What was your experience with bone marrow biopsy?

PUSHING others to have sedation, I consider to be as wrong as pushing others to forego sedation. Both personal choices that we should respect. I have never had anything stronger that lidocaine so sedation terrifies me far more than the procedure does. I even had cataract surgery (2) without any sedation. That is what works for me, maybe not for you. But then I had a BMB as a 14 year old child with only a local so I know what a skilled doctor is capable of.

Good morning, @normahorn. Goodness, no one is pushing anyone to have sedation. We’re all just discussing what has worked for us. As always on Connect, our conversations can be helpful to those who are having their first biopsy to hear from others about advantages or disadvantages of each option.
For some of us, like me, it will always be sedation. I found that I was much more relaxed going into the procedure knowing I would be asleep. Even though I wasn’t concerned about pain or fearful, I had already done 3 biopsies without sedation. One was extremely uncomfortable while the other 2 times were bearable. But when offered sedation I decided to try it. That had me hooked! The remaining 10 biopsies were all done under a mild ‘twilight’ sleep with propofol/fentanyl. It was a game changer for me.

I had very skillful doctors, NPs and anesthesiologists each time. There were no side effects from the sedation. I woke up refreshed with no fingernail imprints in my palms 😂.

I’m sorry the thought of sedation terrifies you. For others, the thought of the biopsy and discomfort has them more fearful. That’s why there are options available. While I admit I’m a strong proponent for sedation, I would never push anyone into having it. Sedation remains a personal choice. But it is also important to note, that for anyone choosing that option it isn’t a walk of shame. Does that make sense?

I just had one three weeks ago. I was physically nauseous, so I was given Versed (I highly recommend this strategy) and received a Valium for my nerves. I was not sleepy, but was relaxed. A PA did mine and it was a breeze.

At one point, she hit a place that was a little painful, but that quickly shifted when she adjusted the procedure on her end.

It was done in under 15 minutes.

You get all sorts of people saying the worst things about it. Just get something for nausea and ask for a valium, and you will be fine. Good luck to you.

That is why I wrote:

"Both personal choices that we should respect. ... That is what works for me, maybe not for you."

I have had 4 bone marrow biopsies & aspirates over the past 5-7 years. All of these were completed in my oncologist's office with no prior warning that I was going to have such things With easch one, all I had was localized freezing around the chosen site. The longest each one of these took was about 30 minutes. I had no issues with any of them ... no pain, very minimal discomfort, and actually drove myself home after each procedure.

As other comments indicate, patient BMB experiences vary significantly. I have had two in the last six months. Both were in the onco's office, using only local anesthetic (no sedation). No problem either time. Mostly vibration and pressure, with minimal pain. Drove myself home, an ibuprofen that night, fine the next day. For me, the thought was worse than the experience.

Hi @wesleym, Welcome to Connect. Thanks for sharing your positive experince with having bone marrow biopsies. So many different stories with all of us!
Having two biopsies in the past six month is usually an indicator that your doctor is keeping close eye on the progression or treatment for a blood condition.

I’d like to help connect you to others who might be living with a similar diagnosis. Would you mind sharing a little more about yourself and your diagnosis? What’s prompted the BMBXs?

Incidental finding from workup for mild anemia: light chains varying between 70:1 and 100:1 (lambda:kappa). M-spike. BJ proteins in urine. But feel fine, ride bicycle 20 mi/day at age 73. FISH normal, kidney function normal, PET negative, no amyloid in cardiac MRI. Hemo/onco expected (twice) to find >10% plasma cells in marrow, but twice now has not (both 6-8%). Teetering on treatment / no treatment edge.

Thanks for the welcome.

I've had two in the last two months on with sedation one with just local numbing agents. The second hurt some but not unbearable and I liked how I wasn't stoned for hours later.

I've had 6 Biopsy (in pelvic) over 10 months. MDS went to AML with 26% blasts so it was necessary. OCSRI Tulsa OK administered all 6...never knew what happened.