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Very anxious about bone marrow biopsy

Posted by tamlyn74 @tamlyn74, Jun 4 10:14pm

My doctor recently diagnosed me with ET. My platelets on 6/2 were 1189. I have to go back in two weeks for labs and another checkup. He said we will discuss bone marrow biopsy. What can I expect when procedure is being performed?

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amberl99 | @amberl99 | 6 days ago
In reply to @etandme0983 "I read the previous comments about BMB. I have ET, so This procedure was ordered to..." + (show)
@etandme0983

I read the previous comments about BMB. I have ET, so This procedure was ordered to rule out other cancers , like leukemia. I was not nervous about the procedure , because I do have a higher tolerance for pain . It was quick and over in 10 minutes . First , They gave me A small dose of tramadol in an IV to relax me ( I didn’t really need it , and I experienced constipation ) . I was put through a small mri tunnel several times to find exact spot to insert small needle to numb the area , then a small drill to extract a small bit of bone marrow .
I bruise easily , so I had a rather large one for a week and sitting on that side was sore; otherwise no pain . The nurses were there for support and to hold your hand . The ET was confirmed , and I started on Hydrea which I will have to take forever . My side effects have disappeared and my platelets are now within normal range . If you have any more questions , feel free to contact me .

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Wow. So worth it to get the needed care. The alternative not desired!

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amberl99 | @amberl99 | 6 days ago
In reply to @rdm86 "Tacoma General trapped me in the room when my son has his done So I can..." + (show)
@rdm86

Tacoma General trapped me in the room when my son has his done So I can tell you the whole process..

First, they will inject a long need into the area, usually left side around hip. Please make sure it is numbed up before they add another longer needle into same spot. That right there will make the difference if you feel anything or the pain is intense. Give the medicine a few minutes to absorb, since most want to do this in and out and move to next patient. Make them make sure you are numbed up.

Then they put in another needle. Thicker. Then another needle goes into that needle and once they have made contact with a bone, it is almost like a very miniature cork screw that the tech will turn until he gets part of your bone. You should not feel this. It only takes a few minutes to get a sample. Then the tech will pull out the first needle and see if he got sample, usually a good little chunk of your bone. He will put it in a closed container to not expose it.

Then they will take the other needle out, put a bit of pressure on you to make sure no bleeding, then you are okay. There really are no restrictions, but don't go out and do heavy anything, I would totally recommend taking it easy for a day or two. They should have the results. My son has done 3 and there is no definitive answers. He has ITP. Losing platelets. Started with using a blood thinner, eliquis. Hope they find the answer. Hope this helped some. It's always more anxious when we psyche ourselves up to procedures. But once, they came in and took a bone marrow when my son was in the hospital and coming in unexpected, they were in and out and he felt nothing. That tech took the time to make sure he was numb. I can't express that enough. Make sure you are not feeling anything.

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The best part of having it done is I couldn’t see what was happening! I looked up the needle size used AFTER the bmb. The lab tech asked if I wanted to see my bone marrow aspirant and core samples. Yes, I found that interesting. I said hello to it, give me good results!

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donna195 | @donna195 | 6 days ago

Hi,
I had my first BMB about a month ago and the procedure was done in the hospital with propofol. I did not feel anything and could only hear them reassuring me that i would feel
Some pressure for aspiration and then the soft spongy bone marrow.

The worst thing for me was reading the results on my patient portal before my doctor appointment . In a way, it prepared me for the results. Stay strong. Knowing what you are dealing with is vitally important!

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shellep16 | @shellep16 | 5 days ago

I was a little nervous too. It really wasn't bad at all and it was a pretty quick procedure. A little sore that first day. But after that, only sore if you touched it.

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1 reply
sme225 | @sme225 | 5 days ago

I have had several bone marrow biopsies. I am 76 and have sort of soft bones so they sometimes have to try a couple of times to get a good sample. I go with the local anesthetic and if it starts to hurt just tell them and they will give you more. The worst I have felt was like bad menstrual cramping. It’s not as bad as you think and is over quickly. It’s an important diagnostic tool.

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drbart86 | @drbart86 | 5 days ago

Some really good advice. First it is minor and if done well (enough Lidocaine) there is no pain, just some feeling of pressure.
I have had 4 so far since 2018. My first was quite the experience. New doc new (maybe day 3) to the practice, so in the office with a nurse she had never worked with or her own prepared tool package. She does the biopsy while you lie on your side (and the nurse said that the other doc did it while lying on your stomach). She did not use quite enough lido, so when she when in I jump a bit - but other than that no issues - was just kinda funny the interactions that occurred. The second, was under anesthesia, and the third again n the office and it was perfect. Fourth, was needed to be able to joint a phase 1 trial, again, this was painless.
so don't worry.
Good luck and do not hesitate to reach out to the various support groups (Voices of MPN, LLS, etc)

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mnhygiene1983 | @mnhygiene1983 | 4 days ago

I have multiple myeloma and have had a stem cell transplant in January 2025. I've had 3 bone marrow biopsies. The first was in office by an NP. She gave me a play by play and showed me the needle (more like a meat probe). It was uncomfortable and I did not have a good experience. The last two were done in the hospital with anesthesia. So much better! For me I will only have it done with sedation.

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sweetsuzy | @sweetsuzy | 4 days ago
In reply to @shellep16 "I was a little nervous too. It really wasn't bad at all and it was a..." + (show)
@shellep16

I was a little nervous too. It really wasn't bad at all and it was a pretty quick procedure. A little sore that first day. But after that, only sore if you touched it.

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When does a person need a bone marrow biopsy?

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1 reply
amberl99 | @amberl99 | 4 days ago
In reply to @sweetsuzy "When does a person need a bone marrow biopsy?" + (show)
@sweetsuzy

When does a person need a bone marrow biopsy?

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See a myeloma specialist. If they suggest it, follow their very knowledgeable advice. I’m glad I did. My results are pending and at a glance, I am concerned. I await my consult about the results with my myeloma specialist (who also sees mgus patients). I may not be mgus any longer. I wait. Oh gosh, waiting is hard.

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sweetsuzy | @sweetsuzy | 4 days ago

I have CLL- what is myeloma? I wish you all the best!

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