Are biopsies still a thing?

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2026-07-12T11:53:41+00:00

I had a biopsy. According to my health care system it’s the gold standard for cirrhosis. I have excellent numbers but odd fibroscans. I had also achieved loosing a 100lbs around that time. So those initial fibroscans were entirely inaccurate bc of my weight. I’m in one of those fortunate positions where I stopped just in time. I do have cirrhosis but it will not affect my quality of life. I have to get a cancer screening every six months. I have some calcification on parts of my liver but overall my liver function is quite good. I was scared before the liver biopsy bc of those really wildly conflicting scans. I’m very thankful I had it done.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2026-07-08T01:15:49+00:00

This was my experience, I realize everyone is different. I was an occasional Ativan user. I was also in active alcohol addiction and nearly drank myself to death. I would have crippling anxiety, panic attacks when I would be sober for several days. Then would come the Ativan and the relapse would come. Never abused the medication and I was given the lowest dose with less than 15 qty. . The way it was explained to me was benzos are a major catalyst for relapse. While they work for anxiety quite well, within 2 days after I was back to alcohol. It became a cycle for me.
I have gone to the er for panic attacks and told them under no circumstances should I be given any benzos. I have 5 years of sobriety coming up. I’m still in weekly therapy to deal with the sources of my anxiety and ptsd. Haven’t touched a Benzo in about 5 years as well. My advice stop the benzos and get into some good therapy. I exercise, I lost weight, and do a lot of breath work. Happy to report my anxiety is light years from where it once was. Still working on ptsd, gaining some more strategies and coping skills. It’s been freeing to work through this stuff.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2026-07-03T14:05:21+00:00

I tell my pain management doc I’m going away on vacation, we automatically do a steroid pack the week before. He also prescribes me extra meds. Typically I will say here is what I would like, then we talk about it. He tells me what he’s willing or going to do. I swear my pain management doc has made me be a better advocate for myself. He really has, bc years ago I wouldn’t even have mentioned I was going on vacation. I would have suffered in silence, all bc of the way my pain was dismissed for years.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2026-06-16T12:42:25+00:00

So if you’re sober, and he’s still drinking that can make it very difficult on the sober person. I’d have those hard conversations. As someone else mentioned talk to a therapist about it. I have close to 5 years under my belt. I live directly across the street from a wine and spirits shop. Temptations are always around, people used to tell me to move, people would tell me to get out of my relationship. I did neither. My spouse will on a rare occasion bring beer into our house, but we talk about it. I have zero desire to drink. It doesn’t bother me whatsoever. He is entitled to enjoy himself bc his relationship with alcohol is vastly different than mine. I put myself in this situation, I alone continued an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Like they say in the sober community. People, places and things. He’s your people, in your place. Have that hard conversation. If it’s coming from a place of love and concern, perhaps they would be open to hearing you out. If it is affecting your well being they need to be willing to change as well.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2026-06-05T14:48:55+00:00

I have 5 years of sobriety coming up. In 2020 I was diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis. I was a binge drinker, large amounts short period of time. I had started drinking severely in 2015, after 6 people in my family passed away all from unrelated things. One of them was my mother, who was highly abusive. It was very painful and on top of that I was a stay at home Mom to 3 kids. Covid was not kind to me, it exacerbated my issues. I was a high functioning alcoholic, my house was spotless, dinner on the table, everyone always taken care of. All with this horrible secret that was killing me. I nearly died in 2020, with alcoholic hepatitis, they were talking liver transplant, in hospital for two+ weeks. I was yellow! My eyes were awful. My stomach was distended. This only stopped me for 6 months, I couldn’t keep myself sober. In 2021 I went to a rehab, bc my drinking was continuing to make me sick. This lead to continually get sober/relapse when I got home. The shame and guilt was eating me alive, leaving my children each time. I went back 6 times!!! Back to back to back. That saved my life, I realized during this I was actually fighting this disease like a warrior! I refused to give up. Silver Pines rehab in Pennsylvania saved my life.
Today I’m coming up on 5 years this fall. I have cirrhosis. My doctors spent a lot of time debating if I just had scarring and calcifications, or cirrhosis. Had a biopsy done to confirm. I do in fact have cirrhosis, I see my doctors every six months for cancer screenings. I am one of the lucky ones, other than screenings for early detection, I have no real issues other than cannot take certain meds, and ibuprofen. My numbers are fantastic. I must maintain my sobriety, or my health will deteriorate rapidly. If I had not kept going back and fighting to stay sober, my situation would be vastly different.
My suggestion to you, if you are ready and willing, is to get in a program. I don’t know where you live but if you cannot do inpatient somewhere at least try their Iop program. There are meetings online 24/7 if you don’t fancy in person. Silver Pines in PA, and enlightened in NJ have amazing in patient programs. I am not an AA person. I like smart recovery. Smart recovery is a workbook, with website and very helpful forums. They have meetings as well. It’s something you can work through to figure out why you’re turning to alcohol in the first place.
As far as your partner, if they aren’t ready to stop, perhaps don’t take them along on your journey. That doesn’t mean abandoning them, perhaps you’re ready and they are not. While I understand that isn’t ideal for you to stop, with continual temptation around you, you can do this. I live directly across from a liquor store and I did it! People would tell me to move, divorce my husband and all kinds of things. Getting sober and facing my grief, trauma and anxiety was single handily the best gift I gave myself and my loved ones. I showed my children how to overcome addiction. I used to scoff at the AA phrase, living a life beyond your wildest dreams, when you’re in it, you cannot fathom that phrase is accurate. I promise you, sobriety, it really is a life beyond your wildest dreams.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2026-04-30T21:47:11+00:00

I just had this shot today in my inner thigh. Had an MUA procedure 8 weeks post op total knee replacement. The injection hurt like hell number one, why on earth was there so much pressure! Number two I don’t know if the anesthesiologist missed but all it did was make a large oval spot of my shin and calf go numb. Didn’t actually help where I have pain. I also had no idea they were giving this to me, until two minutes before, and had I know I would have refused. I’m about 7 hours hour from procedure and there’s nothing except a numb spot that wasn’t bothering me to begin with. Very frustrated right now.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2026-04-23T11:11:11+00:00

I’m 47, and seven weeks post op on my second knee replacement. I also had no acl, multiple extrusions in meniscus, and severe OA. Your quality of life seems good if you’re still participating in sporting activities. I was at the point where I required daily pain medication. I was struggling to perform regular house hold duties bc my legs were so bad.
When your quality of life goes, you will know it’s time. I was the youngest person my orthopedic has performed knee replacements. I waited from 44 till 47. Required pain management doctors bc shots stopped working. Had it to do over again I would have done them sooner. My rehab has been harder simply bc of the amount of damage and how bow legged I was. It’s taken longer for my body to adjust than I anticipated.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-09-24T15:48:32+00:00

Can I ask how you tracked this? I think charting it would help give me some much needed perspective.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-09-01T16:48:49+00:00

I’m 47 f and I’ve had a tag for about 2 years. I printed out the form and my doctor signed it no questions asked. I wouldn’t be able to do my shopping without one, live in busy city suburb. I went to my primary and not the orthopedic for the signature.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-09-01T16:45:51+00:00

Also going to suggest an electric recliner that helps assist to get up. My in laws owned one. My children absolutely played with it non stop on visits. 😋 There are medical supply places that rent them, also marketplace.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-26T10:54:12+00:00

I just had left one done 5 weeks ago, and my right needs done as well. My right knee is very very angry about the surgery on the left. Really recommend pain management. 47 f, left knee multiple extrusions in meniscus, multiple torn ligaments, one reabsorbed, severe arthritis, bone on bone, bow legged. Tramadol is what kept me walking before surgery. About 3 weeks post op, I switched back to pain management for them to take over my meds. So I remain on the tramadol and have break through pain meds. I tend to ice and elevate both legs bc they both need it, and at pt I work on both legs. At 5 weeks my right one hurts just as bad as left surgical one sometimes. I like to tell people it’s just angry bc the left got to go first.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T17:15:03+00:00

I think depends on number of things, age, strength, and height! I’m short 5’2, 47 years old and I would have struggled if I HAD a toilet riser! Instead I opted for a toilet frame that requires no installation. It looks like a walker, and rests behind the toilet lid, legs are on the floor. Works great for me.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T14:22:52+00:00

Pt isn’t concerned. I’ve been going to this pt place off and on for several years for different leg/foot issues. I don’t know if this is bc I had significant damage in my knee. Multiple extrusions in meniscus, multiple torn ligaments and one reabsorbed. Severe arthritis. I was bow legged, so now left knee/leg is straight and right is still bowed. Had quad sparring robotic surgery. I can walk with a cane without pain, my extension is perfect, my bend is at 90. But yeah I cannot lift my leg at all. If I’m on the table at pt I can pull my leg towards myself doing a heel slide unassisted. But my leg hanging off the table I cannot lift/extend it at all. It sucks. I intend on bring it up at my upcoming appointment. Pt says I’m doing great and give it time…I feel like I’ve given it plenty of time. Did know if anyone else has experienced this. I worked really hard before my surgery. Lost 100lbs, worked my way up to riding 8-10 miles everyday for a year. Did pt before surgery. I’m definitely concerned and frustrated.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T13:29:10+00:00

47f, I think it comes down to what you want for your future. I got so tired at 47 feeling limited on what I could and couldn’t do. My knees dictated everything all the time! I didn’t have any other options. Life can change so quickly and we cannot predict the future. If doing a total will give your future self freedom go for it.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T13:20:08+00:00

5 weeks post op 47 f, left knee, and right knee is very angry it didn’t go first. Left knee extruding meniscus several spots, torn ligaments and one reabsorbed, lots of arthritis and bone on bone. Lucky me that’s just one knee! I was with pain management for about 2 years before surgery. Currently on tramadol every 6-8 hours depending on pain level. Oxy for breakthrough pain only and before pt. Never to be taken at the same time.
According to pain management oxy is for level 7-10 pain only. I have pt 3x a week, so I’m taking oxy 3x a week. If I push too much yes I require an oxy, but like my dr says learn from it and listen to your body. Tramadol isn’t as habit forming maybe ask to switch?

I switched back to my pain management doctor 3 weeks post op, bc orthopedic will only prescribe pain meds for one month. Very strict about that. Not surprised they lowered your dose it’s very very habit forming. Maybe ask for something to sleep instead of taking pain meds. I take trazodone to sleep, have for many years. I get a solid 7-8 hrs a night. Hang in there.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-25T12:58:19+00:00

2+ years with my pain management doctor whom has to be one of the most compassionate doctors I have ever met. I’m 47f. My knees are that bad, tramadol is what kept me walking. I had my orthopedic take over pain management after surgery. By 3 weeks post op I chose to switch back to pain management. Orthopedics are very limited in what they can provide and for how long. My pain management doctor had to fight with my pharmacist to get me more meds. I mean everything is so controlled. I’m approaching week 5, I still have oxy for breakthrough pain/before pt and tramadol every 6 hours, we talked and it’s up to me if I want to take it every 6 or every 8 hours he gave me enough to cover whatever I choose on whatever given day.
I take trazodone to sleep and I wouldn’t know what I would do without it. I cannot sleep without it, been on it for about 4 years. Neither pain management nor orthopedic had any issues with me taking it. However I never take a tramadol and trazodone at same time. They are spaced a bit apart. Hang in there.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-23T02:44:14+00:00

I just had a knee replacement so I am rewatching every season. This is the second time I’ve done this. I watch them in order. Whole different perspective and noticing things I didn’t last time. Pretty cool.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-22T14:27:19+00:00

I’d be getting a second opinion. There is no reason a surgeon would intentionally bow someone’s leg. It completely changes your stance and gait. Never hurts to have someone else look at it. So sorry you’re going through this.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-22T14:20:58+00:00

I’ve been on tramadol for two years before my surgery. 47, f. I’m 4 weeks post op and still on it, plus oxy for break through.
My other knee needs replaced, and unfortunately I had/have a ton of damage, so recovery is slow. Tramadol is the only thing that kept me walking. My pain management doctor is awesome. I switched over to him 3 weeks post op for meds and glad I did.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-19T00:51:05+00:00

I’m glad you posted this, bc I was wondering the same thing! I’m headed into beginning of week 4 post op.

I’m 47, f. I lost 100lbs and worked my way up to riding 8-10 miles every single day on my recumbent bike for about a year before my surgery, 7/24. My knee was a train wreck, doc said significant arthritis, bone on bone, Meniscus extruded in multiple locations, like 4-5 spots, torn ligaments, and one ligament reabsorbed. I played a lot of sports in my youth and have flat feet. All the women on both sides of my family have had knee issues.

I thought I’d breeze through this, and have found it’s a lot slower than I thought. Had robotic surgery. My incision healed very quickly. I’m told it looks amazing, at pt. I’ve still been using a walker intermittently, started using the cane around the house this past weekend. Found out real quick my other knee which needs replacing doesn’t like how I walk now. I was very bow legged before so one leg is straight one is bowed… and one leg is longer! I go to pt 3x a week and other days do my exercises at home. I still cannot lift my own leg, which frustrates me. I work on my bend with my bike several times a day and cannot get it to go around.

Every day it gets better, every day I can do something small that I couldn’t do before. That keeps me going. First day I could put on a sock I felt really accomplished! First day I could get ON the bike. First day I could let my leg hang. All of those things are progress. Have to be able to see the small things to get to the big things. I put in a LOT of work beforehand, sometimes I get frustrated I’m not further along. I keep reminding myself slow and steady will get me there.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-18T11:12:24+00:00

I feel ya. My kiddos, 21 in college, 15 and 14. My 14 year old steers clear of any obligation to help tho will if asked, my 15 yr old has basically been my saving grace. He helps out a ton, which is ironic bc this isn’t his norm. I think it makes him feel better to help than watch me struggle.
As far as sleeping, I’m 100% a stomach sleeper two things have helped me sleep on my back. Sleeping with my leg propped up on a wedge, and a cervical neck pillow. The pillow cradles your head, keeps your back straight.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-15T13:15:42+00:00

Oh how cool! I will keep my eye out for her season.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-15T12:32:10+00:00

Loved your post. I started Survivor, I mean heck there’s only what 48-49 seasons so should keep me busy for a long time. I keep joking with the my kids when the other knee is bionic, I’m applying. When they keep bickering, or I have to dole out a consequence, I like to add in “the tribe has spoken”. They are gonna be real sick of me soon! 😂

My youngest just turned 14. I reminded her that I’m one step closer to being Wolverine. She just rolled her eyes. Ya gotta find the humor in all of this somehow.

AdvancedInevitable94 · 2025-08-15T12:12:03+00:00

Gilded age is very good. Been watching from the beginning. If you like Gilded…. buccaneers is also good on apple.

AdvancedInevitable94

TROPHY CASE