Liver Biopsy

Having hoped for a month that I would be discussed at panel and referred to Newcastle in that time, After saying that they did not need my liver biopsy for the panel where they decide whether they are going to refer me to Newcastle to be assessed for a transplant, they then changed their mind! I was originally told it would take a month, however I was told about the biopsy after I rung having waited a month to be discussed at panel....this meant more waiting, and was really infuriating because I’d specifically asked after my cardiac catheter as my liver consultant did not want to put my body through any unnecessary procedures immediately after my cardiac catheter.
As soon as I let my liver consultant know he booked me in for a liver biopsy very quickly and off I was to The Royal Free Hospital. Julia came with me and we set off on the tube. When we arrived - much to my annoyance we passed a lovely delicatessen which Jools ran into to get herself a warm crosiant and a coffee! My mouth was watering but due to the procedure I was nil by mouth all morning!
We arrived and waited to be told what room we had been given, Jools was tired from having been out the night before, and was very pleased to see there was a large reclining chair in my room for her too snooze on.
So the standard procedure before any op starts, hospital gown on, sats and blood pressure taken and cannula inserted into my arm, and then just wait your turn.
Jools and I had such a giggle as she stole my pillow so I was left making my own out of a blown up glove!

Our step sisters boyfriend who works in the hospital really kindly popped in to see us and managed to grab me another pillow as Jools was not parting with hers for neither love nor money! It was lovely to have him there as he was able to reassure me about what to expect. After he had gone the wait was not long before we were called down. I was wheeled in my bed and Jools followed me. We went down to a ward type room where I had a cubicle. I was again assessed with them taking my seats and blood pressure before I was wheeled into a small operating room. I was expecting to go into a theatre so it was much smaller and more personable. Jools was allowed to come in, and I asked her to hold my hand. The nurse asked Jules whether she wanted to sit down and she said she was fine standing....famous last words!
The best way to describe a liver biopsy is a quick but deeply uncomfortable experience. My liver consultant was away so I did not know the lady doing it which always makes me more anxious. They numb the side of your body, in between your ribs, and make a small insertion. That feels weird but does not hurt. The painful bit is when they put the needle in. You then hear a loud click as they take a small piece to test. So this is what they did, however when they were taking the needle out, Jools eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell forward onto me! Luckily the nurses stopped her from touching me but she had lost consciousness! She was out for a few seconds. I was totally helpless as the doctor was dressing the insertion on my side.
Jools was put in a wheelchair and then put in a bed next to me back in our waiting cubicle. She had gained consciousness and was laughing and joking while on oxygen.

Once Jools was ok we were taken back upstairs to relax. I was allowed to eat again so made the most of that (everyone who knows me knows I have a HUGE appetite).
Jools was flying for a weekend away that night so chilled with me for a few hours, and our step sisters boyfriend (let’s call him Dr T) very kindly popped in to see me after the op. The three of us had a giggle before Jools left on her merry way to pack and jet set off.
I had a few hours after Jools left before my older sister Em arrived. Dr T came and sat with me for a little while which I really appreciated as I hate being in hospitals all alone. I felt exhausted, and when Em arrived we took an Uber to her house. I was not allowed to go home and  as it was a Friday night and my friend whom I live with was out, I was not allowed to be home alone (they say just in case your wound starts bleeding- I think) so I stayed at Ems which I love doing as I get to see my niece and nephews. As a special treat we had a takeaway which my 6 year old niece chose. That night was uncomfortable as the anaesthetic wore off but I had Netflix to watch.
I can’t really express how grateful I am to my two sisters, they give me so much strength, hope and sheer determination, so Thankyou from the bottom of my heart 💓 I also want to thank my liver consultant for getting me a space so quickly and the kindness and efficiency of The Royal Free Hospital. Xxx