clotting rate checked - get the drift of the risks? I plan to ask about having a tumour marker done as if the level has gone up again maybe sticking a needle in isn't such a good idea. And to discuss taking antibiotics to protect my wonky heart valve.

Friday 4th I go in as a day case at 9.30am. The procedure itself takes about 3 seconds, but by the time the radiographer has told me what they are going to do, done it, and told me what they have done guided by ultrasound, more like 30 minutes. Then 6 hours lying completely still for the first hour and staying in bed for the remainder being checked every 1/2 hour for blood pressure changes but allowed to eat and drink, read or doze, whatever takes your fancy.

1 comment:

  1. Hello Fiona,

    You left a message asking a question on my blog. I've answered it there but in case you don't return, here's my reply:

    I see from clicking on your name that you have a strong interest in liver problems. Are you a recipient, or a potential one?

    Caroline, my wife, who followed things much more closely than I, was able to tells me this:

    My diseased liver was unable to take glucose from food as it should do and so it took it from my muscle and then began to remove it from my organs. That was the point at which a transplant was crucial as my lungs and kidney functions began to deteriorate.

    If you have any other questions or comments, please contact me at terrywilton@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete