Yes, although current evidence suggests that if your numbers are normal or near normal and stable, progression is slower. This is commonly the situation in patients on ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. Important lab values to watch that indicate the true stage of disease are bilirubin, albumin and pro-time.
Some people say it was a breeze and others have so much pain.
Answer Both, but I believe it is mainly the experience of the practitioner. The practitioners technique is most important, and with good technique and experience, a biopsy can be less disturbing than having a dental filling. However, even the most experienced and accoplished docs have bad days or encounter an aspect of patient anatomy that just foils the optimal result. Even with the best approach, some patients do experience more pain after the procedure than others. Many people with Hep C say that they've been given Versed, a sedative.