Connect
My Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration Experience
I had my bone marrow biopsy and aspiration today. As I was lying on my stomach, waiting for the doctor to come in, I felt an unexpected feeling of calmness, which I was very happy about. Much to my surprise, I don't think I felt anxious at all. That's not just me putting on a brave face - I'm not the brave type.
My doctor began by prepping the area and then administering the local anesthetic. I think that was the most uncomfortable part of it all. I've certainly experienced pain far greater in the past. I winced a bit, maybe gnashed my teeth a little. My anxiety level went up. But once the anesthetic took effect, the rest of the procedure was a piece of cake. At some point, my doctor told me that he was going to count to three and by the time he reached "three", I was to take a deep breath. Again, my anxiety level jumped. I was expecting the worst when he reached "three". At "three", I sucked in a bunch of air and...nothing. I felt no pain. Some pressure, some unusual sensations, for sure, but nothing like I had feared.
From the time he administered the anesthetic to the time he removed the needle, I'd say it took no more than 10 minutes.
Getting the results in about a week.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.
Connect
Wishing you the very best with your confirmation. I agree with the comfortability. I’m a back sleeper so I struggled. My BMBX went well. I had a team of physicians: 2 fellows, attending physician, pathologist, nurse which helped ease my anxiety.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI had my BMB & fat pad punch@ the Mayo in March. We were trying to get home when they said I needed a biopsy. Dr Jones said that you could do it 2 ways:w/ sedation ( which took longer to get appt. Or w/o) I chose w/o sedation since time was not on my side. My nurse Edward was great.
He said the worst part was the local ( it did feel like a bee sting) I laid in a strange way that’s hard to describe my hip was kinda in the air with my leg underneath. The whole thing took less than 15 minutes. The next few days my hip was very sore. And I hit it with a door! OUCH! The pain and soreness went away and now I’ve got my port and am fixin to start chemo next week to kill out this protein cell that’s causing all the problems. Then on to the stem cell transplant( that’s what they say is in the plans.
Prayers to all going through this.
Keep your mind positive.
Thank you for your time.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsMy BMBs have been done by me on my side, the hip area exposed in the air. A pillow or bolster as needed to keep me from rolling over to one side or the other, and another one to give me as much support as needed to be comfortable. I have found the practitioner really wants you to feel relaxed as much as possible; it's to everyone's benefit! Local numbing only.
Would you be able to lay on your side?
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThat I could do but I would prefer the way my previous one was done; with me lying on my back. Since I am a side sleeper, that would make sleeping easier afterwards. Of course, protocols may have changed since 1960. I only had local numbing, possibly strictly topical. It used to be you were lucky to get a band aid after a blood draw; now who get a huge wad of packing.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI'm glad your BM aspiration went well. We all have different levels of pain tolerance. Mine is fairly high and my anxiety level is low, so I opted for only local anesthetic during mine with no IV or oral sedatives. I was surprised that I felt more pressure than pain during the relatively quick aspiration. The radiologist who performed the procedure said the finer needles now used make it far less painful than it used to be.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsLove that, the BMB club!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@wendy517 and @nohrt4me, I like that too, the BMB Club. I’m a frequent flyer… When I reached my 12th (13 total) I joked with the NP about, ‘Is this like a Baker’s dozen? Do I get a punch card or a freebie?’ Without skipping a beat she said, “When you reach a dozen we toss in a free colonoscopy!” Haha that shut me up!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsLOVE her sense of humor! I was getting a massage months after my BMB and told the therapist there's a sore bump on my hip and is that normal and can she please try and work it out (thinking maybe scar tissue from sciatica?) She then asks, were you cut here? Duh, it was a hematoma from the BMB, I'm fair with blue eyes blonde hair so I'm told it's why I bruise very easily. I got a chuckle, how quickly I forgot about it!
Be well my friend, I'm excited for the eclipse tomorrow!! Being in NJ & PA (my father passed recently so I've been staying with my Mom in PA) we'll get a great view. Weather looks to be cooperating! 🤞🙏❤️
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI'm a wuss, I always choose conscious sedation. It knocks me out long enough to not really experience the procedure. I salute you and those who do this with a local. It is very helpful to read about your experiences with a local.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsMe too, Richard! I’m a big fan of being sedated. Nothing wussy about it…we just like being comfy! ☺️
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions