Delayed pain after bone marrow biopsy??

Hi, I am very curious if you have experienced any relief or figured out the cause of this pain. My mother was in a similar situation. She has a bone marrow biopsy in February and has had severe pain that still goes on today and has caused her to be hospitalized. Doctors have also said the pain is not likely the BMB, but we disagree. This pain is directly related to the BMB and when touched the pain increases. We determined there was a hematoma in March from this, but a MRI this week revealed it was gone now. I would love to hear if the injections helped because my mother has those scheduled as well at the L1-L3 level but we feel it should be lower to accommodate the BMB pain.

I have had 6 bone marrow biopsies so far since 2/2024. Legs and back ache now and then. I also have sciatic that seems to have gotten a little worse. Just wondering is this going to get worse with each one. It’s to see if my AML is gone.

Hi @jbspiro. Having had AML myself, I’m no stranger to BMBXs. They’re a critical tool in our ongoing recovery to check progress and success of treatment.

You mentioned having some sciatic issues. I’m wondering if it’s not so much the biopsies themselves but the position you were lying in when they were done? Do you know if you have any spinal stenosis? That can cause tingling and pain in the legs. I have that on occasion. Finding that if I have regular visits with my massage therapist, I have fewer symptoms with sciatica and stenosis. Just a thought…

Would you mind telling me a little more about yourself and your odyssey with AML? Did you have a bone marrow transplant?

My situation is a little different right now. I was diagnosed with MGUS but now my protein number went up and I have to go for a bone marrow biopsy and I am scared. I am not a good needle person and I live alone so I don't know what to expect. Just reading some of the things you said make me a little leary but also prepares me.
So I appreciate this site. Thanks- ladyindistress1211

@ladyindistress1211
I too live alone and with the exception of the first one (done in the hospital as part of my diagnosis and induction therapy) I drove myself to and from the procedure!
I have had 3 (being treated for AML) all 3 have been basically the same and tolerable. The discomfort was minimal and the anticipation is far worse (it was for me) than the procedure itself. The lidocaine used to numb the area is effective and worked well. The most uncomfortable part is lying on my stomach. I have a spine fusion in L4-5 thus my back lacks flexibility. I wish you well and do post how it went, please.

@sonieaml Thank you so much for your kind words

@ladyindistress1211 I have had Bone Biopsy done and never felt a thing. They gave me a local injection and it was no worse than getting a shot in the butt!

@ladyindistress1211
My doctor was amazing with the bone marrow biopsy. Anxiety level and anticipation were definitely worse than the procedure. There was a little discomfort, but I remembervsaying "That's it? It's done?" I hope you have a similar experience. I brought my husband with me, but I definitely could have driven myself home. Good luck.

Hi @wren63 A belated welcome to the forum! I just noticed you’ve been a member since July 2023 and this is your first time posting! So I’m happy you’ve joined into the conversation and glad to hear that your BMB was easy peasy!
If you don’t mind sharing a little more about yourself, was your biopsy in relation to a diagnose of a blood cancer or condition?

HI Wren-thanks for telling me about your experience- I hope I have the same outcome. I will let you know the outcome.