Liver Biopsy on MTX...Painful? What's it Like?

[jason_winnipeg]

Hi Guys,

Hope all is well. I am about to go on MTX next week. One of my big fears is the liver biopsy every 2-3 yrs as prescribed by my rheumy (he said its important for people on MTX with PA). I am wondering do they put you under? Can you feel it? Is there alot of pain? How long is the procedure? Can you go back to work right after it? Do they take fluid or a piece of your liver out for testing? Does anyone also know the risks involved and if they are severe? As always, thank you so much for your time. It is so appreciated. Take care everyone.

Regards,
Jason

[luvwinnie]

My rheum does not do biopsies as long as blood tests are ok.

[patti2957]

Hi Jason:
My rheumatologist hasn't mentioned one either; when I go for my next appointment (three wks) I'm going to ask when and if I'll need one. Also, about Enbrel.
How is everything??
patti

[ARL]

Patty,,,usually if blood is ok,,,you don't need one,,,but some Dr's don't always count on blood work... I've have one done for other reasons,,,I was put out,,normally they don't like to because it's a fast procedure. Try not to worry about something you might not have to get done... Good Luck..

[MikeK]

Hi Jason,

I don't think that we've met, so let me take this opportunity to welcome you to the Board! :cool: Nice to meet you. You've come to a very special place. A lot of nice and helpful people post here. More important, it's great to FINALLY be able to ask questions, vent, exchange info or even share some laughs with people who truly understand.

Some of the details about getting a liver biopsy were briefly discussed in one of the saddest threads that I've ever read on this board (and I've been here from the very beginning). It's so sad that I always hesitate to post a link to it. Unfortunately, since it's really the only time that liver biopsies have been discussed on the Board, I'm going to give you the link. A woman who posted under the name Midnight (she never did tell us her first name) needed a liver transplant after only 18 months on MTX. Her doctor never followed up on some problems that were indicated by her bloodwork. Midnight hasn't posted in a long, long time. I often wonder how she is doing. I hope and pray that everything worked out for her. Here's a link to the thread: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?p=41085#post41085.

I hope this helps. I'm sorry if I scared you.

Mike

[docmks]

My rheumatologist also says no liver biopsies are needed unless the bloodwork gets screwy. So he doesn't routinely do these or recommend them without indication.

MKS