Propofol for bone marrow biopsy

I recently had the BMB and aspiration. I had no medication and did fine. They numbed up the area and that was it. I did feel some pressure when he was getting the biopsy but no pain.

When my oncologist was doing tests to determine Waldenstroms, she said I needed a BMB and she would do it there at her office. Since I had never had a BMB previously, I said fine. Well, she put something to numb the surface (maybe lidocaine?) and then proceeded, When she started drilling into the bone, the pain was so intense, I thought I wasn't going to make it.

Now, after my treatments have been completed, I need another BMB but my oncologist said they do not do anything that require anesthesia, but she could give me anti-anxiety pills and acted like I was a total baby about the pain. So far, I have not found any oncologist in Tucson, AZ where I live that will use anesthesia.

I called Mayo Clinic Scottsdale for an appointment but was told since I have a Medicare Advantage plan, I could not be treated there. I said I would pay cash and still was told I couldn't book an appointment - only if I had regular Medicare. So now what do I do?

Wow! I don't know what to suggest, but keep looking for a physician that can help. Maybe there is such a thing as a health advocate, a social worker, a private nurse, or how about Mexico? Or Europe?

@monive
That’s so frustrating. It sounds like these folks in Scottsdale may use conscious sedation. Since this is typically used for things like colonoscopies, sort of surprised that this is not offered. Your physician’s attitude is not a very empathic response. You are entitled to ask for some sedation.
I would continue to call around and see. You may need a referral to another hematologist/oncologist.
https://www.esmil.com/intervention-radiology/bone-marrow-biopsy.php
Sadly, there are many physicians and clinics that do not accept Advantage plans. They sound wonderful in their advertising on television, but if you have a serious health problem, they are sadly lacking.
I’m so sorry that you’re having this trouble. I would not be discouraged and change your mind about what it is that would make you feel comfortable, I would continue to look for the right resource.
I don’t know where it is that you live, but have you called around to some other places to see if you can get in? I just googled “sedation and bone marrow biopsy” for Scottsdale. There may be some people on Connect in your area who can help.
Would you please let us know how you are doing securing an appointment?

Has anyone heard of new approved treatments for dry bone marrow or myelofibrosis - not stem cell transplant.? I am getting Procrit for two years now and readings vary by points between 8.3 and 8.8 each week. Thanks.

Not all advantage plans are terrible.

My husband's heart attack at age 66 on straight Medicare cost us thousands in out of pocket costs and wiped out our retirement savings. We switched to an advantage plan run by our regional hospital system. All my meds, biopsies, and procedures have had low or no co-pays. Plus it has vision and routine dental.

Folks need to shop carefully, for sure. But our current advantage plan would have saved us a lot of money.

I have had 2 BMB, one without any sedation ( extremely painful) and one with conscious sedation but inadequate doses of versed and fentanyl, both in Denver area. I would recommend checking with your local hospitals. My second one was done in hospital but propofol would be better to avoid the inadequate dosage. We all have very different pain tolerances and it amazes me that some people don’t mind BMB without sedation. I want to be out cold if I need another. You have a right to get the procedure without fear and intolerable pain. I would call every local hospital and/or travel to get what you want. Good luck. I hope you find success and have good results!

@nohrt4me
Absolutely! Straight Medicare is not enough. When I retired at age 70, I consulted the billing specialists at my cancer center as well as the medical teaching hospital where I get a lot of my specialty services. For my particular situation, they advised against advantage plans and encouraged us to look at Medicare supplementary plans. What they told me at the time is that if you have a chronic or catastrophic illness, the supplemental policies are better because the advantage plans don’t always pay some of the specialty services.
I think you’re absolutely right that people need to investigate and see what is best for their particular circumstances. It could be for many people advantage plans will serve them well.

It is true that my advantage plan is not going to pay for things like Pegasus injections, Jakafi, or SCT if my ET worsens. But at age 70 with my bad heart valves and degenerative spinal condition, I am looking for maintenance and palliative care, not life-prolonging new treatments. If I were still working, had kids at home, or were useful in other ways, different story, of course! So many variables to think about in planning your Golden Years!

@nohrt4me
Isn’t that the truth. We are all on the path together but we are all so different! We all learn from one another though.
Please let me know how you are doing.