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What was your experience with bone marrow biopsy?

Posted by beanglow @beanglow, Aug 31, 2019

The hematologist/oncologist I saw yesterday talked to me about having a bone marrow test done. I have heard that it is very painful and no anesthetic is given. Can anyone tell me about your experience having it done?

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kmacky | @kmacky | Nov 14 8:02am
In reply to @kmacky "I had an attempted bone marrow biopsy without sedation, just last week. Canceled by doc after..." + (show)
@kmacky

I had an attempted bone marrow biopsy without sedation, just last week. Canceled by doc after several attempts to reach the bone- I kept tending up because of too much pain and pressure. Am now rescheduled at hospital for a bmb WI TH sedation on the 11th of Nov.

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FOLLOW UP- I had the BMB with sedation at the hospital and everything went very well. I was sore in my left hip the next 2 days. Great staff at this local Hospital in Ocala.

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1 reply
mikemp | @mikemp | Nov 14 8:05am

I had one about five months ago. I was very apprehensive because I had looked at biopsy videos on you tube and read a lot of negative comments.
I received a local anesthetic, felt no pain and it was over very quickly. Do not be scared of it and sedation is not necessary!

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Nov 14 8:57am
In reply to @kmacky "FOLLOW UP- I had the BMB with sedation at the hospital and everything went very well...." + (show)
@kmacky

FOLLOW UP- I had the BMB with sedation at the hospital and everything went very well. I was sore in my left hip the next 2 days. Great staff at this local Hospital in Ocala.

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That’s excellent news, @kmacky. I’m so glad everything went smoother this time around. Wishing only good news with the results! It usually takes a good week or so for those to return. Will you let me know what you find out, please?

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1 reply
kmacky | @kmacky | Nov 14 9:42am
In reply to @loribmt "That’s excellent news, @kmacky. I’m so glad everything went smoother this time around. Wishing only good..." + (show)
@loribmt

That’s excellent news, @kmacky. I’m so glad everything went smoother this time around. Wishing only good news with the results! It usually takes a good week or so for those to return. Will you let me know what you find out, please?

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Yes I will post results as soon as I get them. 😊

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eferret | @eferret | Nov 14 10:00am
In reply to @dancouclanel4 "I've had 6 Biopsy (in pelvic) over 10 months. MDS went to AML with 26% blasts..." + (show)
@dancouclanel4

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.

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I had a biopsy last week. I was fully conscious even though they told me it was "conscious sedation" and had a local anesthetic. It turned out ok. My hematologist is associated with a hospital, so it was done in the CT room. They billed my company-sponsored insurance $16,500 (I assume that includes the pathology). I looked up the charges on Medicare, and it looks like they would pay about $1,200. My wife had exactly the same procedure done in January in the same location and it cost $9,000. Ouch!

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omioften10 | @omioften10 | Nov 14 1:58pm
In reply to @loribmt "Good morning, @normahorn. Goodness, no one is pushing anyone to have sedation. We’re all just discussing..." + (show)
@loribmt

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?

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Same for me! I personally will always request sedation.

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